Do you ever feel energy pulsating, rushing, or soothingly flowing within the body? Do you ever think something is blocked, untapped, or heavy inside? Perhaps it is the chakras calling your attention to work closely with them.
The human body is a complex design with many layers and dimensions. At a physical level, we begin as cells and become integrated into tissues, organs, systems, and the whole body. We are filled with thoughts, emotions, conditionings, and behavioural patterns.
At a subtle level, everything is driven by energy. Our being functions in an integrated manner because this energy, prana, holds it. However, for various reasons, like genetics or lifestyle, this energy is overly consumed, misdirected, or even stuck, leading to disruption and disease. This has a direct impact on our energy centres—chakras. They become imbalanced and blocked, signs of which manifest as physical distress, mental distortion, and emotional wounding.
The Seven Chakras
Chakras must be purified and activated for an individual to evolve spiritually. Otherwise, one is stuck in the body’s materialism and distracted by its sensations.
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Mooladhara or Root Chakra
Mooladhara is the first chakra in the human body. It is located at the tailbone. The elemental association is Earth, and is represented by the color red.
- Seed sound: LAM
- Affirmations: I am safe in my body. I am home on earth.
The root chakra helps one feel stable and safe. Its attributes include feeling grounded and rooted in one’s identity.
To activate it, you can chant its seed sound LAM. Walking barefoot on the earth or meditating on roots growing from your tailbone and entering the earth is also useful. Nourishing your body with root vegetables like beetroot or potatoes activates this chakra. Practice grounding and stabilising asanas like Tadasana or Warrior’s Pose to strengthen the Mooladhara chakra.
Swadhistana or Sacral Chakra
Swadhistana is the second chakra in the human body. It is associated with the water element and color orange. It is located in the pelvic area.
- Seed sound: VAM
- Affirmations: I am open to the deepest layers of intimacy. Every emotion I feel is my guide to freedom.
The sacral chakra centres pleasure, emotions, desires and intimacy. Our sense of creativity and sensuality is rooted here.
Engaging in creative pursuits that initiate you into a flow state activates the sacral chakra. Movement in the body, especially of the hips, is something to try. Hip-opening asanas like pigeon pose or butterfly pose also energise this chakra. Taking salt baths or a dip in natural water bodies can be incredibly healing for your emotional body.
Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra
The third or the last base chakra in the human body. Yellow in color, it is present just above the navel on the spine. It is ruled by the fire element.
- Seed sound: RAM
- Affirmations: I am the leader of my life. I am confident in my individualism.
Often considered the centre of our life force energy, the Manipura chakra gives us self-confidence, leadership skills and risk-taking abilities.
It is stimulated when we take charge of our lives, are accountable for our actions, and step outside our comfort zone. Incorporating core strengthening exercises like planks or breathwork practices like coffee breathing is beneficial.
Anahata or Heart Chakra
Anahata is the fourth chakra. Present at the centre of the chest, it is a ball of green light, sometimes represented with a pink colour too. Air is the element of the heart chakra.
- Seed Sound: YAM
- Affirmations: I am loved. I am grateful for the small and the big things in life.
The heart chakra is a powerful chakra that teaches us unconditional love, gratitude, and forgiveness. It invokes empathy and compassion—the very qualities that make us human.
Practising forgiveness of oneself and others activates this chakra. When we let go of judgments and grudges and invite love, we operate from the heart space. Heart-opening asanas like chakrasana, bhujangasana, or meditating on the heart space help one connect to the Anahata chakra.
Vishuddhi or Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra. It is located at the base of the throat. Ruled by the air element, it is blue in colour.
- Seed sound: HAM
- Affirmations: I express my authenticity. I communicate my needs efficiently.
The throat chakra is the centre of our expression and communication. It is also the chakra responsible for purifying the body.
Setting boundaries is an essential practice for activating this chakra. Clearly expressing your needs without assuming others can read your mind cultivates the habit of confidently speaking your mind. Chanting mantras, bhajans, or singing stimulates the throat chakra.
Ajna or Third Eye Chakra
The sixth chakra is the Ajna chakra. At the eyebrow centre, it is deep purple in colour.
- Seed sound: OM
- Affirmations: My intuition is strong and correct. I have a clear vision of my soul.
The Ajna chakra is one of the highest chakras in the human body. It is closer to the astral realms than the human realm. It is believed to be the seat of the soul. Our wisdom, intellect and vision come from the third eye chakra.
Meditation is the most efficient way to activate the third eye chakra, but practising tratak regularly is equally helpful. Keep a dream journal to note essential insights. Trust your instincts to develop a stronger connection to your intuition.
Sahasrara or Crown Chakra
The highest, last chakra is present at the highest point of the human body. It is often portrayed as multi coloured.
- Seed sound: No seed sound
- Affirmations: I am the source.
The seventh chakra is the point of samadhi, or union of the dual forces present within us—Shiva and Shakti, consciousness and matter. This is the point where the soul’s truth is realised.
The crown chakra is activated automatically when all the other chakras are activated. However, unwavering faith in a higher power or a divine source keeps one open to spiritual advancement.
Conclusion
Chakra activation is a fundamental part of yoga philosophy and yogic practices. It is what a sadhak is ultimately moving towards. One can safely practice chakra purification and activation with consistency, correct techniques, and guidance.
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