From what chakras are to simple yoga, breathwork and meditations to support them, here’s how to work with your chakra system and feel more balanced.
You’ve heard of chakras. But what are they, where are they, and how do they help you feel your best?
Rooted in ancient India, chakras are described as spinning “wheels” of energy within the body. Ancient texts describe a “subtle body”– your energetic self – where life force (prana) moves through channels (nadis) and gathers at hubs called chakras. While some scriptures mention tens of thousands, seven main chakras run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
Think of them as centres that shape how you feel, express and connect. When energy feels stuck, you might notice it in your mood, confidence or ease. Traditional practices like yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are used to support balance.
A gentle note: chakras aren’t scientifically proven. Treat this as a personal wellbeing framework – curious, reflective and practical.
What are the different chakras?
1. Muladhara- Root Chakra
Element: Earth
The root chakra is positioned at the base of the spine and associated with the earth element. It’s linked to your sense of security and your relationships, it helps you feel grounded and on even footing.
How to unblock: You may find that walking with intention can help, as can going barefoot and reconnecting with nature – feeling the grass or sand between your toes. Sleep is also an effective way to get the energy flowing again.
2. Svadhisthana– Sacral Chakra
Element: Water
Svadhisthana means ‘the dwelling place of the self’, located just below the belly button, and is associated with your sensuality, creativity and playfulness. It’s linked to pleasure and satisfaction and when it’s thriving you can expect your relationships, particularly romantic ones, to be in a good place.
How to unblock: Linked to water, a good way to unblock this chakra and to get it flowing again is to immerse yourself in water, be it swimming, taking a bath or heading to the seaside.
3. Manipura - Navel Chakra
Element: Fire
The navel or solar plexus chakra is linked to your sense of self, plus your digestion and metabolism. When this chakra is working optimally, you’re likely to exude confident, whilst feeling motivated and in control.
How to unblock: Sometimes we just need a reminder of the strong person we are and can be. Repeating a mantra like, “I am powerful” or “I am strong” out loud to yourself in the mirror, or in your mind throughout the day can help to slowly but surely bring your confidence back.
4. Anahata - Heart Chakra
Element: Air
The heart chakra is the fourth primary chakra and its central purpose is love, for both ourselves and others. It has a direct influence on our capacity for compassion, empathy and forgiveness and it’s a potential source of great joy.
How to unblock: Metta meditation, known as loving kindness meditation is a wonderful way to give yourself some love.
5. Vishuddha- Throat Chakra
Element: Space
Despite the name, this chakra doesn’t just align with the throat, but the mouth, lips, cheeks and jaw, plus the neck and shoulders. It controls your honesty, communication and your ability to speak up and listen.
How to unblock: Try free writing. This is where you put pen to paper and write without thinking, it’s a great way to get out of your head and to let everything just flow.
6. Ajna – Third Eye Chakra
Element: Earth, air, fire, water, and space
The Ajna chakra, located between your eyes, is closely associated with your creativity, your wisdom and intuition. It’s also linked with brain health, the pineal gland and vision.
How to unblock: Try to charge and unblock this chakra with the power of the sun, spend time watching the sun rise or set, as this can give your energy and positivity a boost.
7. Sahasrara- Crown Chakra
Element: Cosmic energy
The crown chakra, at the top of your head, represents your consciousness and your ability to tap into the spiritual. Your Sahasrara represents your connection outwards, spiritually, to others and the universe but also back inwards to yourself.
How to unblock:
Make space for 5 minutes of daily stillness, for example quiet breathing or mindfulness, practise letting go of what you’re clinging to, and reconnect through nature, gratitude and acts of service.
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.
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