What Are Our Chakras?

Many people have heard about chakras a few times in their lives, whether it be due to learning about energy healing or referencing spiritual energy within oneself. However, what exactly are chakras, and how do they impact our optimal wellness?

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word translating to a wheel or disk, referring to different wheels of energy throughout the body. Specifically, these wheels of energy flow through the seven main chakras aligning along the spine, from the crown of the head down to the spine’s base.

The stresses and other conflicts that affect our daily lives can block these seven chakras, taking a toll on our mental and physical health. This effect is why it’s essential to learn about our energy flows throughout our body and keep them open and unrestricted. Once you begin to connect with your chakras, you’ll understand the energy flow feels underactive or overactive. There are many different ways to experience your chakras, whether it be through meditation, yoga, reiki, crystal healing, among many others. Even journaling with intention can aid in getting in touch with your thoughts and emotions. 

Where are these chakras located, and how do they affect us?

Root Chakra, Muladhara

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine and is our grounding. This chakra mainly affects survival issues and a sense of security. When it’s in balance, the root chakra gives a sense of safety and a feeling of being well-supported. On the other hand, when it’s blocked, we can feel insecure about our basic survival needs and wellness along with physical drawbacks like bladder or colon problems. 

Sacral Chakra, Svadhistana

The sacral chakra is located at the lower abdomen and relates to sexuality, pleasure, and creative energy. It affects our sense of abundance and happiness, and when in balance, this chakra makes life enjoyable. Those with a solid sacral chakra can accept this pleasure naturally without inhibitions. It can represent itself as issues with lower back pain or urinary tract infections when it’s blocked.

Solar Plexus, Manipura

The solar plexus chakra is located in the upper abdomen in the stomach area. It affects feelings of self-worth, confidence, and self-esteem. When it’s in balance, one feels empowered and confident in their abilities and intentions. It brings good digestion and hormonal balance. However, a blockage will bring about digestive issues and even eating disorders as it’s the chakra of our power.

Heart Chakra, Anahata

The heart chakra is located in the center of the chest just above the heart. It affects the spiritual qualities of love, joy, inner peace, and empathy. When the heart chakra is in balance, one feels comforted and nourished, more warm-hearted and sympathetic. A blockage in the heart chakra can be shown through heart problems, asthma, and weight issues. These blocks displayed the ability to love and connect to others at their own expense, also making us feel lonely and insecure.

Throat Chakra, Vishuddha

The throat chakra, as expected, is located in the throat and affects our communication and self-expression. When it’s in balance, one is able to express yourself with confidence and truthfulness. You won’t only speak with compassion but also listen with empathy. However, voice and throat problems can indicate a block. Mentally, this is seen through gossiping, speaking without thinking, being dominating in conversations, or not speaking your mind. 

Forehead Chakra, Ajna

The forehead chakra is evident by the name located in the forehead, traditionally sitting like a ‘third eye’ to give inner vision and access to a higher spiritual reality. It affects intuition, imagination, and ability to make decisions and have insight. When in balance, one can trust their inner perceptions and see the big picture. As we know, this chakra is on the head, meaning a block results in headaches, issues with concentration, and hearing problems. Mentally, those will have difficulties listening to reality or not listen to their intuition.

Crown Chakra, Sahasrara

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head, affecting our connection to spirituality and awareness. When in balance, one has pure bliss and enlightenment as this chakra helps keep all seven chakras open. When it’s blocked, one may be narrow-minded and stubborn.


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Vangie Ogg