What are Chakras?

The entire universe is made of energy, and our bodies are no exception. Chakras are the energy centers that carries the life force energy that flows within the body and assist to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. Seven chakras are positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, color, and governs specific functions that help make you whole.

Chakra is an old Sanskrit word that literally translates to wheel. This is because the life force, or prana, that moves inside of you is spinning and rotating. Long before modern technology and science, ancient cultures knew that all living things carried a life force with them. They developed their cultures and spiritual practices around the clearing and aligning of the chakra system. The ancients understood that when these energy centers are blocked it can often lead to illness or dis-ease to the body, so it is important to know each chakras function and how to keep the energy flowing freely.

So what are the seven chakras?

1. Root Chakra — Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.

Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money and food.

2. Sacral Chakra — Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.

Location: Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel and two inches in.
Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra — Our ability to be confident and in control of our lives.

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem.

4. Heart Chakra — Our ability to love.

Location: Center of chest just above the heart.
Emotional issues: Love, joy and inner peace.

5. Throat Chakra — Our ability to communicate.

Location: Throat.
Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth.

6. Third Eye Chakra — Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra).
Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions.

7. Crown Chakra — The highest chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

Location: The very top of the head.
Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality and pure bliss.