Meaning of the Word "Chakra"
“Chakra,” the word literally means “wheel” or “circle,” is Psychic Physiology Part of Yoga. However, in the yogic context, a better translation would be “vortex” or “Whirlpool.” (source: reference 1)
Chakras are located at different parts of the human body and are regarded as energy centers. Ancient Indian yoga believes that the human body has seven main energy centers (Seven Chakra), all appearing in a circling wheel shape, receiving and transmitting spiritual energy throughout the body. Therefore, Chakras can also be the life energy control center that governs the energy flow of the mind and body could impact the physical (i.e., organs, physical body), mental and spiritual well-being of a person.
Brief Concept of Chakra
Seven Main Chakras travel through the spine, starting from the top of the head to the bottom of the spine. They are also called “the deep inner organs hidden in the body.” In addition to the seven main chakras, we also have many large and small chakras all over the body. Similar to the Chinese Medical System and Acupuncture point of view, the chakras are like the large and small “acupoints” that have their corresponding organs and can affect one’s emotions.
Chakras are believed to receive, digest, distribute and transmit the energy of life. This article briefly introduces the Seven Main Chakras, including their color, body location, governing area, impact, and signs of imbalance.
1 . The Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Sanskrit:Muladhara मूलाधार चक्र
Represent: root, sense of security, basic needs, foundation, connection
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Location: the bottom of the spine
Govern: feet, legs, large intestine, and perineum
Influence: willpower to survive and body consciousness
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: physical fatigue, low back pain, sciatica, constipation, immune dysfunction, irritability (easy to get angry), high/low personal self-esteem, depression, insomnia
2 . The Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana)
Sanskrit:Svadhishthana स्वाधिष्ठान
Represent: reproduction, uterus, emotion, sexual energy, pleasure, creativity
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Location: below the belly button of the human body
Govern: fertility, lower back, and hips, bladder, kidneys, ovaries, testicles
Influence: related mood, emotion, intuition, and energy
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: low back pain, sciatica, loss of libido, pelvic pain, urinary system or digestive system problems, menstrual problems, irritability, shyness, desire to control, lack of creativity, interpersonal intimacy problems
3 . The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Sanskrit:Manipura मणिपूर
Represent: intestinal health, breathing, courage, power, and energy to glow
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Location: located in the belly button
Govern: digestion, metabolism, pancreas and spleen, adrenal glands
Influence: self-awareness, rationality, and willpower
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: stomachache, arthritis, diabetes, adrenal imbalance, anxiety, depression, fear of rejection, indecision
4 . The Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Sanskrit:Anahata अनाहत
Represent: divine acceptance, love, relationship, enthusiasm, the joy of life
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Location: heart
Govern: upper back, thymus, emotions, openness to life
Influence: love, compassion, kindness, empathy
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: heart disease, asthma, lung disease, despair of emotions, lack of empathy, the obstacle to love, sadness, anger, depression
5 . The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Sanskrit:Vishuddha विशुद्ध
Represent: communication, self-expression, harmony, resonance, grace, dream
Colour: Blue
Element: SpaceLocation: throat
Govern: hearing, sound intensity, thyroid, parathyroid
Influence: related to a person’s communication, self-expression skills, and creativity.
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: thyroid dysfunction, sore throat, stiff neck, mouth ulcers, teeth/gums problems, hearing problems, indecision, lack of creativity, mood swings
6 . The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Sanskrit:Ajna आज्ञा
Represent: The third eye, intuition, concentration, conscience, dedication, neutrality
Colour: Indigo
Element: LightLocation: between eyebrow
Govern: creativity, imagination, understanding, pineal gland
Influence: related to our reception of external impressions, values , and beliefs
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: headaches, sleep disorders, nightmares, learning disabilities, inattention, confusion, depression
7 .The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Sanskrit:Sahasrara सहस्रार
Represent: spirituality, wisdom, bliss
Colour: Purple
Location: Crown (Top of the head)
Govern: all functions of the body and mind and other chakras, as well as the pituitary gland
Influence: related to a person’s inspirations, wisdom, visionary and leadership
Signs of Chakra Imbalance: tired, sensitive to light and sound, aimless, cold and emotionless, lack of spiritual connection, materialism
Reference List