The word Chakra comes from Sanskrit — and means vortex, spinning wheel or circle. Chakras are the major centres of spiritual power in the human body

and are circles of energy which balance, store and distribute the energies of life all through our physical body along the subtle body. The subtle body is the non-physical — otherwise known as our soul or spirit, which overlays our physical body.

There are seven main centers of energy,located on the midline of the body, and they govern our psychological properties. They can have various levels of activity. When they’re “open,” they’re considered operative in a normal fashion. Ideally, all chakras would contribute to our being. Our instincts would work together with our feelings and thinking. However, this is usually not the case. Some chakras are not open enough (being under-active), and to compensate, other chakras are over-active.

The ideal state is where the chakras are balanced. So… how to do it?

Essential Practice

Yoga poses are the essential practice to maintaining balance physically, mentally, and spiritually. The asanas (yoga postures) are used to channel, direct and activate energy throughout the body. When Kundalani yoga is used to clear your chakras, the poses help to release the energy through each yoga movements.

Combining Chakras

Chakras are used in combination with each other, which means none of them stand alone. They are all related to each other. There is no way that you can demonstrate one of the seven chakras using Kundalini yoga poses without concentrating on the needs of the others. Therefore, it is important to learn about all seven of them. The seven chakras are namely:

• First, second and third – Lower Triangle – handles the elimination process
• Fifth, sixth and seventh – Upper Triangle – places emphasis on accumulation

Now, you may be wondering why the fourth was skipped while listing the seven chakras. Glad you asked because this is important! The fourth chakra is the heart (nomen omen) of the whole system and where all other chakras meet. It is the balancing point. Now, let’s get into the details — we’ll start with the first chakra, Muladhara.

First Chakra

Use Warrior I yoga poses to facilitate the first chakra. With this pose, you form a connection with the earth — it gives you a solid foundation in the feet. With this pose, the root chakra, which is found in the pelvic area and bottom of the spine, will provide a great stretch in the hips, releasing any dormant energy. You will receive so many benefits from this pose because it heavily influences the first chakra to provide health to the teeth, bones, health, anus, nails, kidneys and digestive functions.

When the first chakra is imbalanced:

• You will feel tired
• Experience back pain
• Have reduced immunity levels
• Become obese
• Experience constipation
• Become depressed
• Experience insomnia and eating disorders

When your first chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may display behaviors like:

• Fear
• Low self-esteem
• Anger
• Obsession
• Lack of confidence
• Possessive

When your first chakra is balanced, you will benefit from:

• Being centered
• Being committed
• Being strong
• Easily digesting foods
• Enjoying lots of energy and vitality

Other yoga poses that balance this first chakra:

• Mountain pose
• Standing forward bend pose
• Side Angel pose
• Bridge pose

Second Chakra

For a balanced second chakra, use the Bound Angle. With this pose, you open up the hips and focus on the pelvic area. This chakra sits close to the first chakra and stretches the groin area, effectively releasing tension.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You are confused about your emotions
• Problems with personal relationships
• Urinary problems
• Poor digestion
• Menstrual issues
• Hormonal problems
• Easily tired
• Pain in the pelvis and lower back pain

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may exhibit behaviors like:

• Shyness
• Blame
• Obsession
• Guilt
• Lack of creativity

When your second chakra is balanced, you will take pleasure in:

• Being compassionate
• Being intuitive
• Being friendly
• Having a sense of belonging
• Being humorous

Other yoga poses that provide balance to this second chakra:

• Sitting wide forward pose
• Standing wide forward pose

Third Chakra

To stimulate and balance the third chakra, use the Boat asana. This chakra sits close to the solar plexus, activating and connecting your center.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You are confused about your emotional identity
• Have problems with low self-esteem
• Faced with upper abdominal problems
• May suffer from diabetes, colon and intestinal problems
• Low adrenalin and anorexia
• Suffer from low blood pressure

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may demonstrate behaviors like:

• Judgmental
• Angry
• Hostile
• Fear of rejection
• Depressed
• Timid
• Lack of confidence
• Unable to make quick decisions

When your third chakra is balanced, you will have:

• Lots of energy
• Confidence
• Productivity
• Intelligence
• Lots of focus

Other yoga poses that balance the third chakra:

• Sun Salutation pose
• Warrior pose
• Bow pose

Fourth Chakra

For a balanced fourth chakra, use the Camel asana. Using this pose allows you to open your heart’s center, preventing you from closing off your heart due to feelings of vulnerability. This chakra helps you to invite acceptance and love into your heart.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You are distrustful and unforgiving
• You have issues with unconditional love
• You have issues with social identity
• You suffer from shoulder and upper back issues
• You may be troubled with asthma
• You may have conditions with the heart and lungs

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may exhibit behaviors like:

• Lack of hope
• Lack of confidence and compassion
• Feelings of despair
• Moodiness
• Difficulty with loving others unconditionally

When your fourth chakra is balanced, you will enjoy:

• Feeling optimistic
• Being outgoing
• Being motivated
• Feeling friendly and empathic
• Feeling complete and whole again

Other yoga poses that balance the fourth chakra:

• Cobra pose
• Fish pose

Fifth Chakra

For a balanced fifth chakra, use the Fish asana. This pose allows you to stretch your throat to freely express yourself through speech.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You lack creativity and communication
• You don’t trust easily
• You are self aware
• You may have issues with your teeth and gums
• You may suffer from mouth ulcers, laryngitis, sore throat and thyroid dysfunctions

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you might show behaviors like:

• Shaken faith
• Inexpressiveness
• Prone to addiction
• Weakened will power

When your fifth chakra is balanced, you know how to:

• Effectively communicate
• Be creative
• Be expressive
• Be a good listener

Other yoga poses that balance the fifth chakra:

• Plow pose
• Cat stretch
• Bridge pose

Sixth Chakra

To enjoy a balanced sixth chakra, use the Child’s pose, which is a connection to your third eye, stimulating your intuition. With this pose, you are more aware of your surroundings and able to access your inner wisdom.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You lack wisdom
• You are not as clairvoyant
• You are not good at implementing ideas
• You are detached
• You have little intuitive reasoning
• You may suffer from headaches, panic attacks and nightmares
• You may have seizures or spinal dysfunctions
• You could be depressed

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may reveal behaviors like:

• Poor judgment
• Fear of the truth
• Confusion
• Lack of concentration
• Indiscipline

When your sixth chakra is balanced, you will enjoy:

• Clear thought process
• Strong intuition
• Healthy imagination
• Improved focus

Other yoga poses that balance this sixth chakra:

• Seated Cross-legged / Lotus pose

Seventh Chakra

For a balanced seventh chakra, use the Headstand yoga poses, which activates the top of your head. With this pose, you open up the gateway to your consciousness. This chakra, when it is stimulated will make a connection to your higher self.

When this chakra is imbalanced:

• You are no longer connected to your spirituality
• Your mind, body and spirit is out of whack
• You are not consciously aware
• You may suffer from chronic fatigue
• You are sensitive to sound and light

When your this chakra is slightly “out of order”, you may exhibit behaviors like:

• Identity crisis
• Lack of inspiration
• Fearfulness
• Materialistic
• Lack of purpo9se

When your seventh chakra is balanced, you will enjoy:

• Being open minded
• High level of intelligence
• Thoughtful
• Receptive
• Harmony

Other yoga poses that balance this last chakra:

• Seated Yoga pose
• Meditation

Does it resonate with you?

What else would you like to know about the energy and your Chakras? Do you already work with them or is it just the beginning of your journey? Please share in comments below — this is what this blog is for.