Our bodies have 7 major chakras, which are the main energy centers of the body that run from the base of your spine to the top of your head. The Sanskrit word chakra (pronounced “CHOCK-rah”) means wheel, which refers to the spinning energy in each of the seven chakras.
Think of them as pathways that promote harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Blocked energy in our seven chakras can lead to distress, so it's important to understand what each one represents and what we can do to keep it open and flowing freely.
Each chakra has its own symbolism and each affects different aspects of your being: physical, mental, and spiritual. You can work on balancing and activating your chakras through Reiki and a variety of different activities, reflections, and meditations.
Here is a quick guide to the chakra system, to guide you through the chakra meanings, the primary gland governed by the chakra and mantras to activate each chakra.
Daily practice to help balance and energise your Chakra system
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Sit down in a comfortable position, close you eyes and take some deep full breaths, starting deep in the belly through the ribcage up to the chest, exhale a long audible outbreath, this will help to relax and still your mind.
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Starting at the base of your spine, mentally locate and sense your 1st major chakra - root chakra.
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In your minds eye visualise the colour red and the sensation or feeling of being fully grounded, stable and connected to the ground beneath you. Immerse yourself in the feeling or sensation. Recite the mantras given and feel the chakra activate.
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In turn working your way up through each chakra, repeat this process again until you reach the 7th chakra at the top of your head.
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At the end of the practice, sit and enjoy soaking up with cosmic energies pulsating throughout your body.
6. THIRD EYE CHAKRA
Sanskrit: AJNA “Perceiving”
Colour: Dark Blue
Essence: Intuition ‘Free your Mind’
Gland: Pineal and Pituitary
Mantras: I am limitless • I am focused • My mind is steady
5. THROAT CHAKRA
Sanskrit: VISHUDDHA “Especially Pure”
Colour: Light Blue
Essence: Communication ‘Express Yourself’
Gland: Ears, Throat and Thyroid
Mantras: I communicate • I listen to the sound of my breath • My song rises
2. SACRAL CHAKRA
Sanskrit: SVADHISTHANA “Ones Abode”
Colour: Orange
Essence: Sexuality ‘Happiness is Within’
Gland: Adrenal and Reproductive
Mantras: I am sensual • I trust • I am open to feeling joyous
7. CROWN CHAKRA
Sanskrit: SAHASRARA “Thousand Petaled”
Colour: Vibrant Purple
Essence: Unity and self-realization ‘Everything is connected’
Gland: Pineal
Mantras: I am awake • I am aware • I am connected to the divine
4.HEART CHAKRA
Sanskrit: ANAHATA “Unstruck”
Colour: Green
Essence: Choose Love ‘Love’
Gland: Heart, Lungs and Thymus
Mantras: I am loved • I am compassionate • I practice loving kindness
3. SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Sanskrit: MANIPURA “Lustrous Gem”
Colour: Yellow
Essence: Power ‘Shine On’
Gland: Pancreas (Digestive and Endocrine system)
Mantras: I am powerful • I am glowing • I am motivated
1. ROOT CHAKRA
Sanskrit: MULADHARA “Root Support”
Colour: Red
Essence: Survival ‘Take Root’
Gland: Adrenal
Mantras: I am grounded • I have everything I need • I am at peace