The Seven Main Chakras

1. The Root Chakra

It is situated between the sexual organs and anus. It governs the sense of smell and is oriented to self-preservation. It has four leaves, is red and associated with the sound of LAM. The corresponding element is the Earth.

The root chakra affects the colon, teeth and bones, spine, kidneys, feet and the suprarenal glands.

Physical signs of imbalance can be diseases of the digestive system, constipation, back ache, varicose veins, bladder or kidney problems, anaemia, prostate problems.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be fear, depression, lack in trust.

Central topics linked to the root chakra represent survival, physical vitality, grounding, birth and creation, trust, material security.

2. The Sacral Chakra

It is situated in the centre of the abdomen. It governs the sense of taste and appetite and is oriented to personal gratification. It has six leaves, is orange and associated with the sound of VAM. The corresponding element is Water.

The sacral chakra affects the gonads, reproductive and sexual organs, circulation, bodily fluids, first impression of people.

Physical signs of imbalance can be menstruation pain, impotence, bladder or kidney infections, blood related diseases.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be addictions, crisis of creativity, sexual listlessness, lack of vitality.

Central topics linked to the sacral chakra represent sexuality, reproduction, creativity, self-confidence.

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra

It is situated just above the navel. It governs the sense of eyesight and is oriented to self-definition. It has ten leaves, is yellow and associated with the sound of RAM. The corresponding element is Fire. The Solar Plexus represents the centre of the body, food is assimilated, turned into energy and distributed throughout the body. It is the power centre of the body and associated with control and mental activity.

The Solar Plexus affects the pancreas, stomach, gall bladder, liver, spleen, large intestines and vegetative nervous system.

Physical signs of imbalance can be stomach problems, liver-, spleen or gall bladder diseases, digestion problems, back ache, diabetes, overweight, arthritis.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be irritation, anger, worries, sleeping disorders, nightmares, insecurity, eating disorders.

Central topics linked to the Solar Plexus represent emotions, will power, self-control, personality and power.

4. The Heart Chakra

It is situated in the centre of the chest. It governs the sense of touch and is oriented to self-acceptance. It has twelve leaves, is green or sometimes pink and associated with the sound of YAM. The corresponding element is the Air.

The heart chakra affects the heart, lungs, circulation, blood, skin, hands, arms, upper back, chest and thymus gland.

Physical signs of imbalance can be heart problems, high or low blood pressure, diseases of lungs or breathing, colds, shoulder pain.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be emotional coldness, loneliness, isolation, trouble making contacts, hostility.

Central topics linked to the heart chakra represent love, devotion, humanity, compassion, safety and spiritual growth.

5. The Throat Chakra

It is situated at the base of the throat. It governs the sense of hearing and is oriented to self-expression. It has sixteen leaves, is light blue and associated with the sound of HAM. The corresponding element is the Ether.

The throat chakra affects the throat, jaws, gullet, breathing, voice, neck, hearing and thyroid gland.

Physical signs of imbalance can be sore throat, tonsillitis, tooth and gum problems, neck and shoulder pain, thyroid problems, speech problems, ear problems.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be shyness, fear of isolation, lack or self-expression, stutter, fear of having an own opinion.

Central topics linked to the throat chakra represent communication, inspiration, truth, independence.

6. The Third Eye

It is also known as Brow Chakra and situated in the centre of the forehead. It governs the sense of 6th sense, intuitivity, and is oriented to self-awareness. It has two leaves that represent duality – the need to overcome polarity. It is dark blue and associated with the sound of OHM.

The Third Eye affects the lower brain, face, ears, nose, sinuses, central nervous system and pituitary gland.

Physical signs of imbalance can be headache, brain disease, eye sight problems, hearing problems, infected sinuses, diseases of the nervous system.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be problems to concentrate, learning difficulties, fears, feelings of uselessness, superstition, insanity.

Central topics linked to the Third Eye chakra represent intuition, wisdom, imagination, psychic perception, telepathy and ESP.

7. The Crown Chakra

It is situated on the top of the head. It governs the sense cosmic consciousness beyond the senses and is oriented to self-identity. It has thousand leaves, is white, violet, gold and associated with the sound of OHM.

The Crown Chakra affects the upper brain, eyes, nervous system and pineal gland.

Physical signs of imbalance can be headache, chronic diseases, weak immune system, paralysis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, other life threatening diseases, mental diseases.

Emotional signs of imbalance can be Lack in joy of life, mental exhaustion, flight from reality, depressions.

Central topics linked to the Crown Chakra represent spirituality, enlightenment, cosmic union.

Hand and Feet Chakras

In the palms there are blue and turquoise coloured chakras that are connected to the heart throat and brow chakras. The hand chakras have a radiance which can be felt by sensitive people and is used by healers.

If the hand chakras are un-balanced, it can show in disturbances between giving and taking or fear of touch. Creative activities like making music, Tai Chi or dancing activate the hand chakras.

The feet chakras are dark red and are situated in the middle of the soles of the feet. They are connected to the root chakra and are important for grounding. Walking bare foot or reflexology for example activate the feet chakras.