A Complete Guide to the Seven Chakras
Originating in India in the Vedas in 1500 and 500 BC, the chakra system represents a number of psychic-energy centres of the body, prominent in the practices of certain forms of Hinduism and Tantric Buddhism. While the human body supposedly has 88,000 chakras, seven major points where psychic forces and bodily functions meet, are of upmost importance. When balanced, each of these chakras give us feelings of positivity, self-belief and love. When unbalanced or blocked, chakras supposedly manifest negative feelings.
These seven centres start at your spine and move all the way to your crown. They're constantly spinning, which is why it's so important to have the right balance of energy.
So, if you've been feeling a little off (and you've ruled out Mercury Retrograde as the cause), it's possible one of your chakras might need some attention... and here's what you should be looking out for.
The First Chakra: The Root Chakra
Connecting all your energy to the earth, The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and is concerned with your safety and sense of security. Because this Chakra is all about grounding, it’s also where your practicality sits, especially when you question the stability of your job, home or finances.
If balanced, you’ll feel a sense of inner peace, along with safety and security about your finances.
If unbalanced, prepare for feelings of anxiety and anger, as fear is based on the need to survive.
If overactive, you’ll struggle to focus on basic tasks, and finish your work day feeling unaccomplished.
Balancing The Root Chakra starts with lots of prayer and meditation, along with physical exercise outdoors and in nature.
The Second Chakra: The Sacral Chakra
Located between the belly button and extending to the centre, The Sacral Chakra talks to your creativity and sense of self. This is where your enjoying lies, supporting you in your pursuits of pleasure.
If balanced, you’ll make time for those things that make you happy, without overdoing them.
If unbalanced, you’ll become addicted to things that aren’t good for you. You’ll also notice that nourishing your body, mind and spirit will take a backseat for things that will cause you pain and grief down the track.
If overactive, you’ll overindulge, whereas underactivity will see you feeling sluggish and uninspired.
Balancing The Sacral Chakra is all about enjoying life and making time for things you love to do, especially when you’re feeling depleted. Physically, doing hip-opening yoga postures, will release any emotional or physical tension held in your hips (which directly connects to your Sacral Chakra).
The Third Chakra: The Solar Plexus
Starting in the centre of the belly button, and extending up to the breastbone, The Solar Plexus is where your self-confidence and identity is stowed.
If balanced, you’ll feel a sense of personal power and achievement, emphasising your wisdom based on experience.
If unbalanced, you’ll be controlling at work and at play, micromanaging those around as your power extends outwards.
If overactive, you’ll be domineering and judgemental, making those around you feel less in comparison to your power-hungry, “perfect” self.
Balancing The Solar Plexus starts with a new hobby or experience, such as taking a class or volunteering, which will help sharpen the mind. Keeping the body healthy with the right food and exercise will also ensure this Chakra is open and balanced.
The Fourth Chakra: The Heart Chakra
Located next to your physical love, the heart chakra is based on your ability to love and be loved. This means The Heart Chakra plays a big part of your relationships, along with how connected you feel to those around you.
If balanced, you’ll feel an extreme love towards those in your life, along with a connectivity that makes you feel closer than ever before.
If unbalanced, you’ll have trust issues, and experience a jarring lack of connection that may leave you feeling isolated and confused.
If overactive, you’ll be jealous and clingy, giving way too much and experiencing an emptiness when unreturned.
Balancing The Heart Chakra starts from within by allowing yourself to love and be loved. Most blockages of The Heart Chakra come from a place of past hurts, so it’s important to forgive and let go of things you have no control over.
The Fifth Chakra: The Throat Chakra
Found in the throat area, The Throat Chakra is associate with speech and self-expression. If you’re a clear communicator, chances are you have a balanced Throat Chakra, which makes it easier for you to articulate your needs and wants.
Found in the throat area, The Throat Chakra is associate with speech and self-expression. If you’re a clear communicator, chances are you have a balanced Throat Chakra, which makes it easier for you to articulate your needs and wants.
If balanced you’re clear and concise, expressing yourself confidently without second guessing. You’re also incredibly creative and happy to share your hopes, dreams and goals.
If unbalanced you’re constantly misunderstood, which can create feelings of negativity towards those who aren’t.
If overactive you’re super critical of those around you, ensuring that everyone knows your opinion above anyone else’s. You can also be described as arrogant and manipulative, making it hard for others to trust you.
Balancing The Throat Chakra starts with hydration (so make sure you’re having your recommended eight glasses per day). Similarly to The Sacral Chakra, try a few deep hip-openers on your yoga mat, as it’s a place we tend to store emotional baggage.
The Sixth Chakra: The Third Eye Chakra
The Chakra you’re probably most familiar with, The Third Eye Chakra is your intuition, or mind’s eye. Located in the centre of your forehead, it can help with visualisation and manifestation.
The Chakra you’re probably most familiar with, The Third Eye Chakra is your intuition, or mind’s eye. Located in the centre of your forehead, it can help with visualisation and manifestation.
If balanced you’ll have an active imagination, clear vision and a strong sense of direction when it comes to your future plans.
If unbalanced you’ll have poor concentration, memory and focus.
If overactive you may have excessive daydreaming, nightmares or hallucinations and clouded judgement. Because of this, you’ll mentally exhausted, and possibly, even overwhelmed.
Balancing The Third Eye Chakra can be helped with aromatherapy, which restores balance to your Third Eye. Rosemary essential oil is known to open the Third Eye, whereas Frankincense and Sandalwood will help clear and balance the Chakra.
The Seventh Chakra: The Crown Chakra
Located at the very top of your head, The Crown Chakra is associated with your spirituality. This Chakra taps into mindfulness, connecting to a higher self as well as a self-consciousness due to “being present”.
If balanced you’ll feel a great love and intelligence, along with a high level of self-awareness.
If unbalanced you’ll feel anxious and depressed, experiencing confusion and chronic fatigue.
If overactive you’ll experience extreme frustration, becoming obsessed with events of the past or future, instead of remaining in the present state.
Balancing The Crown Chakra starts with meditation. By expressing gratitude to the universe, and focusing your intention on the top of your head, you are strengthening this Chakra. Aromatherapy may also help, with Lotus and white tulip, applied to pressure points before starting your meditation.
If you are concerned about your sleep, health or wellbeing, your first port of call should be a GP, who will be able to advise a correct treatment plan.
If you are concerned about your sleep, health or wellbeing, your first port of call should be a GP, who will be able to advise a correct treatment plan.
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