The seven chakras are a concept found in Hinduism, Buddhism and yogic philosophy, referring to the seven primary energy centres within the human body, each of which is associated with specific physical organs, emotions, behaviours and mental states. These energy centres are regarded as focal points of human vitality and consciousness, and their proper functioning is vital for both physical and mental well-being.

Today, I shall introduce them in order from the bottom up.

The Root Chakra (Sanskrit: มूलाधार (Mūlādhāra)), also known as the Base Chakra,

is situated at the perineum, between the legs. It governs our most primal desires, life force, sexual energy and sense of security.

The representative colour of this chakra is red; the corresponding bodily organs are the bones, feet, spinal cord, rectum, immune system, legs and reproductive system, and its vibrational frequency is 396 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we feel healthy, energetic, secure and trusting; however, when it is closed or out of balance, we may experience fear, insecurity and anxiety, and may face financial difficulties or issues such as being underweight.

The Sacral Chakra (Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान (Svādhisthāna)), also known as the Chakra of True Knowledge,

is situated two finger-widths below the navel—commonly referred to as the ‘Dantian’—and is associated with our emotions, joy, sexuality, vitality and creativity.

The representative colour of this chakra is orange; the corresponding bodily organs are the intestines, kidneys, reproductive organs, the endocrine system and the lower back, whilst its corresponding vibrational frequency is 417 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we are compassionate and possess strong self-confidence; however, when it is closed or out of balance, it can make us dependent and overly possessive.

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Sanskrit: मणिपूर (Manipūra)),

is situated above the stomach, in the area of the diaphragm. It is associated with our willpower, self-confidence, drive, sociability, rationality, knowledge, material abundance and personal power.

The representative colour of this chakra is yellow; the corresponding bodily organs are the stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas and the nervous system; and its corresponding vibrational frequency is 528 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we possess strong willpower, self-confidence and a belief in our ability to succeed; however, when this chakra is closed or out of balance, our willpower is relatively weak, we feel drowsy, lack self-confidence and have very low energy levels.

The Heart Chakra (Sanskrit: अनाहत (Anāhata)),

is situated in the centre of the chest, at the level of the heart. It is associated with love, compassion, emotions, healing, acceptance, forgiveness, spiritual fulfilment and psychological balance.

The representative colour of this chakra is green; the corresponding bodily organs are the heart, diaphragm, lungs, thymus and circulatory system; and its corresponding vibrational frequency is 639 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we understand self-love and are willing to offer unconditional love to others with compassion; however, when this chakra is closed or out of balance, we lack the energy of love, feel shy and aloof, harbour deep mistrust, and are prone to withdrawal.

The Throat Chakra (Sanskrit: Viśuddha),

is situated in the throat and is associated with communication, expressing one’s true self, inspiration and interpersonal relationships.

The representative colour of this chakra is blue; the corresponding bodily organs are the throat, trachea, oesophagus, mouth, teeth and thyroid gland, and its corresponding vibrational frequency is 741 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we possess good communication skills, are creative and value spiritual growth; however, when this chakra is closed or out of balance, we may be unable to express ourselves, become overly authoritarian or overly concerned with others’ opinions, and may suffer from thyroid-related physical ailments.

The Brow Chakra/Third Eye (Sanskrit: आज्ञा (Ājñā)),

is situated between the eyebrows. It is associated with intuition, wisdom, vision, insight, creativity, the ability to manifest reality, and spiritual development; this is, in fact, the location of what is commonly referred to as the ‘third eye’.

The representative colour of this chakra is indigo; the corresponding bodily organs are the cerebellum, eyes, nose, ears and pineal gland (pituitary gland), and its corresponding vibrational frequency is 852 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we possess objective and stable convictions, as well as insight and leadership; however, when this chakra is closed or out of balance, we may develop paranoid tendencies.

The Crown Chakra (Sahasrāra in Sanskrit),

is situated at the crown of the head and is associated with inspiration, great wisdom, enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

The representative colour of this chakra is purple; the corresponding bodily organs are the brain, muscles, skin and the pineal gland (hypophysis), and its vibrational frequency is 963 Hz. When this chakra is open or balanced, we experience strong inspiration and have a clear sense of our life’s purpose; however, when it is closed or out of balance, we may suffer from mental weakness and be prone to delusions.

The Crown Chakra is a window to the divine, through which we can connect with the world.

These seven chakras exist within each of us. The Root Chakra, Navel Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra primarily govern our survival instincts, whilst the four chakras above the Heart Chakra—the Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra—primarily govern our spiritual aspects.

So, what specific methods can help us develop our chakras?

• Yoga:

Yoga’s asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) can be used to balance and activate the seven chakras; each chakra corresponds to specific yoga postures and breathing techniques. Some asanas may be quite challenging, so it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified yoga teacher.

• Meditation:

Through meditation practises focused on the seven chakras, we can concentrate our attention and purify our mind and body to balance and activate them. Targeted chakra meditations can help us establish a connection with each chakra and promote the flow of energy. There are now many pre-recorded seven-chakra meditation videos available on YouTube; simply search for them and you’ll find plenty to choose from—just find the ones that suit you best and practise accordingly.

Compared to the yoga exercises mentioned above, I personally recommend meditation more highly, as it is not restricted by location or physical posture.

• Energy Healing:

You may seek guidance from a professional energy healer, who can help you balance and activate the seven chakras through methods such as hand gestures, energy transmission and harmonisation. However, this does require you to find a reputable practitioner.

• Sound Therapy:

Using sound, music and the chanting of specific syllables, sutras or mantras can influence the energy of the seven chakras. Chanting or listening to tones corresponding to each chakra can also promote their development and balance.

• Qigong:

Through the practice of qigong, one can regulate the flow of internal energy within the body, including the seven chakras. Qigong practice may involve specific breathing techniques, physical movements and guided visualisation to promote the flow and balance of energy.

Whichever method we choose to activate the seven chakras, it requires patience and consistent practice. More importantly, we must learn to listen to our bodies and inner selves, and respect our own pace.