What Are the 7 Chakras and How Can You Unblock Them?

You may also be aware of the human body's seven most essential chakras. Let's find out if we don't already know. I guarantee that by the end of this article, you will know a lot of fascinating facts about your body.

The article talks about the importance of keeping your chakras open or unblocked. But what exactly are chakras, and how do they affect your physical and mental health? We'll take a deeper look at your key chakras. We'll also go over how these energy centres affect your mind and body and how to maintain "openness" to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. There are many obstacles to overcome in life, and knowing that stagnated energy may be released to allow you to think and act more clearly and to provide that direction to others is freeing.

The word "chakra" means "disc" or "wheel" in Sanskrit. These spinning energy wheels or discs relate to certain nerve bundles and main organs. The chakras must be open and balanced to help you function fully. If the chakra becomes blocked, one may feel physical and emotional symptoms.

Along your spine, there are seven major chakras. It starts from the base of your spine and reaches the top of your head. However, some other people claim that the human body contains almost 114 distinct chakras altogether. The seven major chakras are the ones most commonly mentioned, and we'll go through them in greater depth below.

Yoga practice eventually leads to a state of unity, which is attainable when we establish a condition in our bodies where energy may flow freely from the base of the spine (the Root Chakra) to the top of the head (the Crown Chakra). When energy can flow freely through us in this way, we can attain a condition of unity with the cosmic energy that runs through all living things. When a chakra is unblocked, it rotates like a wheel, thus the Sanskrit name "chakra," which means "wheel." Yoga positions are not just workouts for your body but also your mind, emotions, and spirit, making them the ideal practice for balancing your mind, emotions, and soul.

In the human body, there are seven chakras.

Let's look at the seven chakras of our human body. How they affect our bodies is a big question. What all does an imbalance cause to our personalities and organs. And how to correct it using yoga asanas or postures.

Root Chakra or Muladhara

Muladhara or root chakra provides us with the foundation of our life. It is near the base of the spine of the human body. It provides us with a sense of being grounded. When the root chakra is open, we have faith in ourselves that we can overcome anything and stand on our own. We feel disturbed when it's obstructed as if we're standing on shaky ground.

It's also linked to anything you use to ground yourself, such as necessities like food, drink, shelter, and safety, as well as deeper emotional needs like fear release and feeling safe. As you may be aware, when these requirements are addressed, you are less likely to be concerned. It's at the base of the spine, near the tailbone. It is in charge of matters like financial independence, money, and food. 

The colour used to represent it is red. It is made up of the element earth. It appears when the human body is in the process of developing between the ages of one and seven. Red jasper, onyx, and hematite are crystals connected with it. Wide-legged forward fold, malasana squats, and mountain pose are some of the yoga positions that stimulate it.

Sacral Chakra or Swandhisthana

Svadhisthana, or the second chakra, is the most enjoyable of the seven chakras. This chakra is the creative and sexual energy centre of the body. It holds emotions, desires, and pleasures, so basically, all the things that emotionally fulfil us and give us joy. 

You'll likely feel wonderful when your sacral chakra is aligned: you'll be kind, enthusiastic, and successful, as well as trigger sensations of wellbeing, affluence, pleasure, and joy. (Nice!) You keep the energy wheels spinning and flexible by recognizing your body and expressing yourself artistically. 

Those who have their sacral chakra obstructed may experience a loss of control in their life. It's about 2 inches below the navel, towards the lower abdomen. It is in charge of your feelings of plenty, happiness, pleasure, and sexuality. The colour orange is used to signify it. Its element is water. It appears in the human body between the ages of 8 and 14.

Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura 

It runs from the navel to just below the ribs. It is said to control metabolism, digestion, and stomach-related functions. Manipura is its Sanskrit name, which means "lustrous gem." It's the third chakra, and it's supposed to be your power source. Individual willpower, personal power, and dedication are the focal points."

Diabetes, pancreatitis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, colon disorders, stomach ulcers, intestinal tumours, anorexia/bulimia, and low blood pressure can all be caused by an imbalanced Manipura Chakra. You may have intense feelings of guilt and self-doubt if your solar plexus chakra is blocked. 

Heart Chakra or Anahata 

The heart, the thymus gland (which plays an important part in your endocrine and lymphatic systems), the lungs, and the breasts are all located in the middle of the chest.

It is the fourth in order (or Anahata) chakra and the central chakra. It symbolizes the meeting of the physical and spiritual worlds. And, as the name suggests, it's all about love. It's a spiritual awakening that includes forgiveness, service, and spiritual awareness. Love and compassion are said to flow readily when your heart chakra is connected and balanced, both in terms of sending it out and receiving it.

Thoracic spine disorders, upper back and shoulder problems, asthma, heart abnormalities, shallow breathing, and lung illnesses can all be caused by an imbalance.

Throat Chakra or Vishuddha 

The name gives the best indication of its location. The Vishuddha, or throat chakra, governs our ability to articulate our unique strength and provides a voice to the heart chakra. When it's working properly, it allows us to express ourselves completely and clearly. A person whose throat Chakra is blocked will have to face difficulty finding the words to express how they genuinely feel.

Talking too much, being extremely dominant in talks, and being overly critical or judgemental of others are all signs of an overworked throat chakra.

Third-Eye Chakra or Yajna 

The third eye, which is physically placed between the brows, is supposed to regulate organs such as the pituitary gland, eyes, head, and bottom part of the brain.

We grow closer to connection with the divine as we progress up the human body. Our ability to perceive the larger picture and connect to intuition is controlled by the Anja or third-eye chakra. Consider it to be your soul's eye. Visions and intuition hits are typical among those who have their third-eye chakra open.

A third-eye obstruction has been linked to a variety of disorders, including sadness, anxiety, and a more judgemental attitude, as well as headaches, dizziness, and a plethora of other brain-health problems. Having a wide-open third eye, on the other hand, might result in a hyperactive imagination and a mind that runs away with us.

Crown Chakra or Sharahara 

The uppermost chakra, the Sahasrara, or crown chakra, is located at the crown of the head. It denotes the capability of a person to be spiritually linked. You can reach higher awareness when you fully open your crown chakra, which just a few individuals ever do!

The crown chakra, also known as Sahasrara or the "thousand petal lotus" chakra in Sanskrit, is the seat of enlightenment and spiritual connection to our higher selves, others, and, ultimately, the divine. When you're aligned, your realizations are considered to be along the lines of pure awareness consciousness—undivided and all-encompassing. You're bigger than you are, but you're also a part of a larger world.

What all are the Signs that Your Chakras are Blocked?

• When your Root Chakra is blocked, you will be lethargic, rigid, and unmotivated. Excessive dependence on external conditions causes stress. Feeling like you're not good enough as you are, In your feet and legs, you may have pain and stiffness. Feeling unmoored, your home life is chaotic and unsettling, In your feet and legs, you may have pain and stiffness.
• If you have a blockage in your Sacral Chakra, you may notice some of the following symptoms. You will find it difficult to be emotionally or sexually intimate, A fight for a positive self-image, Feeling as if you aren't good enough as you are, Mobility issues in the lower back and hips. When you're emotionally overwhelmed, it's easy to feel helpless. There is a lack of imagination and inventiveness. Closed off and out of touch with emotions.
• When the Solar Plexus Chakra is obstructed, you may feel weak or victimized or compelled to give your power away to others to maintain harmony in your relationships. Because of your low self-esteem, you would be less likely to follow through on your goals or aspirations. Your digestive system will be disrupted, and you will have stomach pain.
• When the Heart Chakra is obstructed, You may have a fear of commitment and feel obligated to satisfy people to be appreciated. The desire to keep grudges, Allergies, and asthma, If you have pain in your upper back or chest, it's time to see a doctor. Shoulders that are too tight or, on the other hand, shoulders that are too flexible The inability to accept love in any form, Lack of sympathy for oneself, Unable to form emotional bonds with people, especially when it comes to love
• When the Throat Chakra is obstructed You may exhibit any of the following symptoms: Fear of speaking out and expressing what you want or feel, Feeling compelled to go along with others to avoid upsetting anyone, Though you have a sore throat or feel as if your throat is obstructed, If you experience jaw discomfort or a tendency of crushing your teeth, Neck pain or stiffness is a common ailment.
• When the Chakra of the Third Eye is blocked, Some signs like Struggle to find meaning in life and frequently questioning yourself, "Why am I here?" may surface. Making decisions becomes difficult, Symptoms include headaches and brow strain. Fog in the head, Inspiring a lack of creativity, and having an overactive imagination
• When the Crown Chakra is obstructed, loneliness, insignificance, and aimlessness are some of the usual symptoms you may encounter. Overly focused on worldly possessions or successes while struggling to connect to the more spiritual aspects of life, Migraines and tension headaches are two common types of headaches. Unable to perceive or understand other people's points of view or beliefs

What Causes Chakra Blockedness? 

Stress and anxiety are two of the most typical factors that lead to a chakra blockage. These directly affect our bodies, causing stiffness in the tissues and restricting the flow of Qi or Prana. Stress, worry, or unpleasant feelings can endanger our capacity to focus quietly on the movement of energy through our bodies.

When a chakra is blocked, it signifies that our energy in that place is sluggish or not flowing as easily as it should. Consider a stream with a lot of rocks in it; the more rocks in the stream, the slower it will flow. The creek will flow more smoothly as we remove the rocks. A clogged artery is another way of looking at things. The routes through which our energy flows must stay open and unblocked for it to flow. Just like when you're having trouble getting to work because traffic is obstructing your route.

Similarly, when there is a blockage in the energy stream, our chakras cannot operate optimally. Physical blockage, emotional or psychological obstruction, or spiritual blockage are all common factors that obstruct a smooth energy flow through our chakras.

If you believe you have one or more chakra blocks, you're undoubtedly looking for solutions to reopen this vital energy centre. Starting with the root chakra and working your way up the spine, one chakra at a time is the best way to go. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga practice, moving your body in different ways, changing your food, working with crystals, journaling, and other self-reflection techniques are all good strategies to improve chakra balance.

While there are other ways and activities for unblocking chakras, the four most crucial have been discovered to be nutrition, yoga, oil, and crystals. Let's take a look at each Chakra one by one.

1. For replenishment, the Crown Chakra requires specialized yoga and contemplative techniques. You can also use certain daily activities to connect with the world and your higher self, such as meditation, moments of appreciation, and prayer.
2. The sacral chakra is important for our creativity and sexuality and is linked to our reproductive system. Bridge Pose or deep hip openers like Pigeon Pose or Lizard Pose, which strengthen your pelvic floor, where the sacral chakra is located, are excellent for developing your sacral chakra.
3. The solar plexus chakra is located around your centre and is all about your inner fire. As a result, Terrones recommends core strengthening postures like Boat or Triangle for firing up your abs and restoring balance to this chakra.
4. Heart openers, such as Camel Pose or Wheel, are advised to unblock this chakra. Cow Face Pose and Humble Warrior are two poses that can help you open up your chest, shoulders, and arms so you can embrace people more fully.
5. Your communication centre is the throat chakra. The plough and fish positions are excellent for opening up your throat chakra. Both aid in the opening of the throat chakra, which is located on the back and front sides of the neck.
6. The third eye chakra governs your ability to think up new possibilities and bring them into your life. Poses that need your upper body to be near your bottom body. Poses for the third eye, such as Forward Fold or Folded Eagle, are excellent in unblocking this Chakra.
7. Your link to your higher self is governed by the crown chakra. That is why Savasana, or Corpse Pose, comes after all other yoga positions. This position strengthens your crown chakra by linking you to your everlasting self — your soul — and reminds you of your origins and destinations.

You can also unblock your Chakras using these techniques.

• Concentrate on eating clean, complete, and colourful foods, including plenty of fruits, veggies, and water! A good diet is one of the simplest methods to open your chakras rapidly. I don't mean "easy" when I say "simple." However, my point is that you can make a substantial adjustment in your diet TODAY, and you will notice and feel the difference almost immediately.
• In addition to being unblocked and realigned, eating to unblock your chakras is also healthy in general, with a strong emphasis on whole fruits, vegetables, roots, and spices - you may lose weight and have more energy, and have cleaner skin! Begin by removing as many processed foods as possible from your diet, focusing on added sweets, alcohol, and chemically changed packaged and processed meals.
• Essential oils have been used for generations, alongside yoga and other meditation practices, to assist open chakras, balance energy centres, and realign the body, whether administered softly through massage or diffused in the air. Apply directly to or near the chakra you're attempting to unblock and/or rebalance, or distribute it in the air.

Another beneficial way to unblock chakras is to use crystals. Practitioners have employed various stones for specific chakras, popularly known as healing stones. These stones are thought to be able to contain and store energy, allowing the linked chakra to be stabilized and unblocked. 

The pandemic is a collective experience that we have all shared, both locally and worldwide. And, in many circumstances, taking it all in has been incredibly overwhelming. Realigning my chakras, on the other hand, has helped me prepare for the challenges that this year will bring. For me, the finest effect comes from basic self-alignment steps.

You shouldn't squander another day being stuck in a stalemate. Unblock your chakras using these exercises and practices to live a life that feels free and promotes your spiritual growth! 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Chakra Alignment and How Does It Work?

Chakra alignment, balancing, healing, cleansing, and opening are all terms that refer to the same idea. Chakra alignment is the process of applying healing energy to your chakras to open them up and make them more beneficial to your energy system. If your chakras aren't aligned, you'll notice. Excessive fear, emotional instability, unease, dissatisfaction, and melancholy are all common symptoms. Physical symptoms such as headaches, backaches, stomach difficulties, or digestive concerns may also occur.

• How many chakras do you have?

We have 7 chakras.

• In what manner are the chakras activated?

Your chakras should be open, balanced, aligned, and energized in the ideal situation. This simply means that all of your chakras are vibrating at a very high frequency.

• What Is the Best Hand Position For MEDITATION?

During meditation, you might adopt a variety of different hand positions. The Dhyana Mudra is a simple beginner's hand position that you can start with. The palms of your hands are facing up in your lap in this hand position. You can place the tips of your two thumbs together if one hand is over the other (right hand over left).