What is Chakra?

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” and refers to the energy
centers in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond
to certain nerve bundles and major organs.

To function at their best, your chakras need to stay open, or balanced. If they get
blocked, you may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to a
particular chakra.

There are seven main chakras that run along your spine. They start at the root,
or base, of your spine and extend to the crown of your head

Below is a list of the major chakras and their basic properties.

Base or Root Chakra – Muladhara.

Bija mantra (seed sound) is lam. It is related to survival, security, and is the closest to the earth, resting
at the base of the spine. The color associated with it is red. It is naturally associated with the element
earth. To keep this chakra healthy, exercises such as dancing, jogging or jumping are beneficial. We
should see if our security needs are being met, and take our power to create our own security in our
lives so that our world is a safe and enjoyable place for us. It’s message is, “I exist”. Live your life
proudly.

Sacral Chakra – Svadhistana.

Bija Mantra is vam. This chakra is related to sensuality, sexuality, and desire for pleasure. It is in the
lower abdomen and it’s color is orange. Svadhistana is associated with the element water. Bellydancing,
loving partnerships, and yoga can enhance the function of this chakra. This chakra says, “I desire”. Live
your passion, whatever that may be. What are your dreams? How do you desire to live? Claim your
dreams and go out and make them a reality – give birth to you dreams.
Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura.
Bija mantra is ram. It’s color is yellow, and it is related to our power in this world. It’s natural element is
fire, and this is where the “fire in your belly” term derives from. An overbearing solar plexus chakra (one
not in balance with the other chakras in your system or one where your energy is solely focused) can
result in obsessive-compulsive control. A third chakra, or solar plexus chakra, with a healthy flow allows
you to control your destiny, feel your power and accomplish your dreams. The message of the third
chakra is “I control”. Go forth and control your own destiny and happiness – you deserve it!

Heart Chakra – Anahata.

Bija mantra is yam. Green is the color of this chakra and it relates naturally to love and compassion,
being at our heart center. This fourth chakra is associated with air. Healthy relationships, pets, family,
even appreciation of beauty and nature enhance the health of this chakra. Anahata says, “I love”. Let
your heart energy flow freely in and out. Be open to receiving the love that is available to you now, the
free-flowing love that is your birthright. Sense your Reiki family around the world – feel the great love
that you all share and that you selflessly emanate into this world. Shine the love that you are.

Throat Chakra – Vishuddha.

Bija mantra is ham. The throat center or communication center is where you speak your truth in this
world. It’s color is blue. When this chakra is flowing at optimum levels, you have the ability to ask for
what you need. You also reflect your truth in the world through this chakra though your communication.
Singing, chanting and breathing exercises can enhance the health of this chakra. The message of the
throat chakra is “I express”. Do not suppress your own beautiful voice. Speak your truth, sing your joy,
emanate your love through the vibration of your words.
Third Eye Chakra – Ajna.
Some associated Bija mantras are Sham or Aum or Om. The natural color of this chakra is indigo. Insight,
intuition, awareness and guidance are the properties of this sixth chakra. This chakra, located between
the eyebrows, says, “I am the witness”. Meditation and visualization exercises can assist the healthy
flow of this chakra. Be open to your inner guidance. Listen to your thoughts, they will assist you on the
right path.

Crown Chakra – Sahasrara.

Some associated Bija mantras are Om or Ah or Soham. It is the silence between the space and represents
spiritual connection. It is associated with violet or violet-white light, a color many Reiki practitioners are
drawn to and use in their work and meditations. Located a little above the top of the head, it represents
union, bliss, the knowledge of being at one with all. Cosmic consciousness and peace are the frequency at
this chakra. “I am that I am”.
It may be beneficial to meditate on the chakras for increased health of your energetic system and even
intuit themes from them. Some simple ideas are: breathing energy into your chakras, starting at the
base, seeing the colors vividly and visualizing your beautiful energy centers spinning in a healthy way,
filling your body with health, wisdom, and light. Another idea is to meditate, starting at your base
chakra, and ask them if they have a message for you. The answers you receive may be quite insightful!
Also, continue to give Reiki to yourself – this is one of the best ways to assist your body’s energy system
to function in a healthy way and to work toward wellness on all levels.