Behind the Word: Chakra

If you’ve been practising yoga or exploring meditation, you may have come across the term chakra. Rooted in ancient Indian Vedic traditions, chakras are the body’s energy centres, influencing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

What Are Chakras?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disk,” symbolising the spinning energy centres located along the spine. There are seven main chakras, each associated with specific aspects of life, from our basic survival instincts to our ability to connect with higher consciousness. When these energy centres are balanced, we experience a sense of harmony and well-being. However, when they are blocked or overactive, it can lead to physical or emotional imbalances.

The Seven Chakras and Their Influence

Each chakra corresponds to a specific area of the body and has unique characteristics:

  • Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Located at the base of the spine, it governs stability, security, and basic needs.
  • Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana) – Found in the lower abdomen, it influences creativity, emotions, and relationships.
  • Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Situated above the navel, it is connected to confidence, willpower, and personal strength.
  • Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Located at the centre of the chest, it represents love, compassion, and connection.
  • Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Found in the throat, it governs communication and self-expression.
  • Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Between the eyebrows, it is linked to intuition and insight.
  • Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – At the top of the head, it represents spiritual connection and enlightenment.

Balancing Your Chakras

Maintaining balance within the chakras can be done through yoga, breathwork, meditation, and mindful living. Movement-based practices like yoga asanas help stimulate energy flow, while pranayama (breathwork) can clear blockages and restore balance. Meditation, especially visualisation techniques and mantra chanting, can deepen awareness of each chakra and enhance their function.

Lifestyle choices also play a role—spending time in nature can ground the Root Chakra, creative expression supports the Sacral Chakra, and heart-opening practices like gratitude and kindness nourish the Heart Chakra. Even small, mindful changes in daily habits can create a profound shift in your energetic balance.

Yoga naturally supports overall well-being and energy balance through movement, breath, and awareness. In my classes, we gently explore these elements, helping you reconnect with your body and find a sense of harmony, both on and off the mat.

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Deepen Your Understanding of Chakras

If you’re curious to learn more, this beautifully illustrated chakra poster provides a detailed guide to each energy centre. It includes their Sanskrit names, elements, mantras, and psychological influences—perfect for visual learners.

Understanding and working with your chakras can enhance your yoga practice and bring greater awareness to your inner world. Whether you’re just starting or looking to go deeper, embracing this ancient wisdom can be a powerful tool for self-discovery.