The chakras are among the most important portals for life energy in the body. The word describes seven energy centres running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, each governing a different part of your physical, emotional and spiritual life. When they flow freely, we feel grounded, open and alive. When one becomes blocked — often through stress, suppressed emotion, or patterns formed in childhood — we feel it, both emotionally and physically. Here’s a clear guide to all seven.
1. The Root Chakra — safety & grounding
The lowest chakra. It governs your roots, security, stability and belonging, and connects to the legs, feet, skeleton, lower intestines and the nervous system’s survival responses (fight, flight, freeze). Blocked: insecurity, ungroundedness, strong fear, feeling unsafe in your body. A reflective question: did I grow up in a safe environment where I could relax into my body? To balance: time in nature, body awareness and body scans, conscious breathing, and gently rebuilding inner security.
2. The Sacral Chakra — emotion & creativity
Governs your emotional life, intimacy, sexuality, creativity and how you relate to others; connected to the kidneys, bladder, hips, pelvis and reproductive organs. Blocked: emotional stagnation, difficulty feeling or expressing emotions, blocked creativity, and relationships that are either too closed or too dependent. A reflective question: was it safe to be close to others and express my feelings growing up? To balance: put feelings into words, allow yourself to stay in an emotion, and do things that spark your creativity.
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra — power & boundaries
Your inner warrior — will, identity, personal power and boundaries; connected to the stomach, liver, digestion and adrenal glands. Blocked: difficulty setting boundaries and standing up for yourself, letting others cross your limits, feeling small around others. A reflective question: as a child, could I say no, be spontaneous and express my energy? To balance: set boundaries, say no when needed, stand up for yourself, and affirm courage.
4. The Heart Chakra — love & forgiveness
The centre of your soul, your capacity to love, and forgiveness; connected to the heart, lungs, arms, circulation and the thymus (immune system). Blocked: difficulty with closeness and trust, giving more than you receive, or getting stuck in old grief. A reflective question: did I learn to feel secure and open in close relationships? To balance: conscious breathing, allowing sadness, moving from thought to feeling, loving self-affirmations, and a healthy balance of giving and receiving.
5. The Throat Chakra — expression & truth
Governs your voice, self-expression, your higher truth and decision-making; connected to the throat, neck, jaw, mouth and thyroid. Blocked: difficulty expressing what you feel, fading into the background, fear of saying the wrong thing, trouble making decisions. A reflective question: could I express my needs and opinions as a child? To balance: put feelings and needs into words, use your voice in singing or creative expression, and practise making and keeping decisions.
6. The Third Eye — intuition & vision
The sixth chakra: intuition, dreams, imagination and inner vision; connected to the head, eyes and the pineal gland (which regulates sleep). Blocked: blocked intuition, confusion about what you want, trouble sleeping or vivid unrest at night. A reflective question: was I encouraged to listen to my inner voice? To balance: practise noticing your intuition, explore how it communicates with you, develop focus, and follow your inner voice over the crowd.
7. The Crown Chakra — mind & spiritual connection
The top chakra: thoughts, mental patterns, spiritual connection and inherited beliefs; connected to the brain, skin and nervous system. Blocked: fear-based thinking, lack of trust in yourself and life, mental overwhelm and difficulty focusing. A reflective question: did I grow up somewhere I could develop trust and confidence? To balance: work with purpose and focus, break destructive thought patterns, release the need for control, and cultivate trust.
How to work with your chakras
You don’t need to fix all seven at once. Notice which theme feels most alive for you right now — that’s usually the chakra asking for attention. Gentle daily practices, honest reflection on the question for that centre, and simple energy work move things far more than force. Balance is a practice, not a destination.
This is an energetic, self-care perspective — not a replacement for medical care. Seek healthcare when you need it.
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Our Become Your Own Healer app brings chakra work into daily life — with guided energy practices and an intuitive guide (usable with intuition or a pendulum) to help you sense which centre needs care and how to bring it back into flow.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the seven chakras in order?
Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and Crown — from the base of the spine to the top of the head.
How do I know if a chakra is blocked?
Notice recurring emotional themes (e.g. boundary struggles, difficulty expressing yourself) and the physical area linked to that centre. The reflective question for each chakra is a good starting point.
Can I balance my own chakras?
Yes. Simple daily practices — breathing, nature, expression, boundary-setting and energy work — gently restore flow. Start with the one that feels most active.
Is chakra work a substitute for medical treatment?
No. It’s a complementary, self-care practice. Always seek healthcare when you need it.
Written by Hans & Martina Thörn Durefelt, authors of Become Your Own Healer and The Energy Code.