The term “Chakra” originates from Sanskrit, meaning “wheel” or “disk,” and refers to an energy center within the body’s subtle energy system. These invisible, spinning vortices are believed to be junctions where life force energy, known as Prana, flows and is distributed throughout the body. The chakra system acts as a bridge, connecting the physical body to psychological and spiritual consciousness. Understanding the location and function of these centers is the first step in comprehending the flow of this energy.
Establishing the Seven Primary Energy Centers
The human energy system is traditionally mapped out by seven main chakras, which are aligned vertically along the central axis of the body, following the spine up to the crown of the head. This alignment represents a spectrum of consciousness, moving from material concerns at the base to spiritual experiences at the top. Each of the seven centers is associated with a specific color, often following the sequence of the visible light spectrum from red to violet.
The sequence begins with the Root Chakra (Muladhara) (Red), followed by the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) (Orange), and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) (Yellow). Moving up the torso, the Heart Chakra (Anahata) is Green, and the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) is Blue. The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) is indigo, and the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is violet or white, completing the system.
The Foundational Chakras
The three foundational chakras are centered on the lower half of the torso and correspond to the primal aspects of human existence, governing survival, creativity, and personal identity.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The Root Chakra is situated at the base of the spine, between the perineum and the coccyx. Its core function is to establish safety, security, and connection to the material world. Physiologically, the Muladhara is linked to the adrenal glands, the skeletal system, the legs, and the large intestine, governing survival instincts.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The Sacral Chakra is located in the lower abdomen, about two to four fingers below the navel. This center translates to “one’s own dwelling place,” focusing on emotion, pleasure, and the fluidity of life. It governs creativity, sensuality, and sexual expression, and is associated with the reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, and the lower spine.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The Solar Plexus Chakra is found in the upper abdomen, just below the rib cage. Known as the “city of jewels,” this chakra is the seat of personal power, self-esteem, and willpower. Its core function relates to the fire element, governing metabolism and the body’s digestive process. The Manipura is connected to the digestive system, including the pancreas, liver, spleen, and the adrenal cortex.
The Higher Consciousness Chakras
The upper four centers focus on higher emotional, communicative, and spiritual functions.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The Heart Chakra is centrally located in the middle of the chest, behind the sternum. This center is the bridge between the lower, material chakras and the upper, spiritual ones. Its core function is unconditional love, compassion, and empathy, and it is linked with the heart, lungs, and the thymus gland, which supports immune function.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The Throat Chakra is situated in the throat region, near the larynx. The central function of this center is communication, self-expression, and the ability to speak one’s truth. Physiologically, the Vishuddha is associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which regulate metabolism and growth.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows. This chakra is concerned with intuition, inner vision, and spiritual insight, acting as the “command center” for consciousness. It is linked to the pineal and pituitary glands, which regulate the neurological system and the body’s internal clock.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The Crown Chakra is located at the very top of the head. The Sahasrara is the center of spiritual connection, wisdom, and universal consciousness, representing the highest level of awareness. It is connected to the entire nervous system and is associated with the brain, the pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus.