Chakras are subtle energy centers within the human body that influence our physical vitality, emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. Originating from ancient Eastern traditions, the chakra system describes how life energy flows through us, shaping how we experience the world and ourselves.
There are seven main chakras, aligned along the spine from its base to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with specific qualities, emotions, organs, colors, and elements. When energy flows freely through these centers, we feel balanced, present, and connected. When it becomes blocked or imbalanced, we may experience discomfort on physical, emotional, or energetic levels.
Chakras are subtle energy centers within the human body that influence our physical vitality, emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. Originating from ancient Eastern traditions, the chakra system describes how life energy flows through us, shaping how we experience the world and ourselves.
There are seven main chakras, aligned along the spine from its base to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with specific qualities, emotions, organs, colors, and elements. When energy flows freely through these centers, we feel balanced, present, and connected. When it becomes blocked or imbalanced, we may experience discomfort on physical, emotional, or energetic levels.
Each chakra plays a unique role in our overall well-being:
Together, they form an interconnected system where harmony in one chakra supports balance in all others.
Balanced chakras support:
When one chakra is out of balance, it can affect others, creating patterns of stress, fatigue, insecurity, or emotional overwhelm. Chakra awareness helps us recognize these patterns and gently restore equilibrium.
Chakras can be supported and harmonized through various practices, including:
Crystals are often used as energetic companions, each resonating with specific chakras and qualities. When chosen with intention, they can help reinforce balance and awareness in everyday life.
Each chakra carries its own symbolism, strengths, and lessons. On the following pages, you’ll find deeper insights into every individual chakra, including:
Begin your journey at the foundation and move upward, or follow the path that feels most aligned with your current needs.
The Root Chakra is foundational. When all is well with this chakra, you’ll feel secure, calm and anchored in reality. You’ll be bold enough to tackle new challenges, and you’ll feel confident doing so. This makes a properly aligned Root Chakra vital whenever you’re trying something new or pursuing a major life goal.
You can develop a blocked Root Chakra if something threatens your basic survival needs (e.g. for food, shelter or money). Even if you simply fear that your basic survival will be undermined, your Root Chakra can come out of alignment in response.
The Root chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don’t unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. You feel you have sufficient territory.If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root chakra is probably under-active. You’d easily feel unwelcome.If this chakra is over-active, you may be very materialistic and greedy. You’re probably obsessed with being secure and resist change.
What it is: Think about your root chakra (AKA first chakra) as the foundation of a house, except for your body—it’s sturdy, stabilizing, and supportive, keeping everything safely connected as long as it’s functioning properly. It’s associated with the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae, and responsible for an individual’s sense of security and survival, says Olivia. Because of that, it’s also connected to whatever you use to ground yourself, including basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as your more emotional needs such as letting go of fear and feeling safe. As you well know, when these needs are met, you tend to worry less.
When it’s blocked: A variety of ailments can occur from blockages, including anxiety disorders, fears, or nightmares, adherents say. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, with the bladder, with elimination, or with lower back, leg, or feet issues.
The Root Chakra is foundational. When all is well with this chakra, you’ll feel secure, calm and anchored in reality. You’ll be bold enough to tackle new challenges, and you’ll feel confident doing so. This makes a properly aligned Root Chakra vital whenever you’re trying something new or pursuing a major life goal.
You can develop a blocked Root Chakra if something threatens your basic survival needs (e.g. for food, shelter or money). Even if you simply fear that your basic survival will be undermined, your Root Chakra can come out of alignment in response.
The Root chakra is about being physically there and feeling at home in situations. If it is open, you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don’t unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. You feel you have sufficient territory.If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root chakra is probably under-active. You’d easily feel unwelcome.If this chakra is over-active, you may be very materialistic and greedy. You’re probably obsessed with being secure and resist change.
What it is: Think about your root chakra (AKA first chakra) as the foundation of a house, except for your body—it’s sturdy, stabilizing, and supportive, keeping everything safely connected as long as it’s functioning properly. It’s associated with the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae, and responsible for an individual’s sense of security and survival, says Olivia. Because of that, it’s also connected to whatever you use to ground yourself, including basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as your more emotional needs such as letting go of fear and feeling safe. As you well know, when these needs are met, you tend to worry less.
When it’s blocked: A variety of ailments can occur from blockages, including anxiety disorders, fears, or nightmares, adherents say. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, with the bladder, with elimination, or with lower back, leg, or feet issues.
