The Seven Chakras of Your

Body and Their Significance

The word Chakra in Sanskrit means wheel or disk. Chakras are the
major energy centres in our body, which are believed to be a part of
our subtle body (subtle body is the non-physical term aka our soul or
spirit). The belief in Chakras started in India and is made use of in
the Ayurvedic medicine. Though there are many chakras in our body
but seven out of them are the most significant and they are as
follows:

1. First chakra
This chakra is at the base of our spine and it is also known as the
Muladhara chakra. It is the foundation of the physical body and
helps in keeping us grounded. Its color is red and element is earth. It
tends to exert influence on our immune system, our basic impulses,
instincts, energy, flight reactions and endurance. It forms the base
of the other six chakras and deals with the bodys survival needs
such as food, shelter and protection. The relationships of our early
life have an influence on the well-being of this chakra. Any sort of
imbalance in this chakra may lead you to feel anxious, may create
fear or you may experience nightmares as a result. There can be
physical imbalances also in the form of problems in the colon,
bladder, and feet issues or with the lower back. Men could also
suffer from prostate problems as a result.

2. Second chakra
This is known as the Swadhisthana chakra, spleen or sexual chakra.
It is located in the lower abdomen just below the tailbone and is the
source of creativity. The colour of this chakra is orange and its
element is water. It is the foundation of our emotional body and
influences our ability to feel emotions and sensations. It has an
influence on our sexuality and sensuality, open-mindedness and
physical force. It also has an effect on the spleen, liver, lower
abdomen, kidneys, sexual organs and reproduction. If this chakra is
balanced, the person will be friendly, healthy and imaginative. An
imbalance of this chakra causes physical and emotional distress
such as muscle problems and abdominal cramps, excessive
emotional attachment to things or people, pessimistic attitude,
depression etc.

3. Third chakra
This chakra is located at the base of the rib cage and is known as
Manipura (lustrous gem). It is represented by the colour yellow. This
chakra helps us pick up vibrations from places, people and things
and involves energy, self-control and emotional issues. It has an
influence on our muscles, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder,
digestion, nervous system and our metabolism. When this chakra is
balanced, it allows us to relax and enjoy our accomplishments and
we are able to deal better with the changes in life. There could be an
imbalance in this chakra due to the lack of balance in the first two
chakras. An imbalanced third chakra could cause ulcers and
digestive problems. It can also lead to anger issues.

4. Fourth chakra
This chakra, which is also referred to as Anahata is situated at the
centre of the chest and includes the heart, thymus gland, lungs,
cardiac plexus and breasts. It also influences the lymphatic system.
The color associated with this chakra is green. It is related to
compassion, trust, empathy and forgiveness. It helps us get in touch
with our inner self. It has an influence on the endocrine and immune
system, the lungs, circulation and thymus. Any sort of imbalance in
this chakra could be due to an imbalance in the first three chakras.
If this is imbalanced, it can lead to lung, heart and circulatory
problems. It may also make the person feel unloved and emotionally
unstable.

5. Fifth chakra
This chakra, known as Vishuddhi, is found at the base of the neck in
the throat and is represented by the colour blue. Its element is
human race. It is related to dreaming, good judgment, wisdom,
communication and truthfulness. The organs over which it has an
influence are mouth, throat, teeth, thyroid gland and the immune
system. Any imbalance in this chakra makes one prone to sore
throats, depression, thyroid problems, earache, communication
problems and chronic cold. It can also lead to controlling others
through dishonesty and deceit.

6. Sixth chakra
The third eye chakra, also known as Ajna is located in the middle of
the forehead linking the eyebrows. The colour associated with this
Chakra is Indigo. This chakra helps us see auras and spirit guides
which enable us to look into the past and see our future. It relates to
intuition, imagination, concentration, enlightenment and defines
fantasy and reality. Physically, it exerts influence on the eyes, vision,
central nervous system, brain and the pituitary gland. Any sort of
imbalance in this chakra can lead to sinus and visual problems,
nightmares and headaches. It can also cause lack of clarity or make
the person overanalyze everything.

7. Seventh chakra
This chakra is known as the crown chakra or Sahasrara. It is located
on the top of the head or the crown area. It is represented by the
colour violet. This chakra is the foundation of our spiritual body and
physically, it has an influence on the cerebral cortex, central
nervous system, glands and the pineal gland, pituitary gland and
the cerebrum. It is also related to inspiration, idealism and spiritual
will. If this chakra is imbalanced, it can reduce ones confidence and
create fear and anxiety. Other problems it may cause are
headaches, anxiety, worry, mental and cognitive problems and
immune disorders.