What Are Chakras

You will be able to study about the chakras as a part of the yoga teacher training. It is quite elaborate, but you can definitely get an introduction into the realm today.

1. Muladhara Chakra – This is the first chakra, which is present at the base of the spine. In the context of Kundalini energy, this is where the dormant serpent lies. The Muladhara chakra is also addressed as the Root chakra. It is red in colour. The element that governs it, is earth. So, you can associate the grounding power with this element. The exact location of the chakra is in between the anus and the genitals. When the chakra is not balanced, you could look out for the signs.
There are many, to be exact. If the chakra is out of balance, the person will be unstable and will lack any sort of ambition in life. Additionally, the person will always be insecure and frustrated with his or her life. You can chant the beej mantra, Lam, to activate the chakra. On the other hand, when the Muladhara chakra is balanced, one will showcase a lot of positive emotions and will be independent and strong. You can try a few yoga poses, like Vrikshasana and Tadasana, to fix an unbalanced Muladhara chakra.

2. Svadhisthana Chakra – This is the next chakra up the spine. It is located in the lower side of the abdomen, around 2 inches below the navel. The main symbol of the chakra, is made up of multiple circles and with a lotus flower inside. There is a crescent moon as well, inside the circles. The circles and the crescent moon represent the cycles of life, like birth, growth, death, and rebirth. The water element governs the chakra, and the colour of the same is orange.
You will also hear the name, sacral chakra being associated with the same. When the chakra is balanced, you will be happy, satisfied and positive. On the other hand, if the chakra is not balanced, you may feel an explosion of emotions taking place inside the body. You may not be able to control your emotions as well. So, it is very important to balance the same. You can engage in various yogic practices, to calm the chakra and make it perform at optimum levels for you. You can also chant the beej mantra, which is Vam. The Crow pose and Triangle pose, are both quite effective in activating the chakra.

3. Manipura Chakra – The third chakra, which you will encounter as a part of the 200 hour yoga teacher training course is the Manipura chakra, which is also known as the Solar Plexus. The symbol is a downward pointing triangle, inside a circle, which is surrounded by petals. The colour that governs the chakra is yellow, which makes the presence of the ruling element, fire, more obvious. The chakra is located between the navel and the rib cage.
Ego and anger are some of the dominant characteristics of the chakra. If the chakra is not in its best form, you could experience a myriad violent emotions. You may also suffer from various illnesses, like digestive disorders and liver issues. Diabetes may also plague you. On an emotional platform, you may be full of anger all the time. A balanced chakra will show itself up, by making the incumbent more confident and productive. The beej mantra is Ram. You can free up the chakra, from all the shackles by practicing asanas like Paschimottasana, Bhujangasana and Dhanurasana.

4. Anahata Chakra – The Anahata chakra is the heart chakra, which is located at the centre of the chest. It is mainly symbolized by two triangles overlapping one another, from opposite directions. They represent Yin and Yang energies. There is a circle encircling the triangles along with petals surrounding the same. It is green in colour and represented by the element, air. Its main characteristics are love and trust. If the heart chakra is not balanced, you may have to deal with a myriad emotional issues.
Moreover, you may not find happiness in relationships. There will be a lack of trust in your relationships as well. A balanced heart chakra will have the incumbent, showing a lot of positive emotions. You will be happy and satisfied as well. The seed mantra for this chakra is Yam. There are a few yoga practices, which you can engage in, for its validation. The Ardha Setubandhasana and Matsyasana are extremely beneficial for the removal of blockages. Hrishikesh Yoga School is the best yoga center in rishikesh, which can help you to master such aspects about the chakras. The more well-informed you are, the better you can handle the balances and imbalances.

5. Vishuddha Chakra – This is the fifth chakra, which connects the higher chakras and the lower chakras. Thus, it is also an important one. It is located in the Throat region. The symbol consists of a circle, surrounded by a triangle, which in turn is surrounded by another circle. The circle is lined with petals. The symbol represents the spiritual growth and purity of the mind, body, and the soul. The colour blue is representative of the chakra, and bears close connection to Lord Shiva’s name Neelkanth.
The element that represents the chakra is space. It coincides with the Thyroid. It is the chakra, which represents communication and expression. If the chakra is blocked, then you may not be able to express yourself. You may have oratory issues as well. You may be timid, too. On the other hand, a balanced Vishuddha Chakra, often shows positive expression of thought, constructiveness in dealings and fine oratory skills. You may always feel satisfied, as well. The beej mantra, of this chakra is Ham. Some of the yoga poses, which can send fresh Prana to the chakra are Sarvagasana and Halasana.

6. Ajna Chakra – It is the sixth chakra, which is located in the region between the eye brows. Moreover, it consists of an inverted triangle within a circle surrounding it, with two lotus petals on either side. The colour is Indigo. The chakra is not ruled by any element. It is also called the Third Eye, the location being similar. You may have often concentrated on the focal point in between the eye brows, during the practice of many meditations and Pranayama.
If you meditate upon this focal point, then you can get rid of the sins of past life. Intuition, forecasting power and knowledge are a few of the attributes of the chakra. At its best, you will showcase vibrancy and confidence. Moreover, you will be spiritually inclined as well. There will be an absence of the fear of death, as well. If the chakra is blocked, you may feel restrained. Furthermore, you may fear growth as well. Physically, it can manifest itself in the form of blurry vision and frequent headaches. The beej mantra of this chakra is Om. You can practice the Shirshasana, to activate the chakra.

7. Sahasrara Chakra – It is the final and ultimate chakra, through which liberation happens. Lord Shiva rules the Crown chakra, as it is also called. A ring of multiple lotus petals surround the inverted triangle. It signifies the rising of the energy through the chakra and its unity with space. You will feel more liberated as a result. The colour of the chakra is white, which is also the colour of purity. As with the last chakra, this chakra also does not have a governing element. It is the seat of spirituality. If you can force the Prana to travel up there, you will simply be heading towards Kaivalya. The yogi who has an unblocked Sahasrara chakra is wise to the core, and has foresight as well. If blocked, the manifestations are destructive feelings and sadness. You can chant the beej mantra Aum, for this chakra. You can activate this, with the help of the Shirshasana, too.

Check out How to activate chakras in the human body