From what the chakras mean to yoga flows and meditations to bring them into alignment, we reveal how to use them to feel your best.   

Chances are you’ve heard the word chakras but you might not know exactly what they are, where they are or what they do. In short: they are energy centres in the body, with the concept originating in ancient India.

 

Chakra translates to "wheel" in Sanskrit, and you can picture these chakras in the body like wheels interlinked with free-flowing positivity. They are described as spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to different nerves and organs that affect our emotional and physical wellbeing.  

 

If any of the chakras become blocked or overactive, then it is believed that this can lead to physical or emotional imbalances that could manifest in your mood or as ailments within your body. The key is to keep them aligned and balanced.  

What are the different chakras?   

There are seven main chakras that run along your spine. Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, colour, health focus and specific placement on the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head. Let’s shine a light on every one of them:  

 

Root chakra (Muladhara): is located at the base of your spine. This chakra is a symbol of the foundation of life, helping you to feel grounded and stable enough to withstand all that life throws your way.  

 

Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana): is located just below your belly button and is responsible for your sexual energy and creativity. It also relates to your emotions and is open to the emotions of others.  

 

Solar plexus chakra (Manipura): is located in your stomach area. Ever felt those butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous, that’s because this chakra is responsible for your confidence and self-esteem. 

 

Heart chakra (Anahata): is located near your heart, in the centre of your chest. The heart chakra is the one that helps us show love and compassion to ourselves and those around us. 

 

Throat chakra (Vishuddha): is located in your throat. This chakra is responsible for our communication and ability to speak up. 

 

Third eye chakra (Ajna): is located between your eyes. Responsible for your intuition and gut instinct, this chakra helps to steer you on the right path. 

 

Crown chakra (Sahasrara): is located at the top of your head. Your Sahasrara represents your connection outwards, spiritually, to others and the universe but also back inwards to yourself.  

  

Meditation and yoga for your chakras 

Whether you are feeling a little out of sorts or in need of an energy boost, both meditation and yoga are wonderful wellbeing tools for bringing your chakras into alignment. Below you will find a series of yoga videos with Deborah Quibell and Erica Jago designed to do just that. Not in the mood for a moment on the mat? Then give our chakra meditation a listen. 

 

To add subtitles in your language to the video, please follow these instructions. Click play on the video below. Tap on the settings icon (it looks like a cog). Click on Subtitles/CC, then Auto-Translate, select your language and enjoy the video.

For more workouts check out our library of digital yoga and Pilates classes here. Want to try more meditations, you can find all our meditation recordings here.