Do you wonder what chakras are and why they play a key role in yoga and meditation practices?
In today’s blog, I explain what chakras are using helpful metaphors and the benefits of “unblocking” them.
What are chakras?
The direct English translation of the Sanskrit word chakra is ‘wheel’. Chakras are energy vortex centres in the body that are constantly in motion, moving vital life force energy, or ‘prana’, throughout our bodies to keep our internal organs functioning at optimum levels. I find the best way to describe them is likening them to road roundabouts. In this case, the high number of roads converging onto the main roundabouts are energy pathways called nadis or in Chinese medicine, meridian lines. Note that nadis also work in tangent with the human nervous system – both sympathetic and parasympathetic – and are equally important to learn about. But for today, we will keep to chakras.
What does it mean to block or unblock chakras?
Just like major road roundabouts in our cities, chakras are prone to traffic jams, or blocks. There are various reasons why these blocks happen. Every chakra is associated with a specific function of our physical and emotional bodies (see featured image below). Everything that happens at a physical or emotional level has a direct impact on the efficiency of the associated chakra. Unhealthy lifestyles which may include consuming foods or drinks that are harmful to the body, falling into addictions of any kind including entertaining repetitive negative thoughts and emotions, be it due to a lack of self awareness, refusing to take responsibility for events in our lives, or not prioritising continuous personal development.
Therefore, for chakras to work at their optimum levels, it is crucial to consciously choose and stick to a healthy lifestyle such as eating wholesome natural foods, exercising regularly, meditating or putting time aside for self reflection and development as well as of course having a supportive network of likeminded people. It goes without saying that yoga and meditation are some of the best ways to unblock chakras. While yoga postures work to activate a single or multiple chakras at a time, meditation, through the use of visualisation, can help move vortex energy within and around our physical bodies, one chakra at a time. For people who doubt the power of visualisation, you may be interested that scientists found the same parts of the brain light up while remembering an event just as they would do while experiencing that same event.
When chakras are unblocked, the body will proceed with creating new nerve connections due to improved cellular information flow, paving the way for enhanced self healing and self awareness. In practice, this means feeling really good, for example, after a yoga or meditation class and experiencing a series of ‘aha’ moments in the days to come. If you have experienced any of these things, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
What are the seven main chakras?
There are seven main chakras that run parallel to the spine. Remember these are wheels of vortex energy but their cores are aligned to the spine, starting at the base and extending to the crown of the head. There are also several other minor chakras including those on our hands and feet.
Root chakra (1st chakra)
The root chakra, or Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine. It is associated with the foundation for life and is responsible for our sense of security and stability. We often use this chakra for grounding or earthing during meditation. Read about grounding in my earlier blog.
Sacral chakra (2nd chakra)
The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, is located just below the belly button. This chakra is responsible for sexual and creative energy. It’s also linked to how we relate to our emotions as well as the emotions of others.
Solar plexus chakra (3rd chakra)
The solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is located in the stomach area. It’s responsible for confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping us feel in control of our lives.
Heart chakra (4th chakra)
The heart chakra, or Anahata, is located near the heart, in the centre of the chest. This chakra is the seat of unconditional love and compassion.
Throat chakra (5th chakra)
The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is located in the throat. This chakra has to do with our ability to communicate and express ourselves clearly.
Third eye chakra (6th chakra)
The third eye chakra, or Ajna, is located between the eye brows. This chakra is responsible for intuition and insight.
Crown chakra (7th chakra)
The crown chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the crown of the head. Sahasrara represents our spiritual connection to our higher selves and the Divine or the Universe.
Would you be interested in a guided meditation to unblock and activate your main chakras?
At my next Yoga Theory & Practice Workshop on Bank Holiday Monday 1 May, we will start with a full chakra activation meditation. We will also practice grounding, yoga postures and learn yoga philosophy. If you’re in Bath area, you are warmly invited to this workshop which has received great reviews. Learn more and book your place using 10% early bird discount promo code.
I welcome any comments or questions you may have – please post them as comments below or contact me through my website.
Have a lovely weekend!
Sossi x
