In Sanskrit, chakra means disk or wheel. Chakras are energy centers that align with various organs and nerve bundles in the body. Energy, or prana, flows through your chakras.
If your chakras are balanced, the energy flows freely along the sushumna nadi, or main energy channel. This channel starts at the base of your spine and continues up to the crown of your head.
The 7 main chakras align along the sushumna nadi. Chakras respond to energy – the energy of thoughts, feelings, experiences, and actions.
Each chakra has a specific function within the body. When they are open and balanced, energy flows freely through our minds and bodies.
However, these energy channels can become blocked, resulting in physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances and ailments.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A BLOCKAGE?
Each chakra has symptoms you may feel that can help you identify a blockage.
ROOT CHAKRA
The root chakra (Muladhara) is located at the base of your spine. This chakra is your foundation. It is responsible for your sense of security and stability.
If your root chakra is blocked, you may feel insecure, restless, or lethargic. You may feel heightened fears and an increase in anxiety or depression.
SACRAL CHAKRA
The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) is located below your belly button. This chakra is responsible for creativity, sexual energy, and how you process emotions.
If your sacral chakra is blocked , you may feel weak, both physically and emotionally. You may be afraid to take creative risks and are afraid of betrayal.
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is located just above the navel. Manipura is responsible for your self-esteem, confidence, and sense of control over your life.
Solar plexus chakra blockages lead to low self-esteem, anger or control issues, or indecisiveness. You may notice digestive issues as well.
HEART CHAKRA
The heart chakra (Anahata) is located near your heart in the center of your chest. Predictably, this chakra is responsible for your ability to love and show empathy and compassion.
If your heart chakra is blocked, you may find yourself emotionally closed off. It may be hard to give and receive love, and you may feel grief, anger, fear, jealousy, or hatred.
THROAT CHAKRA
The throat chakra (Vishuddha) is located in your throat. This chakra is responsible for communication, self-expression, and ability to express individual truth.
If you have a blockage in your throat chakra, you may find it hard to expression your true feelings. Physically, you may feel a sore throat, neck and shoulder tightness, or headaches.
THIRD EYE CHAKRA
The third eye chakra (Anja) is located between your eyes. Your third eye is the chakra of intuition, and is related to your perception and awareness.
If your third eye is closed, you may have trouble trusting your inner advisor and connecting to your intuition.
CROWN CHAKRA
The crown chakra (Sahasrara) is located at the top of your head. This chakra represents your spiritual connection to yourself, to others, to the universe, and to your creator.
When the crown chakra is blocked, you may feel apathetic and purposeless. You may be close-minded, confused, and disillusioned.
I HAVE A BLOCKED CHAKRA. WHAT NOW?
First of all, this is completely normal! Now that you are armed with the purpose of each chakra and the symptoms to look for, there are specific actions you can take to find more balance in your life.
Next week, we will explore Muladhara, the root chakra, in depth. Stay tuned to discover how you can balance your root chakra!
Yoga with Rachel G. 