The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and according to tradition signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being. It is widely thought that keeping the energy in the chakras unblocked and balanced can help support good health and internal harmony.
Originating from India, chakras have been used for millennia as a spiritual healing modality to help promote a balanced and vibrant state of well-being. The seven main chakras are located along the spine from the base to the top of the head. According to tradition each chakra is associated with specific physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our total being and can influence how we experience life.
Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, color, specific area of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head, and health focus.
The First Chakra is located at the base of the spine, corresponding to the perineum, along the first three vertebrae, at the pelvic plexus. Also known as the Root Chakra, this energy center flows out of the sacral nerve plexus and is associated with the color red.
The Second Chakra is located in the center of the lower abdominal area, just below the navel. Also known as the Sacral Chakra, it is considered by many Eastern philosophers and teachers to be our center of gravity and a source of health, vitality and energy. It is associated with the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands and reproductive organs, and the color orange.
The Third Chakra is located in the center of the solar plexus area, above the navel and below the ribcage. Energy in this center flows through the vital organs of digestion and assimilation, including the liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen and small intestine. It is associated with personal power and emotions and the color yellow.
The Fourth Chakra is located in the center of the chest. Also known as the Heart Chakra, energy in this center flows through the heart, lungs, cardiac plexus and thymus gland. It is associated with love and compassion, healing and immunity, and the color green.
The Fifth Chakra is located in the center of the throat. The energy in this center flows through the thyroid gland, laryngeal plexus and bronchial tubes. It is associated with communication, expression and creativity, and the color blue.
The Sixth Chakra, also known as the Third Eye, is located on the forehead, just above and center to the eyebrows. Some Indian sages believe this center to be one of the most powerful and sometimes refer to it as the Command Center. The energy in this center flows through and out of the pituitary gland. It is associated with insight, intuition and meditation, and the color indigo (a deep bluish purple).
The Seventh Chakra, also known as the Golden Crown, is located on the top and center of the head. The energy in this center flows through and out of the pineal gland. It is associated with higher consciousness, spirituality, wisdom and liberation, and the color violet, though gold is also used when focusing on this chakra.
