What are the 7 Chakras
The 7 Chakras are the key energy centers of the body. You’ve probably heard people talk about “unblocking” their chakras, which refers to the idea that when all our chakras are open, energy can run through them freely, and harmony exists between the physical body, mind, and spirit.
The Chakra system is traditionally said to have originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC. The word Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy. There are seven main chakras that run along the spine, but some believe many more chakras are located all over the body (114). It is believed that the health of a person’s Chakras is directly connected to the health of their physical body, mind, and emotional wellness.
Are Chakras Real or Just Outdated Beliefs?
Many modern-day scientists will argue that there is no scientific proof of the existence of the 7 Chakras and would argue that energy within the body is simply generated by metabolism and transferred as electrochemical signals within our nervous system.
Some believe that the concept of Chakras is simply an outdated and ancient diagram of our nervous system but is not realistic. Some say that any blockage of signals in the body can be attributed to injury or disease such as cord transection or pathology and to date those types of injuries are unable to be healed or reversed.
It is not my intention to argue with modern science or to turn people into believers in something they may not consider possible. If a person does not choose to believe in something, then they simply do not believe and it likely will not be real to them. If one does not have faith, then it is not the responsibility of another person to make them a believer. For myself, I choose to believe in things that some might consider unconventional or outdated and when it comes to the concept and belief behind the concept of Chakras I know that I am a believer, and I have faith in certain beliefs that can’t be proven by modern science. I have shared some information about Chakras in the article below
I hope you enjoy this article and that you have an open mind to new possibilities and ways of thinking
The order in which the Chakras are usually explained is from bottom to the top, Root to Crown.
1st Chakra Muladhara – The Root Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and represents our ability to remain grounded and our foundation
Element: Earth
Color: Red
Organ/System Affected:
Large intestine and rectum. Also associated with kidney function, muscular skeletal system, and fat cells.
Deficiency/Excess: Lack of energy, bowel disorders, depression and immune related issues.
When properly aligned, we have confidence in our ability to overcome challenges and obstacles that stand in our way. When the energy is blocked in our Root Chakra, we may feel unstable, threatened, or unsure of ourselves.
What it Influences: It is associated with career, financial independence, and other survival issues such as food and shelter.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for Root Chakra
Vitamin C – Helps Immune System Function
Vitamin A – Helps build strong Bones and Joints
Vitamin D – Helps Immune System Function/ Helps mood regulation
Beneficial foods for the root chakra.
- Red-colored foods like apples and beets tomatoes, strawberries
- Hot spices
- Root vegetables
2nd Chakra Swadhisthana – The Sacral Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: Located in the lower abdomen about 2″ below the navel, the Sacral Chakra is associated with connection and our ability to accept new experiences and others. The Sacral Chakra is related to our sense of pleasure, and sensuality.
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Organ/System Affected:
Liver, Kidneys, and lower Abdomen, and immune systems.
Endocrine System: Pancreas
Balanced: When Properly Aligned, the Sacral Chakra emits warmth, confidence, and abundance
Deficiency/Excess:
Chronic back pain, sciatica, blood cancer, diabetes, dysfunction of urinary system, reproductive organs, and spleen.
When unbalanced, it can emit feelings of fear, depression, instability, addictive behaviors, and loss of creativity.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for Sacral Chakra
L-Theanine- Helps to temporarily promote relaxation
Vitamins B1, B6, B12 – Contribute to the maintenance of a healthy immune system
Ashwagandha – Traditionally used in Ayurveda to increase resistance to stress
Gaba – Helps promote relaxation
Beneficial foods for the Sacral Chakra
- Sweet Fruits like mangos, strawberries, oranges,
- Nuts
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Sesame seeds
3rd Chakra Manipura – Solar Plexus Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: Directly connected to our ability to be confident. In control of our lives, the Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the upper abdomen in the stomach region. The Solar Plexus Chakra is believed to have a direct relationship with our levels of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Organ/System Affected:
Respiratory System, Digestive System, lower back, the sympathetic nervous system, pancreas, spleen, and liver.
Endocrine System:
Adrenal Glands and Pancreas
Deficiency/Excess:
Liver and stomach disorders, digestive problems, allergies, arthritis, diabetes, pancreatic inflammation
When out of alignment or unbalanced you may have feelings associated with, Low self-esteem, lack of will-power, victim mentality, attraction to self-medicating with stimulants
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for the Solar Plexus Chakra
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – Helps to maintain the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients.
Milk Thistle – Supports Liver Function
L-Arginine – Promotes Protein Synthesis
L-Ornithine – Promotes Protein Synthesis
L- Glycine – Promotes Protein Synthesis
4th Chakra Anahata -The Heart Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: The location of the Heart Chakra is just above the heart and it has an emotional connection with love, joy, relationships with self and others, and inner peace. It is responsible for our ability to both give and receive love, Not only form others but also from ourselves.
Color: Green
Element: Air
Organ/System Affected:
Heart and circulatory system, pulmonary system, immune system, arms, shoulders, upper back
Endocrine System: Thymus Gland
When we have a healthy connection to our Heart Chakra we may feel a strong sense of compassion, understanding, and inner peace
Deficiency/Excess:
Disorders related to the heart, and lungs, allergies, asthma, immune system disorders,
An unbalanced Heart Chakra may be associated with feelings such as an inability to open or feel connected to themselves or others, and feeling unloved.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for the Heart Chakra
Agmatine Sulfate – Increases Blood Flow
Cordyceps – Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help replenish the lungs and kidneys, and resolve phlegm
Vitamin D – Helps with immune function.
Vitamin E – Promotes good health
5th Chakra Vishuddha – The Throat Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: Just as its name suggests, the Throat Chakra is located in the throat. The Throat Chakra is said to be responsible for self-expression, communication, and truth. The Throat Chakra represents our overall ability to communicate.
Color: Blue
Element: Space
Organ/System Affected:
Throat, neck, mouth, teeth, gums, ears, muscular system
Endocrine System:
Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands
Deficiency/Excess:
Throat problems, ulcers of the mouth, laryngitis, thyroid problems, ear infections, neck and shoulder pain
A healthy and open Throat Chakra is recognized by an ability to communicate easily, good listening skills, a creative outlook towards life, assuredness or self-confidence, ability to offer sound advice to others
An unbalanced Throat Chakra may have negative effects following effects on a person’s ability to, express themselves verbally, take criticism from others, lack of creativity or expression, shyness.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for the Throat Chakra
B Complex Vitamins – Supports Hormone Regulation
Zinc – Immune System Health
Vitamin C – Helps support Immune Function
Vitamin D – Helps support immune function
6th Chakra Ajna – The Third Eye Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: The Third Eye Chakra is located between the eyes and is often referred to as the Brow Chakra. It is emotionally and spiritually connected to our intuition, imagination, wisdom, and ability to think and make clear decisions.
Color: White
Element: Indigo
Organ/System Affected:
Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, and sinuses.
Endocrine System:
Pituitary and Pineal Glands.
Deficiency/Excess:
Eye and ear problems, headaches, brain tumors, neurological imbalances, spinal disorders, learning disabilities.
If properly balanced you may have a strong sense of perception, clear memory, vivid recollection of dreams, powerful imagination, and feeling optimistic even when facing adversity.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for the Third Eye Chakra
Panax Ginseng – Used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help increase resistance to stress
Bacopa Monniera – Traditionally used in Ayurveda for memory enhancement
Beneficial foods for the Third Eye Chakra
- Cacao/dark chocolate
- Purple sweet potatoes
- Blackberries
- Grapes
- Chia seed
7th Chakra Sahasrara – The Crown Chakra
Location/Emotional Connection: The Crown Chakra is the highest Chakra and is located at the very top of the head. The Crown Chakra’s emotional connection is to inner and outer beauty, our relationship to spirituality, and how we accept bliss.
Color: White/Violet
Element: None/Thought
Organ/System Affected:
Brain, central nervous system. It is believed to have a connection to our cognitive health and calmness.
Endocrine System:
Pineal gland
Deficiency/Excess:
Constant frustration, destructive energy, migraine headaches, and depression.
Excess of energy causes confusion, addictive behaviors, dissociation from physical self.
Beneficial Vitamins and Herbs for the Crown Chakra
Rhodiola Rosea – Used in herbal medicine to support cognitive function and mental stamina, and to temporarily relieve symptoms of stress
Gingko Biloba – Circulation and blood flow to the brain
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 – Essential for healthy brain function
Ashwagandha- Traditionally used as a sleep aid and for stress reduction
Bacopa Monniera – Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a sleep aid, stress reduction and helps support cognitive health brain function