What are the chakras?

The chakras are patterns programmed deep into the mind/body interface that strongly inform our physical functioning and relationship with the world.  Each chakra represents a different energy or quality. When these vortices or energy centers are blocked (either by childhood trauma, cultural conditioning, belief systems, life experiences, limiting beliefs, etc) it disrupts the flow of energy or prana.  The energy gets stuck (creating a holding pattern or chronic tension), festers and can manifest into physical ailments, resistance and/or disease. Imbalances also play out externally, informing our work, our relationships, our purpose and more. 

There are 7 major chakra centers that are located along the spine:

Muladara: root  
Swadistana: pelvic
Manipura: core  
Anahata: heart
Vishudna: throat
Ajna: third eye  
Sahasrara: crown

Our ability to transform requires the process of purification where we get aware, stir things up, purify and then replenish and receive. This is the process of yoga. Yoga asks us to look at our tension with a different eye - to better understand it so that we can heal and transform it. 

The chakras are the portal between the inner and outer world, integrating physicality, psychology and spirituality. They say that the mind, body, and spirit are equally important facets of our being and in honoring this full spectrum, we unleash our divine potential.

ROOT

Color: red
Element: earth
Location: base of spine, legs
Energy: survival, stability, prosperity

HEART

Color: green
Element: air
Location: heart, respiratory organs, shoulders
Energy: Compassion, self-love, balance

SACRAL

Color: orange
Element: water
Location: pelvis, hips, sexual organs
Energy: pleasure, movement, transition, relationships

THROAT

Color: blue
Element: sound
Location: throat, larynx, lymph nodes, ears
Energy: Communication, Creativity, Expression 

CORE

Color: yellow
Element: fire
Location: core, digestive organs, solar plexus
Energy: personal power, purpose, self-esteem

BROW

Color: indigo
Element: light
Location: third eye, eyes, sinuses
Energy: Imagination, Intuition, Vision