Very simply, a chakra is an energy centre that exists within the body. These energy centres exist on the midline of the body and each one has a specific function and ability. Chakras are also represented by specific colours and they can be open, closed, or even blocked. When a chakra is closed or blocked, the other chakras may go into an overdrive to compensate for the closed or blocked chakra. Anytime this occurs the chakras can become out of balance.

There are seven chakras that run through the midline of the body. They are:

The Root Chakra – this energy centre rests at the base of the spine and represents our feelings of being grounded. The root chakra is connected to the colour red. When the root chakra is in balance you will likely feel as though you have a strong foundation. This will help you to feel stable and secure. When the root chakra is out of balance or blocked you may feel a heightened sense of insecurity, anxiety, and nervousness. When the root chakra is overactive you may exhibit traits of being greedy or materialistic in nature.

The Sacral Chakra – this energy centre rests in the lower abdomen about two inches below your navel and is connected to our emotions and sexuality. The sacral chakra is represented by the colour orange. When the sacral chakra is in balance your emotions can be easily expressed and you feel a deep connection to your sexuality, sensuality and ability to express them. When the chakra is out of balance you may become unemotional, stiff, and be lacking in libido. When this chakra is overactive you may feel overly emotional and may exhibit extreme behaviours.

The Solar Plexus Chakra – this chakra rests about two inches above the navel and is connected to self-esteem, assertiveness and our feelings of being in control. The solar plexus chakra is represented by the colour yellow. When in balance you will feel secure and in control of all the facets of your life. When out of balance, you will feel indecisive and as though you aren’t able to get what you really want. When this chakra is overactive you feel overly aggressive and possessive.

The Heart Chakra – resting right above the heart this chakra is connected to love and kindness. The heart chakra is represented by the colour green. When the heart chakra is open you feel compassionate, friendly and easily able to find harmony in your relationships. When the heart chakra is out of balance you may feel cold and distant to those around you. When the heart chakra is overactive you may love selfishly and can be seen as suffocating or overly expressive of your feelings.

The Throat Chakra – sitting at the very centre of your throat this chakra is all about communication and expression. It is represented by a lighter blue colour. When to throat chakra is in balance you can easily express yourself in any medium that you prefer. When this chakra is out of balance you may not speak very much, may feel shy or generally unable to express yourself. When this chakra is overactive you may become a bad listener because you are simply speaking too much.

The Third Eye Chakra – located at the space between the eyebrows this chakra is all about insight and intuition. It is represented by a deep blue colour. When in balance you will have a very strong sense of intuition. When the third eye chakra is out of balance, you may become confused and unable to trust yourself. When this chakra is overactive you may begin to fantasize too much and separate yourself from reality.

The Crown Chakra – resting on the very top of your head this chakra is all about wisdom. It is represented by the colour purple. When in balance you are extremely aware of the world around you. When this chakra is out of balance you may become extremely rigid in your thinking. When this chakra is overactive you may overthink things too much and ignore your bodily need.

The chakras can tell you a lot about what is going on in your body and your mind. This system really helps to understand your bodies energies, your minds wants and needs and how you approach the world around you. To learn more about chakras and how to balance them, seek out chakra workshops at your local yoga studio.