Awaken Your Seven Chakras

From The Spirit Trainers

In many philosophies, Chakras (shah-krahs) are believed to be the energy centers of the human body. Seven major chakras lie within us, with the aura/magnetic field considered to be the eighth Chakra. It is said that when these energy centers are awakened, Kundalini, or creative energy, flows upward from the base of the spine to the top of the head, activating the glandular and nervous systems.

If you've been feeling 'off-center,' it's possible that that one of your Chakras could use awakening. Read on to identify and learn about each of these seven energy centers and visit our Yoga Center to find out which type of Yoga is best suited for your physical and spiritual needs.

1st Chakra (Root Chakra):
Located at the base of the spine and relates to our sense of survival, earth, and self. When it is balanced, one feels grounded and stable. When it is out of alignment, one feels fearful, insecure and overly attached to material things -- ultimately disconnected from life.

2nd Chakra:
Located in the pelvis and sexual organs and is home to Kundalini energy (our creative life force). When it is balanced, one is creative and connects well with others. When it is out of alignment, lust tends to dominate, one feels a creative block, and one also tends to feel guilt.

3rd Chakra (Navel Center Chakra):
Located at the stomach and navel center and is our center of power (the adrenal glands). When it is balanced, one feels a strong flow of energy in life and an associated sense of well-being. When it is out of alignment, one feels a loss of vitality and power.

4th Chakra (Heart Chakra):
Located in the heart and lung area (the thymus gland) of the body and is our seat of love and compassion. It is where our animal self meets our spirit self and also where we find our humanity. When it is balanced, one is capable of true love, forgiveness and trust. It also keeps the immune system strong. When it is out of alignment, one feels beaten by life and may have trouble getting beyond pride issues associated with the ego.

5th Chakra (Throat Chakra):
Located in the neck and throat area (the thyroid gland) and is our center of communication. When it is balanced, one is tremendously creative, speaks truthfully and manifests powerfully. When it is out of alignment, one's ability to communicate is compromised. One may also become ineffective, susceptible to addictions and more prone to anger.

6th Chakra (Third Eye):
Located at the center of the forehead and just above the eyebrows (the pituitary gland) and is our center of intuition. When it is balanced, one is keenly aware of surroundings and can pick up signals -- much like a radio receiver. When it is out of alignment, one's thinking is foggy and unclear.

7th Chakra (Crown Chakra):
Located at the top of the head and is our connection to the Infinite (the pineal gland). Often called the 1000 petaled lotus, when balanced, one feels a strong connection to the Infinite and the Divine. When it is out of alignment, one feels disconnected and depressed, as if something in life is missing.

8th Chakra (Aura):
The magnetic field around the body which encompasses all seven physical energy centers/charkas. When it is balanced, one is radiant and healthy, magnetic and powerful. When it is imbalanced, one is confused and cloudy, muffled and un-actualized.