The 7 Chakras: Understand and Harmonize your Energies with Yoga

Did you know that in Sanskrit the word chakra means the wheel of a chariot and by extension any circular object?

And yes, yogis took up this term to designate the points of energetic confluence of the human body, which they perceived as animated by a circular movement.

Chakras are the energy centers of the astral body and there are 7 located along the spinal column: the root chakra at the perineum, the Sacral chakra at the genitals, the Solar Plexus chakra under the rib cage, the Heart chakra, the Throat chakra, the ^3rd eye chakra between the eyebrows and finally the Crown chakra at the top of the skull.

According to yogic tradition, chakras are energy centers that govern different aspects of our being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

When these chakras are out of balance, tensions, blockages or imbalances can appear.

Fortunately, yoga offers powerful tools to stimulate, harmonize and rebalance these energy centers.

Whether you are a yoga teacher or a student, exploring the chakras and learning to harmonize them will enrich your practice! Imagine themed sessions dedicated to rebalancing one or more chakras, or the possibility of knowing, posture by posture, which ones are activated. A great way to bring more meaning and energy to your yoga!

In this article, we will explore the seven chakras, their meaning, characteristics, and how to stimulate them through yoga.

 

1. Muladhara: The Root Chakra

• Location: Base of the spine, at the perineum.
• Color: Red
• Element: Earth
• Function: Stability, security, survival
• Imbalances: Feelings of insecurity, anxiety, lack of grounding

Yoga for Muladhara:
Postures that strengthen anchoring and connect to the ground are ideal.

• Key poses: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Malasana (Garland Pose), Vrksasana (Tree Pose).
• Breathing technique: Deep abdominal breathing to calm the mind and ground energy.
• Affirmation: “I am safe, stable and grounded.”

2. Svadhisthana: The Sacral Chakra

• Location: Pelvic area, below the navel.
• Color: Orange
• Element: Water
• Function: Emotions, creativity, sexuality
• Imbalances: Lack of energy, creative block, relationship problems

Yoga for Svadhisthana:
Favor postures that mobilize the hips and promote fluidity.

• Key postures: Baddha Konasana (Butterfly), Utkata Konasana (Goddess), Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon).
• Pranayama: Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to balance energies.
• Affirmation: “I let my emotions flow freely and welcome creativity.”

3. Manipura: The Solar Plexus Chakra

• Location: Abdomen, above the navel.
• Color: Yellow
• Element: Fire
• Function: Self-confidence, personal power, determination
• Imbalances: Low self-esteem, lack of motivation, aggressiveness

Yoga for Manipura:
Postures that activate the abdominal center stimulate this chakra.

• Key poses: Navasana (Boat), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Utkatasana (Chair).
• Pranayama: Kapalabhati (breath of fire) to energize and purify.
• Affirmation: “I am confident and powerful in my choices.”

4. Anahata: The Heart Chakra

• Location: Center of the chest.
• Color: Green
• Element: Air
• Function: Love, compassion, forgiveness
• Imbalances: Difficulty forgiving, lack of empathy, sadness

Yoga for Anahata:
Heart-opening postures help release emotions.

• Key Postures: Ustrasana (Camel), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge with Opening).
• Pranayama: Anahata Mudra accompanied by slow, deep breathing.
• Affirmation: “I open my heart to love and compassion.”

5. Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra

• Location: Base of the throat.
• Color: Blue
• Element: Ether
• Function: Communication, truth, self-expression
• Imbalances: Difficulty expressing oneself, shyness, excessive talkativeness

Yoga for Vishuddha:
Postures that stimulate the throat area promote harmonization.

• Key Postures: Matsyasana (Fish), Sarvangasana (Shoulder), Halasana (Plow).
• Pranayama: Ujjayi (victorious breathing) to open the throat chakra.
• Affirmation: “I express myself with clarity and authenticity.”

6. Ajna: The Third Eye Chakra

• Location: Center of the forehead, between the eyebrows.
• Color: Indigo
• Element: Light
• Function: Intuition, mental clarity, wisdom
• Imbalances: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, mistrust

Yoga for Ajna:
Meditative practices and calming postures promote intuition.

• Key Poses: Balasana (Child's Pose), Viparita Karani (Legs against the Wall), Sukhasana (Easy Pose).
• Pranayama: Brahmari (bee breathing) to calm the mind.
• Affirmation: “I trust my intuition and inner wisdom.”

7. Sahasrara: The Crown Chakra

• Location: Top of the head.
• Color: Purple or white
• Element: Pure Consciousness
• Function: Spiritual connection, enlightenment
• Imbalances: Feeling disconnected, lack of faith or purpose

Yoga for Sahasrara:
Deep meditative practices and inverted postures promote spiritual connection.

• Key Postures: Sirsasana (Headstand), Padmasana (Lotus), Savasana (Relaxation Posture).
• Pranayama: Silent meditation or chanting of mantras.
• Affirmation: “I am connected to the universe and to divine wisdom.”

How to integrate yoga into chakra harmonization?

1. Regular practice

Adopt a routine that includes postures and breathing techniques adapted to each chakra.

2. Guided meditation

Visualize the colors associated with each chakra during your meditations to strengthen your intention.

3. Sounds and vibrations

Chant or listen to specific mantras, such as OM , which resonates with all the chakras.

4. Mudras and affirmations

Combine specific hand gestures (mudras) and positive affirmations to reinforce your practice.

 

Conclusion

Chakras are an energetic map of our being.

 

By understanding how they work and using the tools of yoga, it is possible to find balance, vitality and harmony.

 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, working on your chakras is an invitation to explore your deepest dimensions.

 

Take time to feel, experience and reconnect with your essence.

 

So, ready to align your chakras and elevate your energy? 🌟

 

And you? Which chakras would you like to work on as a priority? Share your experience in the comments!