Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras: Symbols, Effects and Balance | Arhanta Yoga Blog (2023)

What are the chakras?

Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are located in the astral body along the spine, beginning at its base and rising to the top of the head. The astral body is the energy body that resides within our physical body. Every part of the physical body has a corresponding part of the astral body. The astral body cannot be seen or touched. This is also a reason why we cannot see the chakras.

Chakras emit a specific color and energy. Each corresponds to a gland in the physical body. Because each chakra is associated with specific spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of our being, its blockage or malfunction is believed to lead to physical, psychological, and emotional disorders. On the other hand, the conscious awareness and balance of these energy centers is believed to lead to well-being and good health.

This relates to the purpose of yoga. OverAsanasIn practice, yoga seeks to stimulate and balance these chakras or energy centers in the body.Read on to learn more about the 7 chakras, their symbols, attributes, effects and balancing techniques.

How many chakras are there in the body?

Mostly one hears about the “seven chakras”, but there are infinitely many chakras in the human body. The 7 chakras are assigned a specific vibration, colour, symbol and sound. Depending on whether these energy centers are healthy or blocked, you can experience different attributes of your physical, mental, and emotional health. The 7 main chakras as they appear on the body are:

1. Chakra-Muladhara– root chakra

2. Swadhishthana-Chakra– Chacra sacro

3. Manipura-Chakra- Solar Plexus Chakra

4. Anahata-Chakra- heart chakra

5. Chakra Vishuddha– Kehlchakra

6. Ajna-Chakra– Third eye chakra

7.Sahastrara-Chakra- Crown Chakra

Does a chakra have a shape?

There are many myths about the shape of the chakras. Some say they are like spinning disks while others believe they are like flowers hanging from the spine. Some people even think they look like an ice cream cone! All these different ideas exist simply because the chakras cannot be seen with the eyes or any device. Therefore, we tend to believe everything that is commonly reported.

Ancient scriptures say that a chakra is shaped like a sphere or ball. And it is even believed that planet Earth is a major chakra of the solar system and a minor chakra of our galaxy, the Milky Way. It spins to disperse some energy, but knowing more about it is beyond the reach of human imagination.

How big is a chakra?

Some people say that chakras are 30 cm in radius, while others say they change size with the flow of energy. The scriptures, on the other hand, tell us that the chakras are very small since they are located in the astral spinal cord, which is also located in the physical spinal cord.

The 7 chakras: symbols, symptoms and effects

1. Muladhara-Chakra – Chakra-Wurzel

Symbol:The root chakra symbol consists of a 4-petalled lotus flower, a square and a triangle pointing down. Each element is meant to represent the 4 aspects of the human mind coming together to form the birth of human consciousness.

Kor: Rot

Element: Earth

Location:The root chakra, also known as the muladhara chakra, is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and genitals. It is shaped by the emotions of survival, stability, ambition and self-sufficiency.

Symptoms of a blocked root chakra:When this chakra is out of balance, the person begins to feel unstable, bottomless, without ambition, without purpose, anxious, insecure and frustrated.

SSigns of a Balanced/Unbalanced Root Chakra:However, when the root chakra is balanced, these are replaced with more positive emotions and you feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent and strong.

Mantra:The Seed-Mantra (Beej-Mantra) of Muladhara-Chakras is "Lam".

Yoga postures to balance the root chakra:Tree Pose (Vrkshasana)jBerghaltung (Tadasana).

2. Chakra Svadhishthana – Chakra Sacro

Symbol:The Svadhishthana chakra or sacral chakra symbol consists of multiple circles, a crescent moon and six lotus petals. The circles and crescent represent the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth, while the 6 petals represent the 6 negative aspects of our nature that we must overcome in order to open this chakra.

Kor:Orange

Element:agua

Location:The Svadhishthana chakra, better known as the sacral chakra, is located in the lower abdomen, about four finger widths below the navel. Its attributes include the basic need for sexuality, as well as creativity and self-esteem.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Sacral Chakra:When the sacral chakra is out of balance, a person can feel emotionally explosive and irritable, feel low in energy and creative, feel manipulative, or become obsessed with sexual thoughts.

Signs of a balanced sacral chakra:When it is balanced, one feels more alive, happier, more positive, more fulfilled, more compassionate and more intuitive.

Mantra:O mantra semilla (beej mantra) of Svadhishthana Chakra is 'Vam'.

Yoga postures to activate the sacral chakra:You can work on balancing the Svadhishthana Chakra by practicing postures likeCrow Pose (Kakasana)or standing poses likeTriangle pose (Trikonasana).

3. Manipura-Chakra – Chakra do Plexo Solar

Symbol:The solar plexus chakra symbol consists of a downward pointing triangle within a ten-petalled lotus flower. The ten petals symbolize ten negative character traits that we need to overcome while the triangle is the Agni Tattva or fire of Kundalini energy signifying our inner strength.

Kor:Gelb

Element:Fog

Location:The Manipura Chakra is located in the solar plexus, between the navel and the lower part of the chest. It is characterized by emotions such as ego, anger and aggression.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:An imbalance in the solar plexus chakra can manifest itself physically in the form of digestive problems, liver problems or diabetes. On an emotional level, one can struggle with depression, low self-esteem, anger, and perfectionism.

Signs of a balanced solar plexus chakra:By balancing this chakra, we feel more energetic, confident, productive, and focused.

Mantra:The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Manipura Chakra is "Ram".

Yoga Poses for Solar Plexus Chakra Alignment:Working on the Manipura Chakra can be done in poses such as ClassicalVorderbeuge (Paschimottanasana), classicCobra-Haltung (Bhujangasana), OfPostura do arco (Dhanurasana).

4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra

Symbol:In the heart chakra symbol, two triangles intersect to form a yantra, representing the balance of yin and yang, or upward and downward forces. Outside there is a 12-petal lotus flower, symbolizing the twelve divine qualities associated with the heart.

Kor:Green

Element: Ar

Location: As the name suggests, the Anahata Chakra is located in the region of the heart. This chakra is the seat of balance and is characterized by feelings such as love, connection, compassion, trust and passion.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced heart chakra:When the heart chakra is out of balance, a person can deal with emotional issues such as anger, lack of self-confidence, fear, jealousy, anxiety, and bad mood.

Signs of a balanced heart chakra:By harmonizing this energy center, the person begins to feel more compassionate, caring, optimistic, kind, and motivated.

Mantra:Das Saatmantra (beej mantra) des Anahata Chakra ist „Yam“.

Yoga postures to balance the heart chakra:The heart chakra can be balanced by practicing poses likeHalf Bridge (Ardha Setubandhasana), OfFish Pose (Matsyasana).

5. Vishuddha Chakra – Kehlchakra

Symbol:The throat chakra symbol consists of a 16-petalled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle containing a circle. This represents spiritual growth and purification of body, mind and spirit.

Kor:azul

Element:Space

Location:The Visuddha chakra is located at the base of the throat and coincides with the thyroid. It is associated with inspiration, healthy expression, belief and the ability to communicate well.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced throat chakra:A blockage in the throat chakra can be experienced as shyness, quietness, a feeling of weakness, or an inability to express our thoughts.

Signs of a balanced throat chakra:When balanced, this chakra allows for creativity, positive self-expression, constructive communication, and a sense of contentment.

Mantra:The mantra semilla (beej mantra) of Vishuddha Chakra is 'Ham'.

Yoga postures to balance the throat chakra:The throat chakra is activated in poses such asShoulderstand (Sarvangasana)jPfluhaltung.

6. Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra

Symbol:The third eye chakra symbol consists of an inverted triangle resting in a circle between two lotus leaves. The two petals and downward pointing pyramid signify wisdom and emphasize the role of the Third Eye Chakra in our journey to spiritual awareness.

Kor:Indigo

Element: None

Location:The Ajna Chakra (pronounced “Agya Chakra”) is located between the eyebrows. Also known as the third eye chakra, it is often used as a focal point during asana practice to develop greater focus and awareness. Meditation on this chakra is said to destroy karma from past lives and bring liberation and intuitive insight. His attributes are intelligence, intuition, insight and self-knowledge.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced third eye chakra:When it's unbalanced, it can make you feel insecure and anxious about success, or conversely, it can make you more selfish. An imbalance can manifest itself in physical problems such as headaches, blurred vision and eyestrain.

Signs of a balanced Third Eye Chakra:When this chakra is active and balanced, a person feels more vibrant and secure both spiritually and emotionally. In the absence of fear of death one becomes one's own master and remains free from any attachment to material things.

Mantra:Das Saat-Mantra (Beej-Mantra) des Ajna Chakra ist „Om“.

Yoga postures to balance the third eye chakra:Ajna Chakra is stimulated when practicedHeadstand (Shirshasana).

7. Sahastrara-Chakra – Korona-Chakra

Symbol:The crown chakra symbol is represented as a ring of a thousand lotus petals around an inverted triangle. This symbolizes the rise of divine energy to the crown chakra, bringing liberation and spiritual enlightenment.

Kor:white violet

Element:none

Location:The Sahastrara or crown chakra is located at the top of the head. The seventh chakra is the center of spirituality, enlightenment and dynamic thinking and energy. Facilitates the inner flow of wisdom and brings the gift of cosmic awareness.

Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced crown chakra:When imbalanced, one can suffer from a constant sense of frustration, melancholy, and destructive feelings.

Signs of a balanced crown chakra:A balanced crown chakra promotes spiritual understanding, inner peace, and a clear view of the world.

Mantra:The Saat-Mantra (Beej-Mantra) of the Sahastrara-Chakras is “Aum”.

Yoga postures to align the crown chakra:Balancing the Sahasrara chakra can be achieved through practiceHeadstand (Shirshasana).

Can chakras affect health?

Chakras are associated with the organs and glands of the particular region in which they are located. As such, they have a major impact on our health, mood, and relationships with others. Depending on various factors such as our lifestyle, environment and surroundings, past experiences, etc., the chakras can be balanced or imbalanced. When a chakra is out of balance, it goes into an underactive or hyperactive mode. The function of an underactive or blocked chakra is insufficient or reduced. Likewise, an overactive chakra means that too much energy is flowing into that particular region and thus there is an imbalance in the overall flow of energy throughout the body.

How do I know if my chakras are blocked?

Since the chakras are interconnected, imbalance in one of them also causes disruption in the functionality of the other chakras. This causes people to feel disconnected, anxious and anxious and also manifests itself in poor health in one or more areas of the body.

To function optimally, your chakras must be in balance. And for that, you need to know what the chakras actually do and what you can do to take care of them.

How do the chakras work and why are they important?

The chakras act as distribution centers. You hand out the fivePranaassociated local regions. For example, the root chakra distributes the'apanaprana'into the pelvic region and supplies the organs in this region with energy. When a chakra is blocked or not functioning properly, this distribution pattern changes and physical or psycho-emotional/energetic problems arise.

How to balance your chakras

Each chakra rotates at a specific frequency and speed. This frequency and speed can change due to many factors such as diet, lifestyle, thought patterns, etc. An imbalance begins to create problems with energy distribution.Prana. Imagine what happens when a 50 watt light bulb starts receiving a 500 or 10 watt power supply! When we talk about balancing or awakening the chakras, we mean bringing them back up to speed.

There is no single method to unlock the chakras, but several. The best way to unblock your chakras will be different for everyone, and it's a matter of trial and error to find which method works for you. Here are some popular tools and techniques for clearing and balancing the chakras:

1. Diet

One of the main reasons for an imbalance in the chakras is an imbalance of the five elements in the body. A balanced diet helps balance the elements of the body.

2. Asanas

Asanashelp stimulate the chakras and improve their function. They also pave the way for chakra healing.

3. Breathing

Breathing helps increase flowPranain the body and removes the oldPrana.

4. Meditate

Many practitioners performMeditationto unlock the chakras. Chakra meditation calms the mind and helps the practitioner focus energy on a troubled spot in the chakra system.

5. Mudras

Chakra-MudrasThese are hand gestures commonly performed in yoga and meditation to direct energy where it is most needed. To balance the chakras, we balance the element in the body by performing the appropriate mudra.

To learn more about yoga and pranayama breathing exercises, read on: “What is the difference between pranayama and breathing exercises?

last thought

The 7 chakras are powerful points in the energy body that help maintain a healthy physical and emotional balance in life. For this reason, it is important that you observe these energy centers regularly and take time during your busy day to increase the flow of prana to each one. On a deeper level, aligning your chakras can also help you attune to your true self and unleash the divine power within you.