Chakras are the energy centers in our bodies—and in all living things—that help regulate our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In Sanskrit, the word chakra means “wheel,” reflecting their nature as spinning centers of energy.

Chakras have been a part of Indian culture and healing practices since at least 1500 B.C., and they were introduced to Western culture in the early 20th century by Sir John Woodroffe. When our chakras are balanced and free of blockages, we experience positive emotions, overall wellness, and a sense of abundance in life. Blocked or imbalanced chakras, on the other hand, can manifest as negative emotions, physical illness, or life challenges.

The human energy system contains roughly 114 chakras, with seven main chakras running along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. These primary chakras serve as the foundation for energetic flow, influencing everything from physical health to emotional resilience and spiritual connection.

The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated with the color red. It represents our energetic connection to the Earth and serves as the center of safety, security, and survival. This chakra governs our basic needs, such as food, shelter, and financial stability.

When the root chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include fear of abandonment, insecurity around finances, anxiety, feelings of instability, and procrastination, among others. Balancing this chakra helps foster a sense of grounding, confidence, and stability in your life. 

The sacral chakra, located just below the navel, is associated with the color orange. It is the center of creativity, passion, and sexual energy, influencing our ability to form healthy relationships and express ourselves fully.

When the sacral chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include creative blocks, difficulty with intimacy, low libido, challenges forming healthy relationships, or struggles with addictive behaviors. Balancing this chakra helps restore emotional fluidity, joy, and a healthy connection to our passions and desires.

The solar plexus chakra, located just above the navel, is associated with the color yellow. It serves as the center of personal power, courage, self-esteem, and confidence, influencing how we take action and assert ourselves in the world.

When the solar plexus chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include low confidence, difficulty moving forward in life, digestive issues, or challenges with self-discipline and motivation. Balancing this chakra supports empowerment, clarity of purpose, and healthy self-expression.

The heart chakra, located in the center of the chest just above the heart, is associated with the color green. It is the center of love, compassion, and emotional balance, influencing how we give and receive love, both to ourselves and others.

When the heart chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include difficulties with self-love, challenges in relationships, trouble forgiving, or physical issues such as heart problems and asthma. Balancing this chakra promotes emotional healing, compassion, and the ability to connect deeply with others.

The throat chakra, located in the throat, is associated with the color blue. It is the center of communication, self-expression, and speaking your truth, influencing how clearly and authentically you convey your thoughts and feelings.

When the throat chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include difficulty expressing yourself, challenges with hard conversations, feeling misunderstood, social anxiety, trouble setting boundaries, or even physical symptoms like teeth grinding. Balancing this chakra supports clear communication, honesty, and confident self-expression.

The third eye chakra, located between the eyebrows just above the nose, is associated with the color indigo. It is the center of intuition, perception, and mental clarity, influencing how we see the world, make decisions, and connect with our inner guidance.

When the third eye chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include lack of clarity, overthinking, difficulty envisioning possibilities, feeling disconnected from your life’s purpose, or struggling to trust your intuition. Balancing this chakra supports insight, foresight, and a deeper connection to your inner wisdom.

The crown chakra, located at the top of the head, is associated with the color purple. It is the center of spiritual connection, higher consciousness, and alignment with the Universe, influencing our sense of purpose and trust in something greater than ourselves.

When the crown chakra is blocked or imbalanced, common signs may include lack of direction, over-attachment to material things, feeling disconnected from the Universe, or difficulty trusting in a higher power. Balancing this chakra supports spiritual awareness, clarity, and a deep sense of connection to the world around you.