Understanding the Chakras in Yoga

A Guide To The 7 Energy Centers

In yoga, we work with more than just the physical body, we also explore the subtle body, the energetic layers that influence how we feel, connect, and grow. At the center of this energetic system are the chakras, vibrating wheels of energy that run along the spine and influence our physical health, emotions, and spiritual path.

Whether you’re a yogi, energy worker, or simply curious about how yoga connects with healing and self-awareness, understanding the seven main chakras can add a powerful layer to your practice.

What Are Chakras?

The word chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit. Each chakra is thought to be a spinning vortex of energy that governs specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. The chakras are aligned along the spine, from the base of the pelvis to the crown of the head.

When our chakras are balanced, energy flows freely, supporting health, clarity, and vitality. When they’re blocked or overactive, we may experience physical symptoms, emotional challenges, or a sense of disconnection.

The 7 Main Chakras

1. Muladhara – Root Chakra

• Location: Base of the spine

• Color: Red

• Function: I am

• Bija Seed Sound: LAM

• Element: Earth

• Represents: Safety, grounding, survival

• Balanced State: Stability, trust, connection to the body

• Imbalance: Anxiety, fear, insecurity

• Yoga Focus: Standing and grounding poses (Mountain, Warrior I)

2. Svadhisthana – Sacral Chakra

• Location: Lower abdomen, just below the navel

• Color: Orange

• Function: I feel

• Bija Seed Sound: VAM

• Element: Water

• Represents: Creativity, pleasure, emotional flow

• Balanced State: Healthy emotional expression, joy, connection

• Imbalance: Guilt, emotional numbness, creative blocks

• Yoga Focus: Hip openers, fluid movements (Goddess, Pigeon)

3. Manipura – Solar Plexus Chakra

• Location: Upper abdomen (navel to diaphragm)

• Color: Yellow

• Function: I do

• Bija Seed Sound: RAM

• Element: Fire

• Represents: Confidence, willpower, inner strength

• Balanced State: Motivation, self-worth, purpose

• Imbalance: Low self-esteem, anger, control issues

• Yoga Focus: Core work and twists (Boat, Revolved Triangle)

4. Anahata – Heart Chakra

• Location: Center of the chest

• Color: Green or pink

• Function: I love

• Bija Seed Sound: SAM/YAM

• Element: Air

• Represents: Love, compassion, forgiveness

• Balanced State: Open-heartedness, empathy, connection

• Imbalance: Grief, jealousy, loneliness

• Yoga Focus: Heart openers and backbends (Camel, Cobra)

5. Vishuddha – Throat Chakra

• Location: Throat

• Color: Blue

• Function: I Speak

• Bija Seed Sound: HAM

• Element: Ether (space)

• Represents: Truth, expression, communication

• Balanced State: Clear, authentic speech

• Imbalance: Shyness, fear of speaking, dishonesty

• Yoga Focus: Neck release, breath practices, chanting, Shoulderstand (with care)

6. Ajna – Third Eye Chakra

• Location: Between the eyebrows

• Color: Indigo

• Function: I See

• Bija Seed Sound: OM

• Element: Light

• Represents: Intuition, insight, imagination

• Balanced State: Mental clarity, vision, perception

• Imbalance: Confusion, lack of focus, disconnection from inner guidance

• Yoga Focus: Forward folds, seated meditation, breathwork

7. Sahasrara – Crown Chakra

• Location: Top of the head

• Color: Violet or white

• Function: I Know

• Bija Seed Sound: Silence

• Element: Pure consciousness

• Represents: Spiritual connection, universal awareness

• Balanced State: Peace, purpose, unity

• Imbalance: Disconnection, apathy, spiritual confusion

• Yoga Focus: Meditation, stillness, Savasana

Chakra Alignment Through Yoga

Yoga offers powerful tools for chakra balancing. These include:

• Asana (postures): Physical poses to stimulate each chakra area

• Pranayama (breathwork): Breathing techniques to move prana

• Meditation & Visualization: Focus and awareness for subtle body alignment

• Mantra & Sound: Vibrational tools like chanting or seed sounds (e.g., "LAM" for Root Chakra)

• Affirmations: Intentional language to reprogram energy patterns

When you combine these practices with presence and intention, you begin to shift not just the body, but the mind, heart, and spirit.

Integrating Chakra Work Into Your Practice

You don’t need to master all seven chakras at once. Start where you are. Notice where you feel stuck or disconnected, and gently begin to explore the corresponding chakra.

You might journal with prompts like:
• Do I feel grounded and safe right now? (Root)
• Am I expressing my truth clearly? (Throat)
• Can I trust my inner wisdom? (Third Eye)

Your yoga mat becomes a space of energetic tuning, an invitation to harmonize body, breath, and awareness.