1. Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
Color – Red; Element – Earth
The Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals. It is characterized by the emotions of survival, stability, ambition, and self-sufficiency. When this chakra is out of balance, a person starts feeling unstable, ungrounded, lack of ambition, lack of purpose, fearful, insecure and frustrated. However, when the root chakra is balanced, these are replaced by more positive emotions, and you feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent, and strong.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Muladhara Chakra is ‘Lam’.
Practicing the following postures helps to balance Muladhara Chakra: Tree Pose (Vrkshasana) and Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
To know more, read our article on the Root Chakra.
2. Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
Color – Orange; Element – Water
The Svadhishthana Chakra is located in the lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel. Its attributes include the basic need for sexuality, as well as creativity and self-worth. When the sacral chakra is imbalanced, a person may feel emotionally explosive and irritable, sense a lack of energy and creativity, feel manipulative, or obsessed with sexual thoughts. When balanced, it makes one feel more vibrant, happy, positive, satisfied, compassionate, and intuitive.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Svadhishthana Chakra is ‘Vam’.
You can work on balancing Svadhishthana Chakra by practicing balancing poses like Crow Pose (Kakasana) or standing poses like Triangle Pose (Trikonasana).
To know more, read our article on the Sacral Chakra.
3. Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
Color – Yellow; Element – Fire
The Manipura Chakra is located at the solar plexus, between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage. It is characterized by emotions like ego, anger, and aggression. An imbalance of the solar plexus chakra can manifest physically as digestive problems, liver problems, or diabetes. On an emotional level, one might struggle with depression, lack of self-esteem, anger, and perfectionism. By balancing this chakra, we feel more energetic, confident, productive, and focused.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Manipura Chakra is ‘Ram’.
Working on Manipura Chakra can be done in poses like Classical Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana), Classical Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), and Bow Pose (Dhanurasana).
To know more, read our article on the Solar Plexus Chakra.
4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
Color – Green; Element – Air
As the name implies, the Anahata Chakra is located in the heart region. This chakra is the seat of balance, and it is characterized by emotions of love, attachment, compassion, trust, and passion. When the heart chakra is imbalanced, a person may deal with emotional issues like anger, lack of trust, anxiety, jealousy, fear, and moodiness. By harmonizing this energy center, a person begins to feel more compassionate, caring, optimistic, friendly, and motivated.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Anahata Chakra is ‘Yam’.
Heart Chakra can be balanced by practicing poses like Half Bridge Pose (Ardha Setubandhasana), and Fish Pose (Matsyasana).
Check out our article to know more about the Heart Chakra.
5. Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
Color – Blue; Element – Space
The Visuddha Chakra is located at the base of the throat, coinciding with the thyroid gland. It is associated with inspiration, healthy expression, faith, and the ability to communicate well. A blockage in the throat chakra may be experienced as timidity, quietness, a feeling of weakness, or the inability to express our thoughts. When this chakra is balanced, it enables creativity, positive self-expression, constructive communication, and a sense of satisfaction.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Vishuddha Chakra is ‘Ham’.
Throat Chakra is stimulated in poses like Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and Plough Pose (Halasana).
Read our article to know more about the Throat Chakra.
6. Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra
Color – Indigo; Element – None
The Ajna Chakra (pronounced as ‘Agya Chakra’) is located between the eyebrows. Also known as the Third Eye Chakra, it is often used as a focal point during asana practice to develop more concentration and awareness. It is said that meditating upon this chakra destroys the karma of past lives and brings liberation and intuitive knowledge.
Its attributes are intelligence, intuition, insight, and self-knowledge. When imbalanced, it may make you feel non-assertive and afraid of success, or on the contrary, it can make you more egoistical. An imbalance can manifest as physical problems like headaches, blurry vision, and eye strain. When this chakra is active and balanced, a person feels more vibrant and confident, both spiritually and emotionally. In the absence of the fear of death, one becomes his own master and remains free of all attachment to material things.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Ajna Chakra is ‘Om’.
Ajna Chakra is stimulated when practicing Headstand (Shirshasana).
Check our article to know more about the Third-Eye Chakra.
7. Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra
Color – Violet/White; Element – None
The Sahastrara Chakra is located at the crown of the head. The seventh chakra is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, and dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. When it gets imbalanced, one might suffer from a constant sense of frustration, melancholy and destructive feelings.
The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Sahastrara Chakra is ‘Aum’.
Balancing Sahasrara Chakra can be done by practicing Headstand (Shirshasana).
