The entire universe is made of energy, and your body is no exception. The 7 chakras play an important role in the balance and health of our bodies. Long before modern technology and science, ancient cultures knew that all living things carried a life force with them. They called the centers of energy that moved inside of us the 7 chakras. So, what are the 7 chakras? Chakra is an old Sanskrit word that literally means wheel. This is because the life force, or prana, that moves inside of you is spinning and rotating. This spinning energy has 7 centers in your body, starting at the base of your spine and moving all the way up to the top of your head. In a healthy, balanced person, the 7 chakras provide the right balance of energy to every part of your body, mind, and spirit. But, if one of your chakras spins too quickly, is blocked, or moves slowly, your health will suffer. By learning about the 7 chakras, you can become more in tune with the natural energy cycles of your body. THE ROOT CHAKRA In Sanskrit, the Root Chakra is known as the Mooladhara Chakra; this root defines our relationship with Mother Earth. It influences our passion, creativity, youthfulness, vitality and most importantly, our basic survival instincts. The Root Chakra is represented by the colour red, which is also an indication for the need of logic, realistic thinking and order in our lives. Moreover, it is also symbolic of our physical strength, our sexuality and the flight and fight response that tends to activate within our body when we sense danger. The Root Chakra is connected with the sense of smell within the body, and it is attached to the gland known as Gonads. THE SACRAL CHAKRA The Sacral Chakra, or the Swadhisthana Chakra, is symbolic of the water elements present within the human body. It is represented by the colour orange, which tends to impact our ability to be happy and joyful, compassionate, creative and passionate. It also influences our desires, sexuality and our reproductive functions amongst others. THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA The Solar Plexus Chakra, known as the Manipura Chakra in Sanskrit, is roughly translated to ‘City of Jewels’ and it is regarded as one of the most powerful chakras that has profound influences on our personal power. The Solar Plexus chakra represents our personal abilities and powers, and it influences both our personal and professional success. This chakra is represented by the colour yellow, which symbolises this energy vortex and its connection with energy, fire, and charge amongst other powerful emotions. . THE HEART CHAKRA The Heart Chakra, also known as the Anahata Chakra, is associated with the element of air within the body, and it has the most profound influence on our professional and personal relationships. This chakra is denoted by the colour green, and if the heart chakra is weak and fragile, it can ruin our relationships with negative emotions, such as jealousy, envy, anger, distrust and wrath. THE THROAT CHAKRA Much like the name suggests, the Vishuddhi Chakra or Throat Chakra symbolises our true inner voice, and our ability to communicate with others. It is represented by the colour blue, and it is associated with our abilities to listen, empathise and communicate with others. The extremely delicate and graceful element of the Throat chakra, when it is in a harmonious balance, allows human beings to enjoy a beautiful voice, artistic potential, creative ways of expression, and the ability to reach a higher spiritual abode with an acute sense of spiritual awarenessHuman beings that have a balanced Throat Chakra have powerful artistic potential, along with the ability to meditate freely and utilise their energy effectively. THE BROW/THIRD EYE CHAKRA The Brow/Third Eye Chakra, also known as the Ajna Chakra, roughly translates to ‘the centre of knowledge or monitoring’. It is symbolised by the colour indigo, and is associated with our sense of thought, our ability to rationalise, use logic and conduct an analysis to reach reasonable conclusions. Individuals who have a harmoniously balanced Third Eye Chakra have a very charming and charismatic mind, they do not fear death or troubles, and their also have powerful telepathic abilities. This Chakra is connected with various glands, particularly the pituitary and pineal gland. THE CROWN CHAKRA The Crown Chakra, known as the Sahasrara Chakra in Sanskrit, is connected with the element of light, and it is associated with several organs and glands within the body, including the brain, the hand, the nervous system and the pituitary gland. When this chakra is harmoniously balanced, it can provide individuals with some extremely powerful abilities and potentials, including the ability to transcend all barriers created by the laws of nature, to possess an increased awareness of death and immortality, heightened spiritual powers and even the ability to create miracles.