The concept of chakras originates from ancient Indian spiritual practices, where they were initially outlined in sacred writings as energy centers that impact an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This idea is intricately linked to the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantric traditions, forming a crucial aspect of these belief systems.
Chakras can be traced back to the Vedas, a set of ancient Indian texts created over 3,000 years ago. Recognized as the earliest spiritual documents in Hinduism, these scriptures refer to the notion of life force (prana) circulating within the body, although they do not specifically identify chakras.
During the era of the Upanishads (approximately 800–500 BCE), the framework of the chakra system began to develop more clearly. Texts such as the Yoga Upanishads introduced the concept of energy centers and their relevance to spiritual practices. The chakras were depicted as locations along the spine that enable the movement of prana through pathways known as nadis.
Chakras and Their Origins
Chakras come from ancient Indian spiritual traditions, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. In Sanskrit, “chakra” translates to “wheel” or “disk,” and it denotes the energy centers within the body that contribute to overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Vedic Literature
The first mentions of chakras are found in the “Vedas,” sacred Hindu texts over three thousand years old. =
Tantric Practices
Around the 6th century CE, Tantric texts described a system of seven main chakras along the spine, connected by energy pathways called “nadis.” These texts introduced practices like meditation and breath control to awaken and balance these energy centers.
Yoga and Buddhism
Chakras are key elements in “Hatha Yoga” and “Raja Yoga,” which aim for harmony between body and mind. Tibetan Buddhism also shares a similar concept of energy that highlights spiritual growth through meditation.
Moderng Understanding
In the late late 1800s and early 1900s, figures such as Charles Leadbeater helped to bring attention to the chakra system among Western spiritualists. Nowadays, chakras are extensively explored and incorporated into practices related to holistic healing, yoga, and meditation.
The seven chakras are important energy points in the body that affect both spiritual and physical health, according to ancient Indian beliefs. Each chakra connects to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Keeping them balanced is believed to promote overall well-being.
7 Chakra
- Root Chakra (Muladhara): This chakra is at the base of the spine and relates to basic needs, stability, and grounding. It is red and associated with the earth element. When balanced, it creates a sense of safety and security.
- Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Located below the navel, this chakra affects emotions, creativity, and sexuality. It is orange and linked to water, promoting emotional flexibility and creativity.
- Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): This chakra is in the upper abdomen and relates to self-confidence, personal power, and willpower. Yellow represents it, while fire symbolizes transformation and strength.
- Heart Chakra (Anahata): Found in the center of the chest, this chakra embodies love, compassion, and relationships. Its green color and air element emphasize connection with others.
- Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Located in the throat, this chakra relates to communication and self-expression. It is blue, with ether as its element, representing openness.
- Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Positioned between the eyebrows, it governs intuition and wisdom. Indigo represents it, while light symbolizes clarity and awareness.
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): At the top of the head, this chakra is linked to spirituality and enlightenment. It is often depicted in violet or white, embodying cosmic energy.
Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help maintain chakra balance and improve overall health.
7 Chakras Chart
Here’s a brief overview of the seven Chakras Chart along with their associated colors, locations, and basic characteristics:
CHAKRA | BALANCED | BLOCKED | OVERACTIVE | PHYSICAL PROBLEMS | GLAND | BODY PARTS | SOUND | MUSICAL NOTE | GEMSTONES |
Root | Safe, secure, centred, grounded, happy to be alive | Fearful, anxious, unsure, financial instability, ungrounded | Greedy, lust for power, aggressive, materialistic, cynical. | Lower back pain, leg pain, sciatica, eating disorders, constipation | Adrenal | Legs, feet, bones, large intestines, teeth | Lam | C | Red ones e.g. ruby, garnet, red jasper |
Sacral | Passion, creative, healthy libido, optimistic, open | Low libido, fear of intimacy, no creativity, isolated. | Over-emotional, fixated on sex, hedonistic, manipulative. | Infertility, impotence, hip pain, urinary problems, | Gonads | Womb, genitals, kidney, bladder, lower back. | Vam | D | Orange ones e.g. carnelian, orange sapphire, imperial topaz. |
Solar Plexus | Confident, feel in control, personal power, drive, good self-image | Low selfesteem, feeling powerless, inferiority complex | Power hungry, domineering, perfectionist, critical. | Digestive issues, stomach ulcers, hypertension, diabetes | Pancreas | Digestive system, liver, gall bladder, muscles. | Ram | E | Yellow ones e.g. citrine, yellow sapphire, amber. |
Heart | Peaceful, loving, compassionate, tolerant, warm. | Lack of empathy, bitter, hateful, trust issues, intolerant. | Jealous, codependent, self-sacrificing, give too much. | Circulatory problems, heart disease, upper back pain, lung issues | Thymus | Lungs, heart, arms, hands. | Yam | F | Green or pink ones e.g. jade, rose quartz, and emerald. |
Throat | Confient expression, clear communicator, creative, diplomatic | Can’t express self or speak out, misunderstood, secritive, not a good listener | Opinionated, loud, critical, gossipy, yell or talk over others. | Poor immune system, frequent colds/flu, chronic cough, hearing issues. | Thyroid | Throat, neck, shoulders, jaw and mouth. | Ham | G | Bright or light blue ones e.g. turquoise, aquamarine, blue topaz. |
Third Eye | Imaginative, intuitive, clear thoughts and vision, sees beyond physical. | Poor judgement, lacks focus, poor imagination, can’t see beyond physical.. | Nightmares, delusions, hallucinations, obsessive, see too many spirits | Eyestrain, poor vision, headaches, sleep issues, memory issues | Pineal | Eyes, ears, sinuses, lower brain. | Om | A | Dark blue or indigo ones e.g. lapis lazuli, sapphire, or tanzanite. |
Crown | Strong faith, universal love, intelligent, aware, wise, understanding. | Depression, learning difficulties, weak faith, anger at divine, brain fog. | Dogmatic, judgemental, spiritual addiction, ungrounded. | Neuological issues, nerve pain, diziness, headaches, cognitive issues. | Pituitary | Upper brain and nervous system. | None | B | Purple or clear ones e.g. amethyst, clear quartz, and diamond |