What are chakras & meaning of each chakra?

Chakra means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are spinning vortex of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.

To function at their best, your chakras need to stay open, or balanced. If they get blocked, you may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to a particular chakra.

There are seven main chakras that run along your spine. They start at the root, or base, of your spine and extend to the crown of your head.

The First or Root Chakra (red)

This chakra is located at the base of the spine and it has as it central issue: survival, stability, acceptance, self-preservation, deep-rootedness, perception, grounding, fear and safety. The root chakra is powerfully related to our contact with the Earth, providing us with the ability to be grounded into the earth plane.

This is also the center of manifestation. When you are trying to make things happen in the material world, business or material possessions, the energy to succeed will come from this first chakra. The body parts for this root chakra include the hips, legs, lower back, and sexual organs (men). The endocrine glands associated with it are the Sexual and Adrenal glands.

The physical dysfunctions associated with the imbalance of this chakra are: frequent illness, disorders of the bowel, large intestine, problems, with legs, feet, base of spine (chronic lower back pain, sciatica), eating disorders, fearfulness, being anxious, and secure and frustrated. Problems like obesity, anorexia nervosa, and knee troubles can occur.

The Second or Sacral Chakra (orange)

This chakra is located two inches below the navel and has as its central issue: sexuality, emotions, financial, creativity, codes of honor and ethics. It governs people's sense of self-worth, their confidence in their own creativity, and their ability to relate to others in an open and friendly way. The body parts for this chakra include the sexual organs (women), kidneys, bladder, and large intestine. The endocrine gland associated with it is the Pancreas.

The physical dysfunctions associated with the imbalance or blockage of this chakra are: sexual dysfunctions; dysfunctions of the reproductive organs, spleen, urinary system; loss of appetite for food, sex, life; chronic lower back pain, sciatica; feeling emotionally explosive or manipulative; kidney weakness; constipation; and muscle spasms.

The abdomen is where we tend to hold our emotions - they become blocked and create intestinal problems.

The kidneys, intestines, bladder are all used to eliminate waste and toxins from the body = dysfunctions here indicate a desire to be rid of a toxic situation or some type of toxins from one's life.

Constipation is indicative of holding on to some situation and not being able to let go.

The Third or Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow)

This chakra is located two inches below the breastbone in the center behind the stomach. The third chakra is the center of personal power, the place of ego, of passions, impulses, anger and strength. The body parts for this chakra include the stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and small intestine. The endocrine glands associated with it are the Pancreas and the Adrenal.

When this chakra is out of balance or blocked you may lack confidence, be confused, worry about what others think, feel others are controlling your life, and may be depressed. Physical problems may include digestive difficulties, colon and intestinal problems, anorexia or bulimia, pancreatitis, liver problems, diabetes, nervous exhaustion, and food allergies.

Again, since this is in the abdominal area where we carry and hold emotions, the messages might be about releasing the emotions held in this area. Also, to step into your personal power and not give it away. Mid-back pain could represent a conflict within your own perception of your power.

The Fourth or Heart Chakra (Green)

This chakra is located behind the breastbone in front and on the spine between the shoulder blades in back.

This is the center or seat of the emotions. It is the center for love, compassion and spirituality.

This center directs one's ability to love themselves and others, to give and receive love. This is also the chakra connecting body and mind with spirit. The body parts for this chakra include the heart, lungs, circulatory system, shoulders, and upper back. The endocrine gland associated with it is the Thymus gland.

When this chakra is out of balance or blocked, you may feel sorry for yourself, paranoid, indecisive, afraid of letting go, afraid of getting hurt, or unworthy of love.

Some of the physical dysfunctions associated with this imbalanced situation are: disorders of the heart, lungs, thymus, breast, arms, asthma, allergy, circulation problems, immune system deficiency, and tension between the shoulder blades.

The heart is the seat of the emotions and where we feel love. Problems with the heart indicate a lack of love in one's life or lack of love for life. The lungs are in this region and indicate a fear to live life. The lungs represent the breath of life, so problems in this area can indicate a restriction in living. The type of problem will give an indication of what the message is. There is a lot of fear when the lungs are involved.

The Fifth or Throat Chakra (blue)

This fifth chakra is located in the V of the collarbone at the lower neck and is the center of communication, sound and expression of creativity via thought, speech, and writing. The body parts for the fifth chakra are the throat, neck, teeth, ears, and thyroid gland. The endocrine glands associated with it are the Thyroid and Parathyroid.

When this chakra is blocked or out of balance, you may want to hold back, feel timid, be quiet, feel weak, or can't express your thoughts. Physical illnesses or ailments include: thyroid problems, ear infections and problems, raspy throat, chronic sore throat, mouth ulcers, gum difficulties, scoliosis, laryngitis, swollen glands, headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders.

Anything in this area indicates a need to speak out or tell one's truth. There is something you need to say, but are afraid to.

The Sixth or Third Eye Chakra (Dark blue)

The sixth chakra is located above the physical eyes on the center of the forehead. This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel, and tune into your Higher Self. The body parts of this chakra include: the eyes, face, brain, lymphatic and endocrine system. The endocrine glands associated with it are the Pituitary and the Pineal glands.

When the sixth chakra is blocked or out of balance you may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Physical symptoms or dysfunctions include: headaches; eye and ear disease; nose and sinus problems; brain tumor; neurological disturbances; seizures; learning difficulties.

This covers the eyes and ears which indicate not wanting to see or hear something. Also the nose, sinus, and brain are covered here indicating something very close to you (maybe yourself), is applying pressure or deadlines. The brain can represent anger or resentment chakra is located above the physical eyes on the center of the forehead.

This is the center for psychic ability, higher intuition, the energies of spirit and light. Through the power of the sixth chakra, you can receive guidance, channel, and tune into your Higher Self. The body parts of this chakra include: the eyes, face, brain, lymphatic and endocrine system. The endocrine glands associated with it are the Pituitary and the Pineal glands.

When the sixth chakra is blocked or out of balance you may feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or go the opposite way and be egotistical. Physical symptoms or dysfunctions include: headaches; eye and ear disease; nose and sinus problems; brain tumor; neurological disturbances; seizures; learning difficulties.

This covers the eyes and ears which indicate not wanting to see or hear something. Also the nose, sinus, and brain are covered here indicating something very close to you (maybe yourself), is applying pressure or deadlines. The brain can represent anger or resentment others, spiritual, and intuitive development, or you’re lack or delay in growth or what you “expected” to happen. Please remember, this is not a race in spiritual development. We are all developing our own paces and with our own gifts and abilities.

The Seventh or Crown Chakra (Purple)

This chakra is located just behind the top of the skull.

It is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom, and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness.

When the crown chakra is blocked or out of balance, there may be a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy, and destructive feelings.

Illnesses may include migraine headaches and depression; as well as, energetic disorders; brain tumors; amnesia; and sensitivity to light, sound and other environmental factors.