What are Chakras?
The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "whee"l.
It is a wheel-like spinning vortex that whirls in a circular motion forming a vacuum down the centre of our body.
It is believed that we have seven main chakra centres and that each main centre is connected to our being on several different levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
On the physical level each chakra governs a main organ or gland, which is then connected to other body parts. Energy blocks in our chakra system can usually be felt on a mental, emotional or physical level and can therefore lead to illness unless we keep the energy flowing freely through them.
1. Root Chakra - Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.
Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food.
2. Sacral Chakra - Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.
Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in.
Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem.
4. Heart Chakra - Our ability to love.
Location: Centre of chest just above heart.
Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace.
5. Throat Chakra - Our ability to communicate.
Location: The throat.
Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth.
6. Third Eye Chakra - Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.
Location: Forehead between the eyes. (Also called the Brow Chakra)
Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.
7. Crown Chakra - The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.
Location: The very top of the head.
Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss.