For thousands of years, the ancient teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism have embraced the concept of etheric energy points in the body known as Chakras. These points bring life force and vital energy into the physical form and govern the psychological qualities of a person. There are seven central Chakras — four in the upper body that control mental properties and three in the lower that control instinctual properties. They’re arranged vertically along the spinal column:

• Muladhara (Root Chakra)
• Svadhishthana (Sacral Chakra)
• Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
• Anahata (Heart Chakra)
• Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
• Ajna (Third-Eye Chakra)
• Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)

I often refer to the Chakras in my classes as some Asanas are particularly great at opening or energise Chakras. I also get a lot of queries from my students as many still know very little about them and how the Chakras affect them in their life hence this blog 😊.

For most people, it is thought, the chakras are either blocked or not functioning properly. If the Chakras are not balanced, peace with oneself cannot be achieved. True happiness becomes evasive. This is when you need to open the Chakras. This can be done by simply using Mudras, which are special hand positions that have the power to send more energy to particular Chakras. To enhance the effect of Mudras, some particular sounds are also chanted. When chanted, they cause a resonation in the body that can be felt at the Chakra for which they are meant. Therefore you do not need to practice Yoga but it is highly recommended to do Yoga as well. 

1) The Root Chakra

This chakra is located at the base of the spine and represents one’s foundation and feeling of being grounded. It concerns survival issues, such as money, and food. How to open the root chakra:

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Allow the tips of your thumb and index finger to touch gently, in a peaceful motion.
• Now, concentrate on the Root chakra.
• Chant the sound “LAM”, silently yet clearly.
• Keep on taking deep breaths until you are completely relaxed.

2) The Sacral Chakra

This chakra is located near the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel (or the width of three fingers). It concerns feelings of abundance, sexuality, and pleasure. How to open the sacral chakra:

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Put the left hand underneath the right hand, with the left palm touching the back fingers of the right hand.
• Allow the tips of the thumbs to touch gently.
• Now, concentrate on the Sacral chakra.
• Silently, chant the sound “VAM” until you are completely relaxed.

3) The Solar Plexus Chakra

This chakra is located in the upper abdomen, above the stomach. It concerns feelings of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Put your hands in front of your stomach, slightly below your Solar Plexus.
• Allow your fingers to join at their tips, all pointing away from you.
• Keep the thumbs crossed and straighten the other fingers.
• Now, concentrate on the Solar Plexus chakra.
• Silently, yet clearly, chant the sound “RAM” until you are completely relaxed.

4) The Heart Chakra

This chakra represents one’s ability to feel, give, and receive love. When blocked, love, joy, and inner peace may diminish.

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Allow the tips of your index finger and thumb to touch on both hands.
• Put your left hand on your left knee.
• Bring your right hand in front of the lower part of your breastbone.
• Now, concentrate on the Heart chakra, located just above the heart.
• Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “YAM” for about 10 minutes.

5) The Throat Chakra

This chakra is located in the throat and concerns communication, self-expression and feelings, and the truth.

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Cross your fingers on the inside of your hands, minus the thumbs.
• Allow the thumbs to touch at their tips, and point them up.
• Now, concentrate on the Throat chakra, located at the base of the throat.
• Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “HAM.” Keep chanting for about 5 to 10 minutes.

6) The Third-Eye Chakra

This chakra is located in the centre of the forehead and concerns one’s ability to focus and perceive the big picture. It concerns intuition, imagination, wisdom, and the ability to make decisions.

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Put your hands in front of the lower part of sternum.
• Keep your middle fingers straight, touching their tips and pointing away from your body.
• Keep the other fingers bent and touching at the upper two phalanges.
• The thumbs should point toward you and touch at the tips.
• Now, concentrate on the Third-Eye chakra, located a little above the centre of the two eyebrows.
• Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “OM”. Keep chanting until your feelings are intensified.

7) The Crown Chakra

This chakra is located at the very top of the head and concerns inner and outer beauty, one’s connection to ‘Spirit’, and pure bliss. It’s the highest chakra.

• Assume a normal meditation posture.
• Put your hands in front of your stomach.
• Allow your ring fingers to point up, touching at their tips.
• Keep the rest of your fingers crossed, with the left thumb underneath the right.
• Now, concentrate on the Crown chakra located at the tip of your head.
• Silently, chant the sound “NG” for about 10 minutes. Make sure you chant it clearly.The 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and that it will help you understand, clear and energise your own chakras.  

Of course a regular yoga practice is extremely beneficial for your Chakras so why not join my classes online or watch my YouTube videos here: Christel Wellness Yoga YouTube Channel 

If you have any queries, please do get in touch!

Namaste

Christel