In the world of holistic wellness and spiritual healing, chakras are often described as powerful energy centres within the body. When our chakras feel balanced, we may experience greater peace, confidence, emotional stability, and connection to ourselves.

If you’re new to chakras, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through what chakras are, what each one represents, and simple ways to begin working with them in your everyday life.

What Are Chakras?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disk.” Chakras are believed to be spinning energy centres that run along the spine, from the base of the body to the crown of the head.

Each chakra is associated with:

• Physical health

• Emotional well-being

• Spiritual growth

• Specific colours, elements, and energies

When energy flows freely through the chakras, we feel aligned and balanced. When a chakra is blocked or overactive, it may affect how we feel mentally, emotionally, or even physically.

The 7 Main Chakras and Their Meanings

Let’s explore the seven primary chakras, what they represent, and how to support each one.

1. Root Chakra

Location: Base of the spine
Color: Red
Represents: Safety, grounding, survival, stability

The root chakra is your foundation. It connects you to the earth and helps you feel secure in your body and life.

Signs it may be blocked:

• Anxiety or fear

• Feeling ungrounded

• Financial insecurity

Ways to balance it:

• Spend time in nature

• Use grounding crystals like black tourmaline

• Practice deep breathing and body awareness

2. Sacral Chakra

Location: Lower abdomen
Color: Orange
Represents: Creativity, pleasure, emotions, sensuality

The sacral chakra is connected to joy, passion, and emotional expression.

Signs of imbalance:

• Creative blocks

• Emotional numbness

• Lack of motivation

Ways to support it:

• Dance or move your body

• Journaling about emotions

• Use crystals like carnelian

3. Solar Plexus Chakra

Location: Upper abdomen
Color: Yellow
Represents: Confidence, self-worth, personal power

This chakra is all about identity and inner strength.

Signs of imbalance:

• Low self-esteem

• Difficulty making decisions

• Feeling powerless

Ways to balance it:

• Affirmations like “I am strong”

• Try breathwork

• Use citrine or tiger’s eye crystals

4. Heart Chakra

Location: Center of the chest
Color: Green or pink
Represents: Love, compassion, emotional healing

The heart chakra bridges the lower and upper chakras — connecting physical life with spiritual awareness.

Signs of imbalance:

• Difficulty trusting

• Holding onto grief

• Feeling closed off emotionally

Ways to open it:

• Practice self-love rituals

• Use rose quartz

• Spend time doing acts of kindness

5. Throat Chakra

Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Represents: Communication, truth, expression

This chakra helps you speak your truth and express yourself clearly.

Signs of imbalance:

• Fear of speaking up

• Feeling misunderstood

• Trouble expressing emotions

Ways to balance it:

• Singing or chanting

• Honest journaling

• Use lapis lazuli or aquamarine

6. Third Eye Chakra

Location: Between the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Represents: Intuition, inner wisdom, spiritual insight

The third eye chakra is connected to your intuition and ability to see beyond the physical.

Signs of imbalance:

• Feeling disconnected

• Lack of clarity

• Overthinking

Ways to activate it:

• Meditation

• Visualization practices

• Use amethyst or labradorite

7. Crown Chakra

Location: Top of the head
Color: Violet or white
Represents: Spiritual connection, higher consciousness

The crown chakra connects you to the universe, divine energy, and deeper spiritual awareness.

Signs of imbalance:

• Feeling spiritually lost

• Lack of purpose

• Disconnection from faith or meaning

Ways to support it:

• Quiet reflection

• Prayer or mindfulness

• Use clear quartz or selenite

Simple Ways to Work With Chakras Daily

You don’t need to be an expert to begin chakra healing. Here are easy practices:

• Meditation: Focus on one chakra at a time
• Crystals: Use chakra stones during rituals
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils can support balance
• Chakra candles: Great for intention-setting
• Yoga: Certain poses activate specific chakras
• Affirmations: Speak healing words into your day

Chakra Healing Tools

If you’re creating a chakra wellness routine, consider:

• Chakra crystal sets

• Guided chakra meditation books

• Singing bowls

• Chakra affirmation cards

• Essential oil blends

• Chakra candles