What is a chakra?
According to ancient yogic wisdom, our bodies are pulsing with prana, which translates as energy or life force. Prana flows throughout the body in channels called nadis, which are similar in concept to our nervous system. The three biggest nadis are the susumna, which corresponds to the spinal column, and the ida and the pingala, which crisscross each other and the susumna along the spine. Where the ida, pingala and susumna nadis intersect prana gets concentrated into an area called a chakra (which means "wheel" or "circle"). There are seven chakras in the body, vertically stacked from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra has a particular function that is dictated by its location: The lower three chakras govern the body, the uppermost three chakras affect the mind and spirit, and the middle chakra symbolizes the union of the body and the mind.

Why do chakras matter?
We've all had the sensation of feeling stuck at some part of our lives. By getting in touch with our chakras, we can begin to pinpoint exactly where we've gotten out of balance and discover simple and effective ways to get back on track. This chart can get you started on the road to unlocking the power of chakras. For more detailed information, talk to a qualified yoga teacher.

First Chakra
Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Translation: Root or source of support
Common name: Root chakra
Location: Base of the spine
What it governs: Basic survival, sense of security, general health, elimination
Signs that it's out of balance: Weight gain, fearfulness, constipation, struggling to make ends meet
Ways to open it: Yoga poses that stretch and strengthen the feet and legs, such as lunges

Second Chakra
Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana
Translation: One's own place
Common name: Water chakra
Location: Lower abdomen, just above pubic bone
What it governs: Sensuality, sexual energy, creativity, emotions, intimacy, experiencing pleasure, circulation
Signs that it's out of balance: Control issues, addiction, working too much, not having any fun, emotional drama, sexual problems, lower back/hip pain
Ways to open it: Belly breathing ‑- allowing the stomach to expand on inhale and deflate on exhale

Third Chakra
Sanskrit name: Manipura
Translation: Lustrous gem
Common name: Fire chakra
Location: Solar plexus, behind the navel
What it governs: Self-confidence, determination, discipline, digestion, metabolism
Signs that it's out of balance: Digestive problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem, disempowerment, hatred, perfectionism
Ways to open it: Simple twists and setting aside 20 minutes a day to do something you truly enjoy

Fourth Chakra
Sanskrit name: Anahata
Translation: Unhurt
Common name: Heart chakra
Location: Heart, upper chest
What it governs: Compassion, love, union between the body and the mind
Signs that it's out of balance: Loneliness, shyness, jealousy, possessiveness, lung problems, high blood pressure
Ways to open it: Exercises that stretch and open the chest, and loving acts, such as rubbing your partner's shoulders, donating to a cause or doing something nice for yourself like taking a nap when you're tired or making plans with a friend when you're lonely

Fifth Chakra
Sanskrit name: Vissudha
Translation: Pure
Common name: Throat chakra
Location: Neck, throat, mouth
What it governs: Communication, emotional expression, listening
Signs that it's blocked: Tension in neck and shoulders, clenched jaw, grinding teeth, difficulty speaking up, inability to listen, hearing problems, throat problems, excessive talking
Ways to open it: Drinking more water, quitting smoking, cutting back on dairy, singing, doing neck rolls and shoulder stretches, finding audible ways to express emotions, such as sighing, groaning, laughing out loud

Sixth Chakra
Sanskrit name: Ajna
Translation: The perception center
Common name: Third eye
Location: Center point of lower forehead, just above the brow line
What it governs: Wisdom, intuition, introspection, imagination, dreams
Signs that it's out of balance: Feeling stuck in old thought patterns, headaches, hallucinations, nightmares, poor memory
Ways to open it: Repeating positive affirmations to yourself, gazing at inspirational images, spending time with eyes closed to develop other modes of perception

Seventh Chakra
Sanskrit name: Sahasrara
Translation: Thousandfold lotus
Common name: Crown chakra
Location: Very top of the skull
What it governs: Spirituality, connection to the divine
Signs that it's out of balance: Greed, chronic headaches, profound detachment, feelings of superiority
Ways to open it: Meditation