“The body is the vehicle, consciousness the driver. Yoga is the path, and the chakras are the map”. - Anodea Judith, PHD, author of Wheels of Life
Below are just a sample of some of the qualities that have become associated with the seven main chakras. The following information is drawn from the works of Annodea Judith PHD. I highly recommend her writings, teachings, and exercises for freeing the energy of each chakra. Also, a good overall asana practice will go a long way to promote healthy functioning of all chakras.
Chakra #1 Mudlahara (Root)
Governing physical region - base of spine, coccygeal plexus, large intestine, legs, feet Balanced Function - survival, grounding, prosperity, right livelihood, physical health
Imbalance- obesity, constipation, eating disorders, inability to be still, sciatica, spaciness
Element - Earth
Chakra #2 Swadisthana (Sweetness)
Governing physical region - genitals, sacrum, affecting hips, knees, lower back
Balanced Function - fluidity of movement, pleasure, connection, healthy sexuality and healthy emotions…
Imbalance - stiffness, isolation, sexual imbalances, emotional instability or numbness
Element - Water
Chakra #3 Manipoura (Lustrous gem)
Governing physical region - solar plexus, between naval and sternum
Balanced Function - strength of will, sense of purpose, vitality, personal power
Imbalance - controlling persona, stomach ulcers, can’t slow down, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, too submissive, rage addiction, excessive weight around middle…
Element - Fire
Chakra #4 Anahata - (Unstruck)
Governing physical region - heart
Balanced Function - love, self-compassion, balanced relationships
Imbalance - isolation, low self esteem, collapsed chest, melancholy, codependence
Element - Air
Chakra #5. Vishutha - (Purification)
Governing physical region - throat
Balanced Function - good communication, self expression, creativity, harmony and resonance with self and others
Imbalance - inability to express or release, blocked creativity, sore throats, stiff neck and shoulders
Element - Either, sound
Chakra #6 Ajna - (to know, to perceive, to command)
Governing physical region - third eye (thought to be associated with the pineal and.
pituitary glands) centre of head behind the eyebrows
Balanced Function - visual perception, discernment, intuition, imagination, clairvoyance
Imbalance - headaches, nightmares, hallucinations, poor visual perception
Element - light
Chakra #7 Sariswana (Thousandfold)
Governing physical region - top of head, cerebral cortex Balanced Function - union, understanding, expanded Consciousness
Imbalance - depression, alienation, confusion, boredom, apathy, inability to learn or comprehend, overly intellectual, spacy
Element - Thought (consciousness)
“The downward current through the chakras is also vital. It begins with the connection to our highest source (chakra7), then moves into visualization (chakra 6) and communication of our vision (chakra 5), down into the relationships needed (chakra 4), generates the power to do what we have to do (chakra 3), the pleasure and fun in creating (chakra 2 & 3) and finally, into full manifestation on the earth plane (chakra 1)”. - Annodea Judith, PHD, Author of The Wheels of Life