Chakra in sanskrit language means Wheel and is pointing out to the energy centers in the body . They are like spinning colored wheels of energy. We have many of these energy centres in our subtle bodies but mainly we are influenced by the main 7 chakras positioned throughout the body, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.  In a healthy body the 7 chakras provide the right balance of energy to every part of the body, mind and spirit. 

Balancing the chakras affect the wellbeing of our physical and emotional lives.All our habitual daily actions affect our energy body. We can balance our chakras by choosing the right diet and practices. Yoga is helping to balance these energy centres and promote a healthy body & mind.

Each chakra has its own vibration,colors and specific function in the physical and emotional body.

Here, we will briefly go through the 7 chakras; Their name, their associated color, their function then some suggested method and yoga postures also positive affirmations and sound vibrations to balance the 7 chakras : 

First Chakra:

Useful practices:

jumping, gentle taps on the ground with the hips while sitting, Stamp on the ground tap to the ground, dancing with the sound of percussion & drum along with rhythmic breathing. 

Yoga Postures:

All standing postures starting with Tadasana ( mountain pose). Janu sirsasana, Setubandhasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana. 

Affirmation :

I am strong and connected to the earth. my body is a temple for my soul. I love my body just as it is and I take care of it.

Sound :

LAM

Second Chakra:

Sacral chakra, “Savadhistana” in Sanskrit, is orange, located in the pelvis and is related to creativity, pleasures and sexual energy,  and its unbalance results in the lack of liveliness and passion, inability, lose of appetite and in intensity can lead to anorexia. Also traumas and sudden shocks in life can block the second chakra so we can say that by balancing the second chakra we are helping to solve our unresolved emotions. 

Useful practices:

making waves in the spine. Moving the pelvis. Shaking the whole body especially in the hips and pelvis area.

Yoga postures:

marjariasana (cat posture), Bhujangasana( Cobra) , Trikonasana( Triangle),Ardha matsyendrasana ( twist), Salabhasana( Locust) 

Affirmation:

I am creative.

Sound :

VAM

Third Chakra:

Solar plexus ,” Manipoura”  in Sanskrit, is yellow ,located in the navel area. It is associated with the inner fire ( Agni ) which helps us to digest not only food but also our life experiences. Its balance results in the increase of inner power and self-confidence, a sense of happiness.  and its unbalance leads to lack of self worth and depression.

Useful practices:

Jumping up & down like the frog posture. Push ups. Fire breaths like in lion pose and other fire breathing practices you’ve been introduced in the breathing chapter.

Yoga Postures :

Navasana ( boat) , Chatuangasana ( Plank) , Dhanurasana(Bow), Pincha Mayurasana ( peacock ) 

Affirmation:

I am confident and powerful. I can handle anything.

Sound :

RAM

Fourth Chakra:

Heart chakra, “Anahata ” in Sanskrit, is green and located in the heart and chest area. The energies of this chakra flows into the hands and shoulders. It is associated with emotional qualities such as openness, kindness,  love and forgiveness.An unbalanced heart chakra can lead to hold Grudges, loneliness, sadness and inability to give and receive love which also can provoke heart diseases.   

Useful Practices:

hands on the shoulder and shoulder twist (imagination of flying like a bee), hugging oneself and moving the body (washing machine), Group hug, All the guided visualization into spreading the magic within into the world.

Yoga Postures:

Matsyasana ( Fish ), Ustrasana( Camel), Natarajasana ( Dancer ), Bhujangasana( Cobra)

Affirmation :

I am loved. I am love. My heart is open and I share and receive Love everyday in all possible ways. 

Sound :

YAM 

Fifth Chakra:

Throat chakra, “Vishuddha” in Sanskrit, is Blue and located in the throat, jaw,neck area. It is associated with self expression , authentic self and power of speech. If unbalanced signs will be : Hiding the true self and not giving real opinions, difficulty to express true feelings into speaking, gossiping , dominating conversations and being unable to listen to others. Also unbalanced throat chakra can result in thyroid problems  and neck pain.

Useful practices :

Singing, Lion breath, Jiberish talk, chanting

Yoga Postures :

Simhasana ( Lion) , Sarvangasava ( Shoulder stand), Halasana( Plough ), Matsyasana ( Fish) 

Affirmation :

I Speak my truth. I live my truth. I listen and I hear.

Sound :

HAM

Sixth Chakra :

Third eye , “ Ajna “ in Sanskrit, is purple or indigo, located in the area between the eyebrows. This chakra is related to the mind. Associated with concentration and memory,intuition, awareness in the conscious and subconscious mind, also a sense of balance in the body and mind. Since it is not yet active in small children, they cannot do easily the balancing postures. Unbalance in this chakra can lead to vision problems,lack of concentration ,inability to make decisions and trust the intuition ( hearing the inner voice), mental defects  like ADD, ADHD, Autism, etc.

Useful Practices:

meditations, visualizations, Humming sound ( Brahmi breath)

Yoga Postures :

All balancing postures.

Affirmation:

My thoughts are calm and peaceful. I trust my intuition.

Sound :

SHAM

Seventh Chakra:

Crown chakra, “Sahasrara” in Sanskrit, is white or Gold also Magenta color is one of the colors associated withe the crown chakra; located in the crown area. Spiritual connections get started from here, The connection with divine. When balanced one feels a sense of pure joy, gratefulness and one with the whole universe in other words connected to the source. An unbalanced seventh chakra can lead to confusion, delusion, melancholy ,Brain problems and sleep disorders.

Useful practices:

Visualizing a white or Gold color surrounding the crown area and expanding the light into the whole body. Massaging the head. Meditation and relaxation & yoga nidra.

Yoga Postures :

Sirsasana ( Head stand) , savasana ( relaxation)

Affirmation :

I am one with the whole. The whole universe is within me. I am always safe.

Sound :

AUM