How to Balance Chakras

What if I say that for our overall wellbeing regulated and balance chakras are required. Human interests have always inclined towards spirituality for their evolvement through yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and Astrology. Not only linked to these practices but ancient Indian texts such as Vedas and Upanishads also incorporate the term ‘Chakras’.

Q) What is Chakra?

In Sanskrit, Chakras means wheel or disk signifying their dynamic nature as energy centers or the focal points of a human’s subtle body.  The energy or Prana flows among them from the base of the spine to the top of the head along the routes of ‘Nadi’ (energy channels). The chakras are conceptualized as lotuses that spin to regulate the energy which helps in keeping the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health in a balanced, dynamic and evolving way. By maintaining this system dignifiedly one can reach his/her liberation.

Q) How many Chakras are there in total?

In actuality, there are 114 chakras in the body but they are triangle in shape. Out of this summation, 2 remain outside the physical body and 4 are just the flowers so from the remaining, only 108 can be worked upon. The number 108 shares a great weightage in the human system. Arranging 112 chakras themselves into seven dimensions makes sixteen aspects in each.

So, there are a total 7 main Chakras allocated to a specific location each sharing a unique significance: –

1. Root or Mooladhara
2. Sacral or Swadhishthana
3. Solar Plexus or Manipura
4. Heart or Anahata
5. Throat or Vishuddhi
6. Third Eye or Ajna
7. Crown or Sahasrara

Root Chakra or Mooladhara In Sanskrit is located at the base of the spine more precisely at the perineum, the connecting space between the genitals and anal outlet. It provides the base, the foundation of your body, the sense of security and stability in your life. It is connected to the basic but prominent requirements of any being which are food, sleep, well-being, finances and physical identity.

Sacral or Swadhishtana is located above the genitals and is responsible for your self-image or self-worth which revolves around creativity, sexual energy and pleasure. How you feel about yourself or how you see yourself is related to this chakra and prolonged visualization of the same pattern can affect your self-image. So, if you want to change your image in front of others, first change it in your mind by working on this chakra.

Solar Plexus also known as Manipura is just two fingers below the navel. This is responsible for your self-esteem and self-confidence, the internal power of getting things done as a doer. It is also affiliated with the Jatharagni or the digestive fire as per Ayurveda.

Heart Chakra or Anahata is located just below where the rib cage meets, in the center of the chest. Here, the energy is associated with creativity, love, compassion, empathy, forgiveness and the arts. Our connection of love for oneself and with others is represented by the middle of the seven wheels of the energy system which Appeared as the bridge between the upper and lower chakras.

Throat or Visshudha is at the pit of the throat, at the height of the thyroid gland. As clear with the location of this fifth chakra, the Sanatan Yoga tradition is connected to the ability to communicate and express yourself. It is the gateway of energy between the heart and the mind. The meaning of Visshudhi in Sanskrit is pure or purification.

The Third Eye or Ajna or Agya is in the center of the forehead, in between the eyebrows. This chakra holds the power of intuition, perception, and intellectual realization of internal peace and stability irrespective of what is happening outside. It is the epicenter of higher consciousness and concentration. Through inner vision, the third eye unfolds the insight into the future.

Crown or Sahasrara means thousand and this refers to the thousand petals of lotus. This seventh chakra is located at the top of your head, exactly at the same soft spot as a newborn child. Hitting your energies at Sahasrara means forming a strong connection with the supreme self or to the divine consciousness.

Mantras, Mudras, Colors, elements and functions of the Chakras

However, there’s a conflict between the colors of the Chakras. One opinion is that

Chakras are colorless, it’s a big round energy center the vibrations of which can be felt if working properly. On the other hand, New Age practices say that all the below-pointed colors were seen by the Rishis while meditating.

Moving further, our body is made up of 5 elements and each element is associated with one chakra.

Words have power, words have vibrations that manifest their interpretation. With evidence, it has been proved in many instances that sound makes an impact on us and our surroundings. Beej Mantra is a powerful form of mantra that is like a seed when sown grows into a tree and extends its positive energy and blessings through its repeated chanting and help into balance chakras.

Chakra	Beeja Mantras	Mudras	Colour	Function	Elements
Root	LAM	Muladhara	Red	I am	Earth
Sacral	VAM	Shakti Mudra	Orange	I’m feeling so happy	Water
Solar Plexus	RAM	Rudra Mudra	Yellow	I Do	Fire
Heart	YAM	Padma Mudra	Green	I Love	Air
Throat	HUM	Granthita	Blue/Violet	I Speak	Sky/Ether
Third Eye	OM	Mahashirsha	Indigo	I See	Mind
Crown	HAMSAH	Mudra of thousand Petals	Purple	I know	Emptiness Fullness/ thoughts

Q) What are the signs and symptoms of a blocked or unbalanced Chakra?

Either way, a depletion or the dominant flow of energies in any of the chakras will manifest in different dimensions, both having physical and emotional and mental effects. That’s why its an essential need to unblock and balance chakras.

A person with a lower chakra energy will find difficulty in expressing the qualities attributed to the related chakra and if the chakra is overactive then the features are a controlling force in a person’s life. Both ways work as a dark shadow affecting the life of the person, that’s why energies should be balanced and regulated.

Reasons like personal habits such as lack of physical activities, eating unhealthy food, bad body postures, self-destructive behaviors like self-doubts, avoiding nature or sunlight, gossiping about others, anger, hatred fear, anxiety, taking unnecessary physical or mental stress cause a chakra to be imbalanced. Prolonged imbalance may lead to

For example, a person with an open and balanced Crown Chakra will have a positive outlook towards life with improved intuition, clarity of mind, mental balance, improved sleep patterns, sense of purpose, etc. but on the contrary, a person with a blocked Crown Chakra may experience depression, confusion, lack of purpose, fatigue, migraines, insomnia, etc.

Similarly, an underactive Root or MoolaDhara Chakra can lead to insecurity of finances, basic needs, well-being, or survival. Also, food and sleep will be the most dominant factors of life while on the other hand, its proper alignment can make you feel grounded and secure and make you free from the worries of survival.

After being informed about the comprehension of chakras about the effects on our aura and overall personality including mental, physical, and emotional well-being now the question arises how to

Unblock Chakras by different means

 One pathway is not enough to clear the baggage of blocked chakras. There are many techniques and approaches through which cumulatively chakra alignment can be regulated. Moreover, it’s required to make changes in the lifestyle for self-evolution and not on basis of any shortcuts to balance chakras.

A. Balance Chakras by Meditation

Till now we recognize that energy moves unimpeded from the foundation which is the base of the spine to the roof of the body which is the crown of the head. Without a vigorous and firm foundation, you can’t assemble a heavenly rooftop so always start from the base.

1. Sit straight in a relaxed and comfortable cross-legged posture in a peaceful ambiance. Close your eyes and take deep breaths for a few moments to ground yourself. Cut down your thoughts from the outer world and notice your breaths consciously.
2. Then bring your focus inwards on each chakra from Moola Dhara to Sasarara.
3. With every inhalation visualize the Prana energizes the chakra, that its moving with vibrance and more gracefully. With every exhalation visualize that you’re releasing the burden and blockages from that chakra.
4. Notice the vibrations at the concerned areas and feel them as you channel the energy here.
5. Chant the related seed mantras for a few minutes or more as per your comfort. Picture in its designated colors that it’s rotating freely.
6. Once done, move upwards to the next chakra and keep charging the energy flow.
7. To finish, rub your palms together and gently rest them over your eyes to feel the warmth. Constant practice is the key to success which can shift your entire energy system upwards.

Constant practice is the key to success which can shift your entire energy system upwards.

B. Balance Chakras by Pranayama

Breath work or Pranayama is the practice that involves the regulation of the breath through various techniques. Pran means vital energy or life force and Yama means control. Altogether, it means life force control within the body.

In such practices, the focus is on the frequency, timing, and duration of each breath which ranges from simple breathing techniques to rigorous ones.

Some common types of Pranayama are:

Sama Vritti (Box Breathing), Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), Kapalbhati (skull shining Breath), Sheetali (Cooling breath) and others.

Pranayama as per the Chakras includes:

• Root Chakra- Dirgha Pranayama (Three Part Breath) helps in grounding and stability.
• Sacral chakra- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate nostril Breathing) is ideal for balancing and releasing emotional blockages.
• Solar Plexus Chakra- Kapalbhati for boosting confidence and energy.
• Heart Chakra- Anulom Vilom promotes love, empathy and protection.
• Throat Chakra- Ujjai Pranayama (Victorious breath) for better communication and health
• Third eye Chakra- Brahmari (Bee Breath) can calm your mind and bring concentration
• Crown Chakra- Sahaja Pranayama (Spontaneous Breath) helps connect with higher consciousness.

C. Balance Chakras by Yoga asanas

As each chakra is associated with special physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. And yoga asanas have their benefits related to these aspects. Practicing these regularly can help you in upgrading your energy forces.

• To balance Muladhara, one needs to make a connection with earth for grounding. Poses like Tadasana (Mountain pose), Virabhadraasana 1 (Warrior 1), Vrikshasana (Tree pose), Malasana (Garland Pose) and Balasana (child’s pose)
• For Svadhisthana, Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose), Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose), Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) and Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) are the most suitable ones for activating pelvis and hips.
• Manipura can be balanced by Navasana (Boat Pose), Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the fishes pose), Phalakasana (Plank Pose) which engage the core.
• Practice yoga Asanas that open and expand the chest like Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) are beneficial for Anahata.
• For Vishuddha, Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Halasana (Plow Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Marjaryasana-Bitilasana ( Cat-Cow Pose) are the best for the stretch at the back and throat region.
• To balance Ajna, practice Balasana (Child’s Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), Garudasana (Eagle Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Lotus Pose (Corpse Pose) for enhancing concentration and balance.
• For balancing Sahasrara, focus on yoga asanas that improve surrender and openness such as Sirsasana (Headstand), Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose), and Ardha Pinch Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose).

D. Balance Chakras by Mudras

Our body and this world are made up of five elements, similarly, each finger is associated with one of these elements.

The Thumb for Fire, the Index represents Air, the Middle finger for Space, the Ring finger represents earth, and the Pinky/small finger portrays the water element.

Yoga mudras are powerful and energetic gestures with the use of hands and fingers that help in flow of energy within the body. If done along with meditation, yoga asanas and pranayama it helps in healing, balancing and alignment of the chakras.

1. Root Chakra / Earth Element – Prithvi Mudra (gesture of the earth)
2. Sacral Chakra / Water Element – Varun mudra (gesture of Water)
3. Solar Plexus / Fire Element – Apan Mudra (gesture for digestion)
4. Heart Chakra/ Air Element – Anjali Mudra (protection)
5. Throat Chakra/ Sound or Space Element – Granthita Mudra (self-healing)
6. Third Eye – Gyan Mudra (knowledge, wisdom)
7. Crown Chakra – Prana Mudra (Prana’s vital energy)

Ancient people used crystals for their magical and spiritual growth, especially in the western side of the world, whereas gemstones grabbed the weightage in the eastern zone. Crystals hold the vibrational energy if used properly and accordingly with the energy of any human it helps in clearing blockages and restoring balance.

But every crystal doesn’t work and is not suitable for everyone. If a crystal transmits its energy frequencies to one person it doesn’t mean the same crystal works for the other in boosting their vibrations in the same manner.

Still, crystals can powerfully elevate the chakras which can work wonders. Here are a few:

F. Balance Chakras by affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that can turn your negative thought process into the healing direction, if repeated consciously which can create a mental shift towards a more optimistic outlook.

As said, words have the power so we need to speak and think consciously not just for the outer world but for the inner self and it does affect the energy system of the chakras. Affirmations help in reprogramming our minds, boosting self-esteem, reducing negative thoughts and for clear focus which leads into energize and balance chakras.

It should be in the positive language, present tense and personalized to reflect individual goals and aspirations.

Consistency, writing, visualization and daily practice of the affirmations while focusing on the corresponding Chakras can create a positive mental framework, and shift your mindset and energy leading to balanced chakras and overall well-being.

• Muladhara- “I am grounded, stable, and secure” or “I am connected to the energy of the Earth.”
• Svadhisthana – “I embrace my creativity and sensuality” or “I trust my loved ones and they can trust me”.
• Manipura – “I am confident, powerful, and strong” or “I am ambitious and capable.”
• Anahata – “I am open to giving and receiving love” or I am surrounded by love”.
• Vishuddha – “I am a confident speaker” or “I speak my truth with clarity and confidence”.
• Ajna – “I trust my intuition always” or “I am open to the wisdom of the universe”.
• Sahasrara – “I am connected to the divine and open to spiritual guidance” or “I am guided by a higher power and inner wisdom.”

G. Balance Chakras by Reiki

Reiki = Rei means Universal and Ki means life energy. Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique where a reiki practitioner channels life force through their hands onto the recipient to promote healing and balance on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. By gently floating their hands above someone’s body the Reiki master can identify where the blockages and knows how to open them. This practice was originated in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui.

H. Balance Chakras by Pendulum

A crystal pendulum is a tool that helps us in detecting our energetic field. When placed over the 7 chakras the pendulum will move to reveal the direction and size of the energy the chakra is emitting. While choosing the pendulum listen to your inner voice and pick the one towards which you feel inclined. First, cleanse the crystal and then:

1. Sit in a quiet place and lie down in a comfortable position. Take a few breaths and focus on your mind
2. Hold the pendulum by the chain and dangle it freely over the area of the body corresponding to each chakra. Ask the pendulum to show a Yes or No response by differing in the direction of swings, clockwise or counterclockwise, side to side, or back and forth. Allow the pendulum to swing naturally.
3. Maintaining consistency, trusting your intuition and periodically cleansing of the pendulum can work wonders.

These are the subtle yet profound practices that can assist one in working on raising consciousness and into balance chakras.

Disclaimer: All practices should be guided under the supervision of a trained master or a Guru to get in the depth of the subject without which all the knowledge are mere words.