The chakras (chakra = wheel/vortex in Sanskrit)

The chakras (chakra = wheel/vortex in Sanskrit) are energy centers in the body that regulate the flow of prana (= chi = ki = manna = life force energy).

Physiologically, they correspond to big bundles of nerves in the body where electricity is generated in super active tissues, but they are not physical in nature.

Do you realize cells communicate via electricity? The exchange of electrons is way important to cellular function, particularly of sodium and potassium ions. Yoga is magic, but it's also cold hard Science: chakras are places where the body generates powerful electrical fields.

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Chakras can be open or closed, over or underactive, sufficient or deficient. When all things are running smoothly, health manifests across the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual planes. When the chakras are not functioning optimally, a variety of problems can arise.

Meditation, crystal and/or energy healing like Reiki, and the postures of a physical yoga practice can balance and align the chakras.

Most hatha practices (= one based on postures) begin with a variation of sun salutations ( = surya namaskara), because this series of poses not only warms up the body, but activates and optimizes the chakras.

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There are seven major chakras that run along the midline, but there are many, many more that run throughout the subtle body - like, 72,000 of them!! They distribute prana throughout the being.

I'll run down an overview of the seven biggies here, but there is TONS of info that can be shared about them. Each chakra is associated with a color, sound, element, parts of the body, and much more.

1. Root chakra = MULADHARA = Root Support
   Color: Red
   Musical Note: C
   Element: Earth
   Associated with: roots, grounding, survival, body, food, matter, beginning

Located in the perineum/base of the spine; associated with survival and grounding. In survival mode, we are occupied with instinctual needs for rest, warmth, food, shelter, and safety.

This chakra corresponds with the adrenal glands, legs, feet, bones, large intestines, and teeth. Malfunctions manifest as weight problems, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, degenerative arthritis, and knee problems, as well as low energy, loneliness, feelings of abandonment, and dependency on external factors for satisfaction.

1. Navel chakra = SVADHISTHANA = Seat of the Self
   Color: Orange
   Musical Note: D
   Element: Water
   Associated with: change, polarities, movement, pleasure, emotions, sexuality, nurturance

Located in the lower abdomen; associated with emotions and sexuality. The first chakra addresses the sense of self, and the second chakra pertains to relationships and how we fit with others.

This chakra corresponds to the ovaries or testicles, womb, genitals, kidney, bladder, and circulatory system. Malfunctions manifest as sexual problems, impotence, frigidity, urinary tract problems, and a stiff lower back, as well as eating disorders, addictions, dependency, and unbalanced emotions.

1. Solar plexus chakra= MANIPURA = Shining Jewel
   Color: Yellow
   Musical Note: E
   Element: Fire
   Associated with: power, autonomy, will, energy, metabolism, technology, transformation, self-esteem

Located in the solar plexus; associated with personal power and self-esteem. This chakra is the "I can" center of the body that radiates the will.

This chakra corresponds to the pancreas, adrenals, digestive system, and muscles. Malfunctions manifest as ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and digestive disorders, as well as fear, insomnia, eating disorders, and memory and concentration problems.

1. Heart chakra = ANAHATA = Unbeaten, Undefeated
   Color: Green
   Musical Note: F
   Element: Air
   Associated with: love, breath, balance, affinity, unity, healing

Located over the sternum; associated with love. This chakra is the point where the spiritual world unites with the physical realm.

This chakra corresponds to the thymus, lungs, heart, pericardium, arms, and hands. Malfunctions manifest as asthma, high blood pressure, and heart and/or lung disease, as well as apathy, faithlessness, anger, jealousy, hopelessness, detachment, and holding grudges.

1. Throat chakra = VISHUDDHA = Purification
   Color: Blue
   Musical Note: G
   Element: Ether
   Associated with: sound, vibration, communication, mantras, telepathy, creativity

Located in the throat; associated with communication and creativity. Sound is of supreme importance, as communication is an act of connection.

This chakra corresponds to the thyroid, parathyroid, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Malfunctions manifest as sore throat, voice loss, stiff neck, colds, thyroid problems, and hearing problems, as well as anxiety, fear, ADHD, poor coping skills, and feelings of isolation.

1. Third eye chakra = AJNA = To Perceive/Command
   Color: Indigo
   Musical Note: A
   Element: Light
   Associated with: color, seeing, intuition, visualization, imagination, clairvoyance, vision

Located in the center of the forehead; associated with clairvoyance, intuition, and imagination. This is the respected third eye, a connection to cosmic consciousness and the "inner voice" guidance.

This chakra corresponds to the pineal gland and eyes. Malfunctions manifest as blindness, headaches, nightmares, eyestrain, and blurred vision, as well as personality disorders, neuroses, hallucinations, and learning disabilities.

1. Crown chakra = SAHASRARA = Thousandfold
   Color: Violet, White, or Gold
   Musical Note: B
   Element: Consciousness
   Associated with: thought, information, knowing, understanding, transcendence, immanence, meditation

Located at the top of the head; associated with knowledge, understanding, and transcendence. Inspiration pours in through the crown chakra.

This chakra corresponds to the pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, and central nervous system. Malfunctions manifest as depression, dementia, autoimmune disorders, alienation, confusion, boredom, apathy, and the inability to learn.

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Of course you don't need to know any of this to have a full and vibrant yoga practice, but it sure is fun to nerd out on the rich, multifaceted aspects of the ancient practice that unites body, mind, and spirit.

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💛 Sara!

The little people with chakras came from here. The chakra symbols came from here.