Chakras 101: A Quick + Easy Guide For Getting to Know the 7 Chakras
If you’re even the slightest bit interested in the world of wellness + spirituality, then chances are you know about chakras (or have at least heard of them). Sanskrit for “wheel” or “disk,” chakras are the spiritual centers in the body through which all energy flows, and bringing them into alignment is key for improving your overall well-being.
The chakra system dates back to 1500 BC, where they were first introduced in India in the Hindu scriptural texts known as the Vedas. Although there are actually dozens of chakras located throughout the human body, most chakra practices focus on the seven main chakras that sit along the spine. The goal is to open up + align these seven chakras in order to let the ultimate healing energy—also known as “prana”—flow freely throughout our bodies.
So what are the seven chakras? Keep reading to find out + help bring them into alignment, then shop our Chakra Mala collection of chakra gemstone jewelry here!
First chakra: Root Chakra
Location: Base of the spine/pelvis
Sanskrit name: Muladhara (meaning “support”)
Represents: Security + survival
Color: Red
Gemstone: Red Jasper
Associated with…
Safety
Basics needs (like food, shelter, sleep, etc.)
Physical identity + sense of self
Grounding
The foundation on which we build our lives
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Negativity or cynicism
Greed
Illusion or paranoia
Insecurity
A habit of living in survival mode
Behaviors ruled by fear or anxiety
How to heal it: Try activities that connect you to nature + the earth (like hiking, gardening, exercising or meditating outside, etc.). Focus on grounding meditations + yoga poses, and surround yourself with colors, sounds + objects that remind you of nature.
Second chakra: Sacral Chakra
Location: Right below the naval
Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana (meaning “sacred home of the self”)
Represents: Creativity + emotions
Color: Orange
Gemstone: Red Aventurine
Associated with…
Emotions, feelings + sensations
Relationships with ourself + others
Sexual expression + pleasure
Enjoyment of life
Fantasies
Flexibility + flow
Formation of the self
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Co-dependency on people, situations or substances
Being ruled by emotions
Feeling numb or out of touch
Lack of desire + satisfaction
Feeling “stuck”
Depression
Fear of change
A tendency to get lost in fantasies
How to heal it: Since the Sacral Chakra is associated with the element of water, try to surround yourself with water (i.e. the ocean, a lake, rivers, and even rain or a bath!) to absorb its healing energy. Hip-opening yoga poses—practiced in a slow, relaxed manner—are especially useful, as is meditating while envisioning an orange crescent moon in the region of your pelvis. Essential oils with hints of sandalwood, patchouli, orange, rose and ylang ylang can also be helpful.
Third chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: In your upper belly (near your diaphragm)
Sanskrit name: Manipura (meaning “lustrous gem”)
Represents: Personal power + self-esteem
Color: Yellow
Gemstone: Yellow Jade
Associated with…
Willpower + commitment
Responsibility for your life + actions
Intellect, decision-making + clear thinking
Confidence + self-discipline
Independence
Personal opinions + beliefs
Metabolism + digestion
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Low self-worth
Difficulty making decisions
Anger or control issues
Procrastination + lack of direction or purpose
Digestive issues
A need for excessive control over people or situations
Helplessness
Manipulative behaviors + a misuse of power
How to heal it: Practice asanas that focus on building core strength, including Warrior Pose, Boat Pose and Sun Salutations. Since Manipura is associated with the sun and the element of fire, spending some time outside in the sunshine works wonders.
Fourth chakra: Heart Chakra
Location: Center of your chest
Sanskrit name: Anahata (meaning “unstruck”)
Represents: Love + compassion
Color: Green
Gemstone: Green Aventurine
Associated with…
Love for yourself + others
Relationships
Compassion + empathy
Forgiveness + acceptance
Transformation + change
The ability to grieve
Generosity + gratitude
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Grief + anger
Jealousy + fear of betrayal or intimacy
Holding grudges + the inability to forgive
Defensiveness + isolation
Codependency
A need to please others at any cost
Lack of empathy
How to heal it: Be open about your emotions with yourself + others, and consciously try to practice greater acceptance. Come up with a few positive affirmations—such as “I am open to love” or “I forgive myself and others”—and repeat them throughout the day to help change your mindset. When all else fails, listen to happy, upbeat music to build your positivity and open your heart.
Fifth chakra: Throat Chakra
Location: In your throat
Sanskrit name: Vishuddha (meaning “purification”)
Represents: Communication + expression
Color: Light blue
Gemstone: Amazonite
Associated with…
Inner truth
The ability to listen + express yourself clearly
The ability to turn ideas into reality
Uncovering your purpose
Authenticity
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Trouble speaking your truth or expressing your thoughts + feelings
Lack of control over your speech or fear of speaking
An inability to listen to others or keep secrets
Secretiveness or shyness
Difficulty paying attention + staying focused
Fear of judgement
Sore throat, thyroid issues, neck + shoulder stiffness, or headaches
How to heal it: Place throat chakra stones along your throat to cleanse + unblock energy, and surround yourself with shades of light blue. Find ways to make your voice heard (such as singing, even if it’s only to yourself!), and practice expressing your thoughts + opinions from a place of love. Drink lots of water to soothe the throat, and every now and then, treat yourself to a massage to release tension in your neck + shoulders.
Sixth chakra: Third Eye Chakra
Location: Between your eyebrows
Sanskrit name: Ajna (meaning “perception”)
Represents: Intuition + perception
Color: Dark blue
Gemstone: Sodalite
Associated with…
Your connection to the outside world
Wisdom + insight
Inspiration + creativity
Clairvoyance + psychic abilities
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Difficulty tapping into your intuition or trusting your instincts
Memory problems or trouble with learning new skills
Judgmental + dismissive behavior
Introversion
Depression + anxiety
Headaches + dizziness
Lack of clarity
How to heal it: Visualization meditation is especially helpful for bringing the Third Eye Chakra back into alignment. Other types of energy healing are also useful, whether it’s Reiki, sound therapy or acupuncture. Essential oils like frankincense, juniper, rosemary and sandalwood can help to open up this chakra, as can eating dark blue or purple foods like blueberries, plums and eggplants.
Seventh chakra: Crown Chakra
Location: Top of your head
Sanskrit name: Sahaswara (meaning “thousandfold”)
Represents: Consciousness + enlightenment
Color: Purple
Gemstone: Amethyst
Associated with…
Spirituality
Awareness
Higher states of consciousness
Ecstasy + bliss
Presence
Clarity + wisdom
When blocked or out of alignment, you might experience:
Isolation or a feeling of being disconnected from others
Cynicism
Living in your head
Closed-mindedness
Depression + mental fog
Chronic fatigue + migraines
