The Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras

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The entire universe is made of energy, and your body is no exception. Long before modern technology and science came along, ancient cultures studied the energy that lives inside each living being. There are seven energies that move inside of us, called the seven chakras.

The seven energy centers start from the top of your head and end at the base of your spine. In a healthy, balanced person, the seven chakras provide exactly the right amount of energy to every part of your body, mind and spirit. However these energies can become unbalanced, for example by letting negative energy into your life. When we learn about the different chakras and becoming more in-tune with our bodies, we can learn how to keep ourselves balanced and get over any imbalances. Each chakra plays a special roll in your life.

Here are the seven chakras: what they are and how you can keep them healthy.

Sacral Chakra

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The sacral chakra is key to your creative energy. Located right below your belly button, it is related to not only your imagination, but also your capacity for change. It also relates to your sexuality, and can be thrown off when you are feeling insecure or empty in a unsatisfactory relationship. It can also be disturbed by negative criticism that makes you doubt your creative capacities. You’re likely to feel bored, listless and uninspired when your sacral chakra is blocked. When your second chakra is balanced, you will relish in the pleasurable things life has to offer, without overdoing them. When you do overindulge in activities like shopping, alcohol or drugs, it could be a sign your chakra is overactive.

Solar Plexus Chakra

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The solar plexus chakra is often thought of as vital for self-esteem, autonomy, and determination. Consequently, it is sometimes called the “personal power” chakra. This chakra can easily be negatively affected by perceived failures, unpleasant social experiences, or lingering feelings of low self-worth from childhood. Have you ever been in a situation that you just knew wasn’t right for you? This was your "gut" or solar plexus chakra speaking to you. It gives you the power to recognize situations and use your inner wisdom to decipher them. You may suffer from digestive issues or even imbalances in your internal organs like the appendix, pancreas, liver and kidneys if this chakra is out of balance.

Heart Chakra

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The fourth chakra, your heart, is where your love, compassion and kindness are empowered. This includes love for others and love for yourself, which is why this chakra is also associated with health and healing. It is sometimes described as a bridge between the mind, body, and spirit. When your Heart Chakra is well balanced, you will be able to offer empathy to others, be emotionally open, and enjoy a deep sense of inner peace. You will feel your emotions fully, and yet also understand them on a cognitive level. Anything negatively related to love can trouble the heart chakra, such as a breakup, a grief process, a difficult friendship, or even just an instance of casual cruelty.

Crown Chakra

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Lastly the crown chakra, the highest chakra, is what determines your spiritual connectivity. It is vital in creating a life you love, and in attaining a feeling of peace. When all is well, you will be in tune with beauty in the world around you. Life will feel worthwhile, glorious and rich. If your crown chakra becomes blocked, you might not see much beauty in the world at all. You may also feel spirituality adrift and experience symptoms of depression. It can be hard to always have a strong crown chakra simply because developing your spirituality is a long, changing process. By working on your other chakras and spirituality as a whole, you will get closer to strengthening this energy center.