The study of 7 chakras originates in Eastern spiritual traditions that consider the seven primary chakras the basis of our human existence. Similarly, today’s Western approaches place en emphasis on the seven chakras as representations of different aspects of our life and describe their function in various terms encompassing the psychological, physical, energetic and spiritual.
7 Major Chakras Overview
The basic human chakra system, as it is commonly accepted, consists of seven chakras stretching from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Their names, locations and corresponding chakra colors are:
- Root chakra — base of the spine — red
- Sacral chakra — just below the navel — orange
- Solar Plexus chakra — stomach area — yellow
- Heart chakra — center of the chest — green
- Throat chakra — base of the throat — blue
- Third Eye chakra — forehead, above between the eyes — indigo
- Crown chakra — top of the head — violet
Sometimes, a Sanskrit name is used instead of plain English because the study of the chakra system as we know it in our modern Western culture originates mostly from yogic traditions from India.You’ll sometimes find them referenced as:
- “Muladhara”
- “Svadhishthana”
- “Manipura”
- “Anahata”
- “Vishuddha”
- “Ajna”
- “Sahasrara”
The Seven Chakras in the Human Body
The seven chakras are commonly associated with the following parts of the body:
- The first one to the perineum, in the coccyx area
- The second one to the lower belly, seen a few inches below the navel
- The third one to the solar plexus
- The fourth one to the center of the chest, slightly to the left of the physical heart
- The fifth one to the throat, at the carotid plexus
- The sixth one to the point between the eyebrows or “third eye”
- The seventh one to the top of the cranium
It’s important to remember that the location of the seven chakras varies slightly depending on the traditions or school of thoughts. Some may place the second one slightly to the left of the body, at the level of the spleen, while others will place it lower at the level of the gonads.
Even though the 7 chakras are associated with specific parts of the body, they are not “physical” entities per se, but belong to the realm of “subtle energy”. They can be described at the crossroad of the material and the immaterial, the biological and the spiritual, and pertain to the body, mind, and spirit all together.
The 7 Chakra System Explained
The 7 chakras are part of the most commonly known chakra system made of seven energy centers located along the spine and ending in the brain, from the perineum area to the top of the head.
The mainstream chakra system is based on a Hindu chakra system that recognizes seven distinct “wheels” or “centers” of energy that are perpetually in motion along the human body’s spinal column. Each possessing its own color and vibrational frequency, these wheels are the catalysts of consciousness and human function. They govern various emotional issues, from our survival instincts and self-esteem to our ability to communicate and experience love.
What Is ChakraBalancing?
A large part of getting to know how to work with your chakras involves chakra balancing. A chakra blockage and imbalance in one or several of 7 chakras can initiate mental, emotional, physical and/or spiritual ailments. Regardless of whether you use chakra stones, crystals, reiki, or another form of vibrational healing to restore chakra balance, being well-versed about chakra systems, their function, and the areas they govern can be invaluable.
Balancing chakras and healing with the chakra energy system requires a working knowledge of chakras and their functions. While a basic chakra chart illustrates the foundational seven chakras, did you know there are additional chakras to consider?
Beyond The Seven Chakra System
It is important to understand we are all made of pure energy and we share it with the Earth — which gives and sustains life. That being said, the more intricate 12 chakra system illustrates just how closely we are “tied” to the planet. Stretching from an estimated three feet below the earth’s surface to deep into space is a cord of energy that links each and every human being to the planet and the universe.
Learn more about the 12 chakras with a brief explanation of the additional five chakras, including their names, function, and color.
Other chakra resources:
- The earth chakras
- The hand chakras
