INTRODUCTION TO CHAKRAS
If you’ve heard about yoga, you’ve probably heard about chakras. All of the memes about the hippie yogi sitting on a rock working on their chakras, or using chakras as some kind of weird psychic powers. You’ve probably seen them denoted as coloured lotus flowers.
But what are the chakras? Are they a frame of mind, a concept, something physical or mental? Are there seven? Are there more?
Let me break them down so we can all understand what a chakra is, means and how to use them.
Meaning “wheel”, chakras are said to be energy centres, where certain energy channels pass one another. We have seven main chakras, starting at the base of our spine to the top of our head. Typically, each chakra has a purpose, and if your chakra is blocked, it may restrict you from accessing the ‘power’ that chakra provides. There is an eighth chakra, which I will explain below, usually only accessible to those who are enlightened.
The best way to unblock a chakra, and work on the “knots” within them, is through pranayama and meditation. If you focus entirely on the chakra, or send your breath to that chakra, this will be the most successful.
The seven chakras are (starting from bottom to top):
Muladhara
What is it: A muladhara practice should be strengthen and grounding, assuming power from the Earth. It is the base where everything starts.
Where is it: Male – 4cm inside the body, between the testicles and anal cavity
Female – halfway between the vaginal opening and the uterus. 4cm from the vaginal walls.
How to feel it: When performing moolah bandha: lifting the pelvis floor.
Male – Perineum should pull in
Female – Cervix should pull in
Mantra: LAM
Swadhisthana
What is it: A swashisthana practice provides insight into the sensitivity and adaptability of a person. It is the centre for physical-based desires. It is the storehouse of samskaras (impressions).
Where is it: Towards the spine BELOW the belly button.
How to feel it: When performing uddiyana bandha (try pulling the belly button towards the spine)
Mantra: VAM
Manipura
What is it: “The City of Jewels”, manipura controls digestion and acidic juices.
Where is it: Towards the spine BEHIND the belly button
How to feel it: Also when performing uddiyana bandha (just think slightly higher than swadhisthana!)
Mantra: RAM
Anahata
What is it: Anahata is the emotional centre, the heart chakra. Wokring on anahata will help with emotional blockages.
Where is it: Behind the heart, towards the spine
How to feel it: Close your eyes and feel the energy from your heart pulse through your body.
Mantra: YAM
Vishuddhi
What is it: The centre of purification, vishuddhi is the throat chakra.
Where is it: Towards the spine at the base of the throat, opposite the thyroid glands.
How to feel it: When performing ujjayi breath (think restricted breath, as if you’re fogging up a mirror with your mouth closed)
Mantra: HAM
Ajna
What is it: The command, a distribution house. Ajna is the chakra of knowledge. Practicing on ajna will align all chakras.
Where is it: Between the two eyebrows.
How to feel it: Focus on your third eye.
Mantra: AUM
Bindhu
What is it: Bindhu controls the gateway fir all pure awareness.
Where is it: The back of the head, (they say this is the place where creation starts).
How to feel it: Focus on the flat part of the back of your head.
Mantra: AUM
Sahasrara
What is it: The seed of supreme consciousness. The state of permanent awareness.
Where is it: The crown of the head.
How to feel it: This one is tricky – not many people have experienced sahasrara – it’s something people experience when they experience samadhi.
Mantra: AUM
Do you have chakra questions? Shoot them through!
Namaste,
Ax