Opening The Seven Main Chakras

The word Chakra stems from the word Cakra, which is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. The seven main Chakras, according to Hindu traditions, are energy fields that are aligned with the spine, from the bottom or base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color and elements of the earth, such as fire and water and influences the behavior of the body and consciousness.

When opening chakras, it is a good idea to open the chakras in order. For example, the root chakra is the first chakra and is associated with the color red.
Practice mindfulness by focusing in on the here and now. Try not to think of the past or the future, but think of the present. Generally, the root chakra should be open or in balance before attempting to open other chakras.

The root chakra ‘grounds’ us to the earth energies. It basically brings us back to earth whenever we find our minds wondering. The root chakra influences our spine, kidneys, legs, and immune system. A dysfunction in this chakra will result in back problems, depression and immune system disorders. It is located between the anus and the sex organs.

Chakras can also be opened by practicing chakra meditation called Mudras or special hand positions and chanting. To use this method to open the root chakra, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your index fingers. Since the root chakra is located at the base of your spine, concentrate on that area, which is between the genitals and the anus and chant out loud the sound LAM. Do this for seven to 10 breaths and chant several times with each breath. The Mudras will send energy to that particular chakra and the sound will resonate through the body. Use the same breathing techniques in opening any or all of the chakras.

The second chakra is referred to as the Sacral Chakra or Spleen Chakra and is located in the abdomen, sexual organs and lower back. Its color is orange. The sacral chakra is associated with the element of water and influences the emotions and sexuality. It is the energy that helps us deal with control issues, creativity, sexuality issues and our connections to lovers and friends. If the sacral chakra is out of balance, we may experience being overly emotional or overly sexual as well as the opposite emotions.

To open the sacral chakra, sit in a comfortable position and put your hands, palms up in your lap. The left hand should be unde
eath the right and the back of your right fingers touching the left palm. The thumbs should be slightly touching also. Chant the sound VAM.
A well balanced sacral chakra will allow us to feel confident. Our feelings flow freely without extreme emotionality.

The third chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra or the Navel Chakra and is associated with the element of fire. It is located at the Solar Plexus, near the navel. Its color is yellow. It is the energy center regulating our personal power and self-will. When balanced, this chakra helps us to become energized and exercise our power without being overly dominating. To open the solar plexus chakra, put your hands together with the palms together and fingers extended outward near the center of your stomach, fingers pointing out with thumbs crossed. Focus on your spine in the area slightly above your navel. Chant the sound of RAM.

The fourth chakra is the Heart Chakra and is associated with the element of air. Its color is green and it is located at the center of your spine, between the breasts close to the heart.
The heart chakra influences love, ego and self-acceptance. When the heart chakra is balanced, it gives us the ability to love deeply and integrates the opposites in the psyche such as mind-body and unification of the ego. To open the heart chakra, sit cross legged or what is known as ‘Indian style’ and touch the tips of your fingers to the thumb. Place your left hand on your left knee, (with index fingers and thumb touching) and place your right hand at the lower part of your breast bone. Focus on the chakra at the spine level with your heart. Chant the sound of YAM.

The fifth chakra is the Throat Chakra associated with sound. Its color is light blue and it is located in the throat. It is associated with communication and creativity. To open the throat chakra, cross your fingers on the inside of your hands, like forming an O. Let the tips of your thumbs touch and pull them up slightly above the hands. Focus on the throat and chant the sound of HAM.

The sixth chakra is the Brow Chakra or the Third Eye Chakra. It is associated with light, introspection, self-awareness and lets us be open to our psyche and the intuitive part of our mind. It is the third eye that allows us to be intuitive. Its color is indigo and is located at the middle of the forehead. To open the brow chakra, focus on the location of the brow chakra, between the eyes and place your hands just below the lower part of your breasts. Your middle fingers are pointing up and touching while the other fingers are bent and touching and the thumbs point towards you while touching. Chant the sound of OM or -AUM.

The seventh chakra is the Crown Chakra. It is associated with thought and self-knowledge and awareness of the universe. The crown chakra relates to pure awareness and is located at the top of the head. When balanced the crown chakra allows us to obtain wisdom as well as gaining a spiritual connection to the universe. Its color is white although some times it is seen as light purple as well. To open the crown chakra, place your hands before your stomach and point your ring fingers up and touching. Intertwine the other fingers with the left thumb under the right. Chant the sound NG.