Chakra alignment can be rather confusing if you are not familiar with the chakras and how they work within the body. When many people hear the word ‘chakra’, they start to roll their eyes, assuming that it is some weird New Age thing that has no bearing on reality. Chakras are not as strange or complicated as they seem, however.
In essence, chakras are simply energy sources found throughout the body. They serve as a way to promote harmony between mind, body and spirit. Like any other source of energy, chakras can be blocked or they can be over-stimulated. When this happens, it can affect you in a number of ways – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Chakra alignment refers to the practice of balancing the chakras, keeping you in tune with your self in a way that promotes complete well-being.
How exactly do you keep your chakras aligned and how do each of the chakras work? Let’s take a look.
The Basics of Chakra Alignment
Chakras are located at various points of the body, from the tip of your head all the way to the base of your spine. Each of these chakras is responsible for various aspects of your body and soul. When all seven are in alignment, you will find it easier to be balanced. When one or more is out of alignment, you may find that you battle in certain areas of life.
To help you get a better idea of chakra alignment, here is a list of the seven chakras to show you how each works within your overall energy centre.
Crown
Located at the top of your head, the crown chakra (Samsara) represents your ability to connect on a spiritual basis. When this chakra is opened fully, you are able to access the highest level of your consciousness. This chakra governs spirituality and connection, allowing you to truly open your mind to all that is within the universe.
Third Eye
Located on the forehead, between your eyes, the third eye chakra (Ajna) represents your intuition. When this chakra is balanced, you are able to trust your gut, believe in yourself and connect to your inner wisdom and imagination. This chakra governs your mind, helping you gain more insight.
Throat
Located in the throat, the throat chakra (Vishuddha) represents your voice. When this chakra is balanced, you will be able to express yourself freely and clearly. When it is blocked, you may battle to be heard or you may find that it is over-activated, making it harder to listen. This chakra governs your ability to communicate.
Heart
Located just above the heart, the heart chakra (Anahata) represents your ability to give and receive love. This chakra is the most important of all, connecting the lower chakras associated with materiality and the upper chakras associated with spirituality. When it is balanced, your heart will be opened. This chakra governs your ability to let love into your life in all of its forms.
Solar Plexus
Located underneath the heart between the ribs, the solar plexus chakra (Manipura) represents your confidence and control over your life. When this chakra is balanced, you have plenty of self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence. This chakra governs your ability to be yourself and believe in yourself.
Sacral
Located in the lower abdomen, just below the belly button, the sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) represents your creativity and sexual energy. When this chakra is balanced, you are able to connect to others, express your own creativity and feel empowered. This chakra governs your ability to accept pleasure and abundance.
Root
Located at the very base of the spine, the root chakra (Muladhara) represents your core foundation and sense of stability. When this chakra is balanced, you feel grounded and stable in your life, able to take on whatever life brings. This chakra governs your ability to feel rooted and secure.
Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing each chakra and giving you a deeper insight into chakra alignment and how it affects your physical and emotional health. If you’re looking to start balancing your chakras, there are many great yin yoga and meditation videos that are made for all levels. This can be a good start for learning about chakra alignment if you are new to this journey.
