The seven chakras are powerful energy centers within the human body that govern physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Originating from the ancient wisdom of yogic and tantric traditions, these chakras form a system of energy alignment, influencing every aspect of our existence.
By understanding and activating them, we can experience deeper awareness, inner peace, and holistic well-being.
What are the 7 Chakras?
To make it easier to understand what 7 chakras are and the qualities of each chakra, here’s a detailed chart that highlights their elements, colors, mantras, and associated aspects for energy balance and healing.
| Chakra | Element | Color | Mantra | Associated Aspects |
| 1. Root (Muladhara) | Earth | Red | LAM | Survival, safety, grounding, financial stability |
| 2. Sacral (Svadhisthana) | Water | Orange | VAM | Creativity, pleasure, emotions, intimacy |
| 3. Solar Plexus (Manipura) | Fire | Yellow | RAM | Willpower, transformation, determination |
| 4. Heart (Anahata) | Air | Green / Pink | YAM | Love, kindness, emotional healing, relationships |
| 5. Throat (Vishuddha) | Ether (Space) | Blue | HAM | Speech, communication, authenticity, clarity |
| 6. Third Eye (Ajna) | Light | Indigo | OM | Intuition, clarity, insight, imagination |
| 7. Crown (Sahasrara) | Cosmic Energy | Violet / White | Silence / OM | Spirituality, consciousness, universal connection |
7 Chakras and How to Unblock Them
Each chakra holds a unique energy and purpose. Here’s how the seven chakras function and the practices that can help activate them.
1. The Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Foundation of Stability
The Root Chakra, also known as Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine. It represents stability, grounding, and our basic survival instincts. This chakra connects us to the earth and provides a sense of security and balance in life.
How to Activate the Root Chakra:
- Practice grounding yoga poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana) and Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I).
- Meditate with the mantra “LAM” while visualizing a glowing red light at the base of your spine.
- Walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand to reconnect with the earth’s energy.
- Eat grounding foods such as root vegetables, beans, and nuts.
2. The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Center of Creativity and Passion
The Sacral Chakra, or Svadhisthana, is located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel. It governs creativity, sensuality, and emotional well-being.
How to Activate the Sacral Chakra:
- Engage in creative activities such as painting, dancing, or writing.
- Meditate with the mantra “VAM” while imagining an orange sphere of energy in the lower abdomen.
- Practice hip-opening yoga poses like Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) and Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana).
- Incorporate water rituals such as swimming or bathing with essential oils.
Note: While learning about the chakras is deeply valuable, the real transformation comes from practicing under the guidance of experienced teachers. At Saptkaya Yoga School in Rishikesh, our holistic yoga retreats integrate traditional yogic practices, meditation, and Ayurvedic healing to help you naturally balance and activate all seven chakras.
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Power and Confidence
The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is located in the upper abdomen near the stomach. It represents personal power, confidence, and self-esteem.
How to Activate the Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Practice yoga poses like Boat Pose (Navasana) and Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) to strengthen the core.
- Chant the mantra “RAM” while visualizing a golden yellow sun radiating from your solar plexus.
- Engage in activities that build confidence, such as public speaking or journaling affirmations.
- Eat yellow foods like bananas, corn, and pineapple to enhance its vibration.
4. The Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Love and Compassion
The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is located at the center of the chest. It bridges the physical and spiritual aspects of our being, embodying love, compassion, and forgiveness.
How to Activate the Heart Chakra:
- Practice heart-opening yoga poses such as Camel Pose (Ustrasana) and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana).
- Meditate with the mantra “YAM” while visualizing green light radiating from your chest.
- Engage in acts of kindness, gratitude journaling, or compassion-based practices.
- Surround yourself with nature, especially green environments like forests.
5. The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Expression and Communication
The Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha, is located at the throat region and is the center of communication, truth, and self-expression.
How to Activate the Throat Chakra:
- Chant the mantra “HAM” while visualizing a bright blue energy at the throat.
- Practice breathing exercises like Ujjayi Pranayama to enhance vocal clarity.
- Express yourself through singing, journaling, or open communication.
- Practice yoga poses like Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) and Plow Pose (Halasana).
6. The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Intuition and Wisdom
The Third Eye Chakra, or Ajna, is located between the eyebrows. It is the seat of intuition, higher wisdom, and inner vision.
How to Activate the Third Eye Chakra:
- Meditate with the mantra “OM” while focusing on the point between the eyebrows.
- Practice mindfulness and visualization exercises to enhance intuition.
- Use yoga poses like Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Eagle Pose (Garudasana) for mental clarity.
- Avoid overstimulation from media and cultivate inner silence.
7. The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – Spiritual Connection
The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of the head. It represents spiritual connection, enlightenment, and unity with the divine.
How to Activate the Crown Chakra:
- Practice meditation in silence, focusing on the sensation at the crown of the head.
- Visualize a violet or white light expanding from your head into the universe.
- Engage in prayer, chanting, or mindful contemplation of spiritual teachings.
- Practice yoga poses such as Headstand (Sirsasana) and Corpse Pose (Savasana) for higher awareness.
How to Balance Chakras
To achieve harmony, it is essential to balance all seven chakras rather than focusing on just one. Practices like Kundalini Yoga, Pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and sound healing help align these energy centers, creating a flow of life force (Prana) throughout the body.
Some effective holistic methods include:
- Regular meditation with chakra-focused visualization
- Chanting seed mantras corresponding to each chakra
- Practicing a combination of yoga asanas for physical alignment
- Using healing crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz, and citrine
- Incorporating Ayurvedic lifestyle and diet for energy balance
👉 If you are ready to go beyond theory and truly experience chakra activation in your daily life, participating in an immersive yoga retreat in Rishikesh at Saptkaya Yoga School offers a guided path to activate and harmonize your energy centers.
Reserve Your Yoga & Wellness Retreat!
Understanding and activating the seven chakras is a transformative journey toward self-awareness, emotional balance, and spiritual enlightenment. By consistently practicing chakra activation techniques, we can align mind, body, and spirit, creating a life filled with harmony, vitality, and peace.
