Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About The 7 Chakras In The Body (2024)

Theseven chakrasare the mainenergy centersof the body. You've probably heard people talk about "unblocking" theirchakras, which refers to the idea that when all of our chakras are open, energy can run through them freely, and harmony exists between thephysical body, mind, and spirit.

Chakra translates to "wheel" inSanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy.

In thisbeginner's guide, we'llsummarize the defining characteristics of the seven main chakras, explain how to tell when any of them are blocked, and share how to unblock each one—from root to crown—using mantras, yoga poses, and more.

TheMuladhara, or root chakra,represents our foundation. On thehuman body, it sits at thebase of the spineand gives us the feeling of being grounded.

Whenthe root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it's blocked, we feel threatened, as if we're standing on unstable ground.

TheSwadhisthana, or sacral chakra, helps inform how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others. Italso governs creativity and sexual energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives.

The third chakra, thesolar plexus chakra,speaks to your ability to be confident and in control of your life. Think back to the last time you had butterflies or felt a pit in the stomach: That's theManipura chakraat work.

If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves.

The Anahata, orheart chakra, is the bridge between thelower chakras(associated with materiality) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As the name suggests,this chakracan influence our ability to give and receive love—from others and ourselves.

Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone's heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy.

The Vishuddha, orthroat chakra, gives voice to theheart chakraand controls our ability to communicate ourpersonal power.

Whenit's functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.

As we move up the body, we're getting closer to communion with the divine. The Anja, or third-eye chakra, controls our ability to see the big picture and connect to intuition. Think of it asthe eye of the soul: It registers information beyond the surface level.

Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra.

The Sahasrara, or crown chakra, the highest chakra, sits at thecrown of the headand represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. When youfully open your crown chakra—something very few people ever do!—you're able to access a higher consciousness.

Now that you have a general overview, you can start to further balance each of your chakras using these primers: