Discover the 7 chakras and their meaning

An ancient wisdom

Let's first take a step back and explore the origins of the chakras. Chakras belong to a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. The first mention of chakras goes back to 1500 to 1000 BC in the Vedas, ancient sacred writings full of spiritual knowledge. It is only recently, with the growing popularity of yoga and spirituality in the West, that chakras have become more widely known.

What exactly are chakras?

The word "chakra" comes from Sanskrit and means "wheel" or "disc," referring to energy points in your body. Hindus and Buddhists believe they are spinning energy disks that should be kept "open" and balanced. Each chakra is associated with certain important nerves or organs.

Although some claim there are 114 different chakras, there are seven main chakras that run along your spine. These are the chakras we often refer to.

Each of the seven main chakras has an associated number, name, color, a specific area of the spine, and a focus on health.

The 7 chakras explained

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

The root chakra is the first chakra. Located at the base of your spine, this chakra represents stability and security. You can think of it as the roots of a tree that give you strength. The color associated with it is red.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhistana)

This second chakra is located just below the navel. It is related to creativity and emotions. The color associated with it is orange.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The third chakra is located near the abdomen, middle back and side of the body. It revolves around self-confidence and willpower. This chakra is all about the relationship you have with yourself. The color associated with it is yellow.

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The fourth chakra is located at the heart, chest, shoulders, arms, hands and upper back. This chakra represents love and compassion and has a green color.

Throat Chakra (Visshudha)

The fifth chakra is located at the throat, neck, mouth, jaw and ears. This chakra is all about communication and expressing yourself. This chakra is colored blue.

Third Eye (Ajna)

The third eye is your sixth chakra and is located in the middle of the forehead, between your eyebrows. This chakra is the sign of your intuition and inner wisdom. The color associated with it is indigo.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The seventh chakra is located at the very top of your head. This chakra is colored violet or white and belongs to the idea that you are part of a greater whole. Many also refer to the universe in this regard.

Are my chakras in balance?

Are you often sick? Or does it feel like something is simply "not right"? If so, it may be that one or more chakras are out of balance or blocked.

To function optimally, your chakras need to remain "open" or balanced. And for this to happen, enough energy must flow to this chakra. When there is not enough energy flowing to a chakra - and the chakra becomes unbalanced - physical and emotional symptoms can occur. The symptoms are always linked to the corresponding chakra.

For example, the fifth chakra is all about communication and standing up for your own truth. If there is not enough energy flowing to this chakra, you may get a sore throat or have trouble standing up for yourself. You are afraid to speak your mind and setting boundaries feels frightening. And if too much energy is flowing to this chakra, you may find yourself always talking and not knowing which things are better to keep to yourself.

The following signs may indicate that a chakra is out of balance:

• Root chakra: Pain and stiffness in your feet and legs, not being grounded, experiencing restlessness, feeling stuck in your life.
• Sacral chakra: Pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, being easily emotionally overwhelmed, lack of creativity, not being in touch with your own emotions.
• Solar Plexus Chakra: Digestive problems and abdominal pain, low self-esteem, too much ego, not being able to pursue your goals, not having dedication.
• Heart chakra: Pain in your upper back or chest, tense or inflexible shoulders, not being able to receive love, lack of self-compassion.
• Throat Chakra: Sore throat, teeth grinding, pain or stiffness in your neck, talking a lot and not knowing when to be quiet, not daring to stand up for yourself, not daring to set boundaries.
• Third eye: Headaches, brain fog or "brain fog," lack of intuition and inspiration, overwhelming imagination.
• Crown chakra: Headaches, inability to concentrate on tasks, always drama in your life, inability to see beyond your own point of view, inability to have compassion for others.

How can I open my chakras?

Specific yoga postures (related to the corresponding chakra), breathing exercises and meditation can help open chakras. For example, Nadi Shodhana breathing (alternating nostril breathing) can be grounding if your root chakra is out of balance. If you're not sure where to start, it might be a good idea to do a chakra meditation .