Chakra 101

The concept of chakras originates from ancient Indian traditions and is integral to various spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation. Chakras are believed to be energy centers within the human body that correspond to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. There are seven primary chakras, each associated with distinct qualities and functions.

See below to learn more about each individual chakra + what tea might be right for you.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is the first and foundational chakra in the traditional chakra system, located at the base of the spine, near the tailbone. The Sanskrit word Muladhara means "root support," reflecting its role in grounding us and ensuring our survival and stability. The root chakra is connected to our basic needs for safety, security, and physical well-being.

Key Aspects of the Root Chakra:

  • Element: Earth
  • Color: Red
  • Mantra: "Lam"
  • Symbol: A four-petaled lotus, often depicted with a square and a downward-pointing triangle representing stability and grounding

Functions and Associations:

  • Survival and Security: The root chakra governs our sense of safety, security, and stability in the physical world. It is tied to our basic needs like food, shelter, and financial stability.
  • Grounding: This chakra helps us feel grounded and connected to the earth and our bodies.
  • Instincts and Physical Energy: It influences our physical energy, vitality, and connection to the material world. It is also associated with primal instincts, including survival and self-preservation.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The root chakra is primarily linked to organs and systems that relate to physical survival and grounding:

  • Spine and Legs: The base of the spine, legs, feet, and lower back are closely associated with the root chakra as they represent physical support and movement.
  • Colon and Rectum: It governs the lower digestive system, particularly the colon and rectum, responsible for elimination and stability in the body's physical processes.
  • Bladder and Kidneys: These organs are involved in regulating fluids and eliminating waste, both of which are tied to survival.
  • Adrenal Glands: Part of the endocrine system, the adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and release hormones like adrenaline that manage our fight-or-flight response, vital to survival and physical stress management.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Lower back pain, constipation, bladder or kidney issues, fatigue, immune system disorders, leg and foot problems.
  • Emotional/Mental: Anxiety, fear, insecurity, financial instability, and feelings of being "ungrounded" or disconnected from the body or environment.

A balanced root chakra provides a sense of stability, safety, and groundedness in life. Practices such as grounding exercises, yoga, spending time in nature, and focusing on the color red can help strengthen and harmonize this energy center.

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) is the second chakra in the traditional chakra system, located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel. The Sanskrit word Svadhisthana means "one's own abode" or "dwelling place of the self," representing our emotional identity, creativity, and pleasure. It is the energy center that governs our ability to enjoy life and connect to our sensuality and emotions.

Key Aspects of the Sacral Chakra:

  • Element: Water
  • Color: Orange
  • Mantra: "Vam"
  • Symbol: A six-petaled lotus, often depicted with a crescent moon or water imagery, symbolizing fluidity, emotions, and change

Functions and Associations:

  • Creativity and Pleasure: The sacral chakra is linked to creativity, artistic expression, and the ability to experience joy and pleasure. It governs emotional responses, intimacy, and sexuality.
  • Emotions and Sensuality: It helps manage emotions and the capacity to feel, especially in relationships. It relates to both physical sensations and emotional experiences.
  • Change and Flow: Since its element is water, this chakra is about fluidity, adaptability, and going with the flow in life.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The sacral chakra is primarily connected to organs and systems associated with reproduction, pleasure, and emotions:

  • Reproductive Organs: It governs the reproductive organs (ovaries in women, testes in men) and is deeply tied to sexual health, fertility, and the hormonal balance involved in reproduction.
  • Kidneys and Bladder: Like the root chakra, the sacral chakra is linked to the kidneys and bladder, which regulate water and fluid balance in the body.
  • Lower Abdomen: The entire lower abdominal area, including the hips, pelvis, and lower digestive system, is associated with this chakra.
  • Lymphatic System: It helps regulate fluids in the body and is connected to the immune system through the lymphatic system, which manages the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Sexual dysfunction, fertility issues, lower back pain, urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, and discomfort in the hips or lower abdomen.
  • Emotional/Mental: Emotional instability, lack of creativity, fear of intimacy, guilt, and issues with pleasure, addiction, or overindulgence.

When the sacral chakra is balanced, you feel emotionally connected, creatively inspired, and able to experience pleasure and healthy intimacy. Practices such as dancing, creative activities, and spending time near water can help open and balance this energy center.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is the third chakra in the traditional chakra system, located in the upper abdomen, just above the navel. The Sanskrit word Manipura means "city of jewels" or "lustrous gem," reflecting the power and strength that this chakra embodies. It is associated with personal power, confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to control and direct our lives.

Key Aspects of the Solar Plexus Chakra:

  • Element: Fire
  • Color: Yellow
  • Mantra: "Ram"
  • Symbol: A ten-petaled lotus, often depicted with an upside-down triangle, symbolizing transformative energy, personal power, and will.

Functions and Associations:

  • Personal Power and Will: The solar plexus chakra is the seat of your personal power, confidence, and sense of control over your life. It governs your ability to assert yourself, make decisions, and take action.
  • Self-Esteem and Identity: It influences how you see yourself and the world. A balanced solar plexus chakra fosters self-confidence, strong willpower, and a positive sense of identity.
  • Energy and Motivation: This chakra fuels motivation and ambition, helping you set and achieve goals.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The solar plexus chakra is connected to organs and systems that deal with digestion, metabolism, and personal power:

  • Digestive System: This chakra governs the stomach, small intestine, and other digestive organs. It plays a role in the body's ability to digest food and convert it into energy, symbolizing the "fire" of transformation.
  • Pancreas: The pancreas, which regulates blood sugar levels and aids digestion, is associated with the solar plexus chakra.
  • Liver and Gallbladder: These organs are involved in detoxifying the body and supporting digestion and metabolism, functions that are symbolically linked to the transformative nature of the solar plexus.
  • Adrenal Glands: These glands sit above the kidneys and release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are crucial for managing stress and responding to challenges.
  • Upper Abdomen and Diaphragm: The area around the diaphragm, as well as the abdominal muscles, is connected to this chakra, representing core strength and the breath that fuels your inner fire.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Digestive issues (such as ulcers, indigestion, and bloating), liver problems, diabetes, fatigue, and eating disorders.
  • Emotional/Mental: Low self-esteem, lack of willpower, difficulty making decisions, feelings of powerlessness or low confidence, aggression, and controlling behavior.

A balanced solar plexus chakra provides confidence, a strong sense of purpose, and the motivation to pursue goals. Practices such as core-strengthening exercises, spending time in the sun, and activities that challenge and build confidence can help bring this chakra into balance.

Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is the fourth chakra in the traditional chakra system and is located in the center of the chest, near the heart. It is the bridge between the lower, more physical chakras, and the upper, more spiritual ones. The Sanskrit word Anahata means "unstruck" or "unhurt," signifying the idea of unconditional love and compassion that exists beyond physical or emotional pain.

Key Aspects of the Heart Chakra:

  • Element: Air
  • Color: Green
  • Mantra: "Yam"
  • Symbol: A lotus with twelve petals, often depicted with two intersecting triangles forming a hexagram

Functions and Associations:

  • Love and Compassion: The heart chakra is the center of love, empathy, and compassion—for oneself and others.
  • Emotional Balance: It governs emotional well-being, emotional healing, and the ability to form healthy relationships.
  • Connection: It connects the physical and spiritual aspects of the self, as well as interpersonal relationships, promoting unity, harmony, and forgiveness.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The heart chakra is linked to several vital organs and systems in the body, mainly associated with circulation and respiration:

  • Heart: It governs the heart, influencing cardiovascular health and the flow of blood throughout the body.
  • Lungs: It is connected to the lungs and respiratory system, which is fitting since its element is air, symbolizing breath, life force, and vitality.
  • Circulatory System: The flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body is regulated by this chakra.
  • Thymus Gland: Part of the immune system, this gland is associated with the heart chakra and is involved in the development of white blood cells and immune defense.
  • Arms, Hands, and Upper Back: These areas are connected to the heart chakra as they relate to giving and receiving love and support.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, lung issues, chest pain, circulatory problems.
  • Emotional/Mental: Difficulty in relationships, lack of empathy, fear of intimacy, feelings of isolation or loneliness, and holding onto grudges or resentment.

When the heart chakra is balanced, it allows one to give and receive love freely, experience deep compassion, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and emotional resilience. Practices such as gratitude, acts of kindness, and deep breathing exercises can help open and balance the heart chakra.

Throat Chakra

traditional chakra system, located at the throat. The Sanskrit word Vishuddha means "purification," symbolizing its role in clear communication, self-expression, and truth. It is the energy center responsible for the ability to speak authentically and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas openly.

Key Aspects of the Throat Chakra:

  • Element: Ether (space)
  • Color: Blue
  • Mantra: "Ham"
  • Symbol: A sixteen-petaled lotus, often depicted with a circle and a downward-pointing triangle, representing openness and communication.

Functions and Associations:

  • Communication and Self-Expression: The throat chakra governs our ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and non-verbally. It helps with speaking the truth, expressing creativity, and conveying ideas effectively.
  • Authenticity and Truth: This chakra is linked to honesty and integrity, helping us express our personal truth without fear of judgment.
  • Listening and Hearing: In addition to expressing oneself, the throat chakra is also connected to the ability to listen to others and to inner guidance.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The throat chakra is linked to organs and systems that are involved in communication, hearing, and the regulation of breath:

  • Throat and Vocal Cords: It governs the throat, vocal cords, and all aspects of voice and speech.
  • Mouth and Tongue: These play a key role in verbal expression, influencing the ability to speak clearly and truthfully.
  • Thyroid Gland: The thyroid, located in the neck, is responsible for regulating metabolism and growth through hormone production and is closely tied to this chakra.
  • Ears: The ears and hearing are also associated with the throat chakra, representing the balance between speaking and listening.
  • Neck and Shoulders: The neck and shoulder area are influenced by the throat chakra, reflecting the connection between communication and physical tension in this area.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Sore throat, hoarseness, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder pain, mouth ulcers, dental issues, and ear infections.
  • Emotional/Mental: Difficulty expressing oneself, fear of speaking, shyness, lying, miscommunication, or excessive talking.

A balanced throat chakra promotes clear communication, creativity, and the courage to speak one's truth. Practices such as singing, chanting, public speaking, journaling, and focusing on the color blue can help open and balance this chakra.

Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) is the sixth chakra in the traditional chakra system, located in the center of the forehead, just above and between the eyebrows. The Sanskrit word Ajna means "perception" or "command," reflecting this chakra's role in intuition, insight, and higher perception. It governs our ability to see beyond the physical world and access deeper levels of understanding and wisdom.

Key Aspects of the Third Eye Chakra:

  • Element: Light
  • Color: Indigo
  • Mantra: "Om" or "Aum"
  • Symbol: A two-petaled lotus, often depicted with an eye or a triangle, symbolizing vision, perception, and spiritual awareness

Functions and Associations:

  • Intuition and Insight: The third eye chakra is responsible for intuition, inner wisdom, and the ability to see beyond the material world. It helps with spiritual insight, clairvoyance, and the ability to perceive the unseen.
  • Imagination and Visualization: This chakra is connected to creativity, imagination, and the power to visualize future possibilities and outcomes.
  • Clarity and Focus: It enhances mental clarity, focus, and the ability to see the truth in situations. The third eye also governs perception and the capacity for self-reflection.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

The third eye chakra is primarily linked to the brain, the nervous system, and the senses, especially vision and perception:

  • Eyes: As the chakra of sight, both physical and intuitive, the third eye chakra governs the health and function of the eyes, affecting vision.
  • Brain and Pineal Gland: It is closely related to the brain and the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland responsible for regulating sleep cycles and producing melatonin, a hormone linked to circadian rhythms and consciousness.
  • Pituitary Gland: Often called the "master gland," the pituitary regulates many of the body’s other glands and hormone levels, linking this chakra to broader bodily functions.
  • Head and Forehead: The forehead and the area between the eyes are also associated with this chakra, influencing headaches, concentration, and focus.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Headaches, migraines, vision problems, eye strain, sinus issues, and sleep disturbances.
  • Emotional/Mental: Lack of focus, overactive imagination, confusion, difficulty connecting with intuition, poor decision-making, and delusions.

When the third eye chakra is balanced, it allows for clear thinking, insightful decision-making, heightened intuition, and a strong connection to inner wisdom. Practices like meditation, visualization, mindfulness, and focusing on the color indigo can help open and balance this chakra.

Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is the seventh and highest chakra in the traditional chakra system. Located at the top of the head, it represents our connection to the divine, spiritual consciousness, and higher wisdom. The Sanskrit word Sahasrara means "thousand-petaled," symbolizing the infinite potential for spiritual enlightenment.

Key Aspects of the Crown Chakra:

  • Element: Thought or pure consciousness (beyond the physical elements)
  • Color: Violet or white
  • Mantra: "Aum" or "Om"
  • Symbol: Lotus with a thousand petals

Functions and Associations:

  • Spiritual Awareness: The crown chakra is linked to our sense of spirituality, self-realization, and connection to the universe or higher power.
  • Higher Consciousness: It governs access to wisdom, enlightenment, and the sense of universal oneness.
  • Mind and Energy: It helps align and balance all other chakras, facilitating the free flow of energy throughout the body and spirit.

Associated Organs and Body Parts:

Though the crown chakra is primarily spiritual, it is also linked to several physical aspects:

  • Brain and Nervous System: It is often connected to the functioning of the brain, nervous system, and pineal gland, which regulates sleep and wake cycles.
  • Pituitary Gland: The master gland of the endocrine system, which controls other glands and hormonal functions, is related to this chakra.
  • Skull and Cerebral Cortex: This includes the crown of the head and overall brain activity, supporting cognitive functions, thought processes, and spiritual intuition.

Imbalance Symptoms:

  • Physical: Migraines, neurological disorders, sleep disturbances, depression.
  • Emotional/Mental: Lack of purpose, disconnect from spiritual beliefs, confusion, and overthinking.

Balancing the crown chakra can lead to a profound sense of peace, clarity, and deeper connection with the universe. Meditation, mindfulness, and connecting with nature are ways to strengthen this energy center.