If you are involved in meditation, yoga or acupressure, you will certainly have heard of the 7 chakras - the energy centers in the body that influence our physical, emotional and mental well-being. Each chakra has its own significance.
In this article, we will give you a clear overview of the 7 main chakras - what they stand for, how they manifest when they are in balance and what happens when they are blocked. We also explain which exercises and techniques you can use to open the chakras and thereby promote your well-being. So, let's get started!
Content
1. 7 chakras: Meaning & overview
2 The energy centers in detail
3. open the chakras: Exercises & tips
4 Conclusion: the 7 chakras as a guide to yourself
7 chakras: Meaning & Overview
Let's start at the beginning: What is a chakra anyway?
The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means "wheel" or "circle". In many spiritual traditions - especially in yoga and Ayurveda - it refers to an energy center in the subtle body, i.e. in the part of our being that goes beyond the purely physical.
You can think of a chakra as a kind of hub for life energy (prana). This energy is said to flow through so-called nadis. These are fine energy pathways that flow through our body. When the chakras are open and in balance, this energy flows freely - we feel alive, clear and connected. If they are blocked or out of balance, this can manifest itself in different ways: physically, emotionally or mentally.
Overall, there are many chakras in the human energy system, but Western chakra teachings usually focus on these 7 chakras:
- Root chakra
- Sacral chakra
- Navel chakra
- Heart chakra
- Throat or larynx chakra
- Forehead chakra
- Crown Chakra
The 7 chakras run along the spine - from the base to the top of the head - and each represents certain themes and areas of life.
The energy centers in detail
In the following part, we take a closer look at the 7 chakras - because each of them has its own meaning, color and symbolism and plays a special role in our inner balance. We will tell you what each energy center stands for and how you can tell whether it is in balance or possibly out of balance.
1. the root chakra (Muladhara Chakra)
The Muladhara chakra is the lowest of the 7 chakras. It is located at the bottom of the spine and forms the basis of our energy system. It stands for basic trust, security, stability and our connection to the earth. Its color is red, the element is earth - solid, nourishing, supporting. When it is in balance, we feel grounded, physically present and inwardly calm. We have the feeling that we have a secure place in life. However, if it is blocked or weakened, this can manifest itself in anxiety, insecurity, existential worries or a constant feeling of separation. Physical discomfort in the lower back can also provide clues.
2. the sacral chakra (Svadisthana Chakra)
The sacral chakra lies about a hand's breadth below the navel and stands for joie de vivre, creativity, sensuality and emotional connection. It is associated with the element of water and radiates a warm orange color. When it is in balance, we feel alive, open to pleasure, creative and in harmony with our feelings. Relationships are easier and we can allow closeness without losing ourselves. If it is blocked, on the other hand, this often manifests itself in emotional imbalance, listlessness, feelings of guilt or difficulties with closeness and intimacy - both with others and with ourselves.
3. the navel chakra (Manipura chakra)
This chakra is located in the area of the solar plexus - roughly between the navel and the breastbone. It stands for self-confidence, willpower, personal strength and the ability to make decisions. Its color is yellow, the element is fire - transformative, powerful, clear. When it is in balance, we feel inner strength, healthy ambition and a clear sense of our limits. We act from our own center and take responsibility for our lives. If it is blocked, on the other hand, this can manifest itself in insecurity, a compulsion to control, anger or a lack of drive - or even in an excessive need to constantly prove ourselves.
4. the heart chakra (Anahata chakra)
The heart chakra lies in the middle of the chest and, as the heart of the 7 chakras, forms the bridge between the lower, physically oriented chakras and the upper, spiritual ones. It stands for love, compassion, connection and healing. The color is green (sometimes pink) and its element is air - light, open, wide. When it is in balance, we feel lovingly connected to ourselves and others. We can give and receive without expectations or conditions. However, if the anahata chakra is blocked, this manifests as withdrawal, coldness, resentment or the feeling of being hurt and unloved. Excessive self-sacrifice can also be a sign.
5. the throat or larynx chakra (Vishuddha Chakra)
The throat chakra is located at the level of the larynx and stands for expression, communication and authenticity. It is associated with the element ether (space) and shines in a clear light blue. If this chakra is in balance, we can express our thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly - in words, but also in creative expression such as music or writing. We dare to speak our truth without hurting others. However, if it is blocked, this can manifest itself through speechlessness, uncertainty in expression, the feeling of not being heard or excessive talking - often without real contact with our inner self.
6. the forehead chakra (Ajna Chakra)
The forehead chakra is also known as the 'third eye' and is probably the best known of the 7 chakras. It is located between the eyebrows and stands for intuition, inner wisdom, knowledge and mental clarity. Its color is indigo and it is not assigned to any classical element, but stands for subtle consciousness. When it is in balance, we trust our inner voice, have access to clear thoughts, visions and a deeper understanding of ourselves and life. If it is blocked, this often manifests itself in doubt, confusion, difficulty concentrating or a strong fixation on external facts - with a simultaneous mistrust of our own intuition.
7. the crown chakra (Sahasrara chakra)
The crown chakra is the highest of the 7 chakras and is located at the crown of the head. It stands for spirituality, consciousness, connection with the greater whole and the feeling of inner fulfillment, is associated with the color violet or white and - unlike the other chakras - is not assigned to any element, as it points beyond the earthly. When the crown chakra is in balance, we experience moments of deep clarity, inner peace and spiritual expansiveness. We feel connected - with ourselves, with life, with something higher. If it is blocked, this can lead to inner emptiness, crises of meaning or the feeling of being separated from life - or to an overemphasis on the spiritual with a simultaneous lack of grounding.
Open your chakras: Exercises & tips
To open your chakras, you don't have to perform incredibly complicated and esoteric rituals - on the contrary: even simple, mindful exercises in everyday life can help to activate, harmonize or gently open the energy centers. The most important things here are awareness, patience and a loving attitude towards yourself. Whether through meditation, movement or touch - you can strengthen the connection to your energy system in various ways. The following three ways are particularly accessible and effective.
Meditation for the 7 chakras
Meditation is one of the best-known and most effective methods for getting in touch with the 7 chakras. You can focus specifically on each individual chakra - e.g. through visualization, colour meditation or silent mindfulness in the respective body area. You often start at the root chakra and then slowly move upwards to the crown chakra. You can imagine how each center lights up or opens up in its respective color. It is important that you do the exercise without pressure - it is not about meditating "properly", but about feeling, listening and becoming aware.
Our tip: Sit on your Shakti Mat during meditation or use our Shakti meditation cushion to relax even better and enjoy the soothing effect of gentle acupressure at the same time.
Chakra Yoga
Yoga is closely linked to the 7 chakras - many postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and movement sequences have a targeted effect on specific energy centers. For example, standing postures such as mountain pose or tree pose strengthen the root chakra, while backbends can open the heart chakra. A consciously guided yoga practice can help to bring blocked energy back into flow and develop a better body awareness. When you combine breath, movement and mindfulness, a space is created in which physical and energetic levels come into contact - without any pressure, but with a great deal of sensitivity.
With the Shakti yoga mat, every session becomes a very special feel-good moment!
Opening the 7 chakras with acupressure
Acupressure is also a wonderful way to get in touch with the 7 chakras. It is a gentle method from traditional Chinese medicine in which certain points on the body are stimulated in a targeted manner. Even if the chakra system comes from a different tradition, certain acupressure points can be linked to the 7 chakras - for example points along the spine, on the lower abdomen or on the crown of the head. You can activate or calm energy by applying light pressure to these points.
Tip: The easiest way to perform acupressure is with an acupressure mat or other aids such as our Shakti Back Belt.
Conclusion: the 7 chakras as a guide to yourself
Working with the 7 chakras is more than an energetic concept - it can help you to understand yourself on a deeper level. Each chakra represents a certain aspect of your life, your feelings and your being. If you learn to pay attention to their signals and consciously nurture them, this can bring more balance, clarity and vitality into your life. Whether through meditation, yoga or acupressure: it's not about being 'perfectly balanced', but about getting in touch with yourself - lovingly, mindfully and step by step.