Chakras are the concentrated energy centers of the body. It is a Sanskrit term, which means “wheel”, derived from the root word “cakra”. Chakras help to regulate processes in the human body, from organ function to the immune system and emotions.
In a healthy, balanced person the seven chakras provide exactly the right amount of energy to every part of your body, mind, and spirit. However, if one of your chakras is overactive or underactive it might affect the functioning of the body.
Below is a list of the seven chakras and their basic properties;
The Root Chakra – Muladhara
This is foundational and can be found at the bottom of the spine where the tailbone is located. It is associated with red and with the earth element. Muladhara is the seat of physical vitality and the fundamental urge to survive. It regulates those mechanisms which keep the physical body alive. When this chakra is balanced you feel a sense of accomplishment or peace when you think about money, safety, and shelter. An overactive root chakra will cause fear since it is based on the need to survive, so it brings the message of survival even when there is no threat. If survival needs have generally been taken care of, this chakra may not be active throughout one’s entire life. If that’s the case, one may experience frequent daydreaming or trouble concentrating. The root chakra can be energized by reconnecting to the earth through activities such as Earthing. This is done by simply walking outside barefoot.
The Sacral Chakra –Svadhishana
This is found in the lower abdomen, roughly two inches below the belly button. Its color is orange and associated with the water element. The energy is the center for creating relationships of all kinds. It is where we develop an inward sense of self and an outward awareness of others. Ego, sexuality, and family are defined as we work with this energy. The chakra is overactive when one gets addicted to pleasures not nourishing the body or being emotionally attached to people, and underactive when you focus on practical things without enjoying them, which may lead to depression, impotence, or lack of passion and creativity. It can be energized through taking time to enjoy yourself, mindful meditation by taking walks and letting go of what is not serving your greater good, and playful contact sports.
The Solar Plexus Chakra –Manipura
This can be found in the upper abdomen where the stomach is located. Its color is yellow. Manipura’s natural element is fire. It is the center for unrefined emotions and personal power and gives us a sense of complete satisfaction and contentment. The solar plexus chakra becomes overactive when the power we have over our own lives extends into the lives of others and we feel quick to anger, the need to control and a lack of compassion. Its symptoms are digestive issues, imbalances in your internal organs like the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. It is said to be underactive when our personal power is taken away from us either by another person or through extenuating circumstances. When this happens, you may feel indecisive, timid and needy. The chakra can be empowered by your personal affirmation, being in the sun, seeing yourself as being empowered, and engaging your willpower by setting goals.
The Heart Chakra – Anahata
Green is the color of this chakra and it relates naturally with love and compassion. It is located right over the heart and radiates down to the breastbone and up the throat. It is associated with the air. Anahata is the center of real, unconditional affection, spiritual growth, compassion, and devotion. It is the bridge connecting the lower and higher energies of our being and is the place where our spirit resides. When the heart chakra becomes overactive, we lose our personal boundaries and start to make unhealthy choices, all in the name of love. It is important to treat yourself with the same compassion and kindness that you give others, but when the heart chakra is overactive, you may find yourself always putting the needs of others before your own which leads to a fast heart rate or palpitations, heartburn, and interpersonal relationship issues. When your heart chakra is underactive, you will feel like it is hard to get really close to anyone. Physically, you may feel out of touch with your body and suffer from circulation problems. It can be energized by showing appreciation for yourself and giving yourself the love that you want others to give to you, then spreading that compassion to those around you.
The Throat Chakra –Vishuddha
The throat chakra’s center is in between the collarbone, and it radiates down to the center of your heart and up to the center of your eyes. It is the center for communication, self-expression, and creativity. This is where the inner voice of one’s truth is expressed. It is the chakra of diplomacy, pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment. Speaking with a knowledge of our interconnectivity through spirit reflects mastery of this energy. Those with overactive throat chakras will often interrupt others, and often be told they have a loud voice. Physically, they suffer from throat pain, cavities or mouth ulcers. If you have an underactive throat chakra, you have likely been called shy or quiet. You may find yourself unable to express your emotions or struggling for words when you try to speak your truth. Vishuddha could be enhanced by expressing your emotions when you are alone. It does not matter if it is received by any other than your own. Fun ways of energizing your throat chakra can be done by turning on your favorite music and singing.
The Third Eye Chakra –Ajna
The natural color of this chakra is indigo. It is known to be found at the center of the brow and is the element of extrasensory perception. Ajna is the seat of intuition and direct spiritual vision; it is here that we visualize things through our “third-eye” of intuitive knowledge. The opening of the third-eye corresponds with spiritual awakening. It is the chakra of forgiveness and compassion. If you have an overactive third eye, you likely spend most of your time engrossed in psychic activities like astrology and paranormal experiences. We live in a world that often invalidates intuitive development and we close off our third-eyes and ignore our own psychic experiences. Doing so can cause us to feel disconnected from spiritual experiences. Physically, you may feel headaches or have problems with allergies and your sinuses. To energize the Ajna, you will need to devote some time to quiet, solitary meditation and getting used to the feeling of focusing on signals outside of your physical body.
The Crown Chakra –Sahaswara
It represents spiritual connection. It is associated with violet, a color many Reiki practitioners are drawn to and use in their work and meditations. It is located a little above the top of the head. Sahaswara is the connective center of the spirit. This center integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities. It’s not possible to have an overactive crown chakra because it is the seat of universal energy. Having an underactive crown chakra only means you are human. It can be energized by focusing on balancing the six other chakras.