Pronounced “sha-kra” or “cha-kra,” this Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” describes seven energy centers in the body. They begin at the Root chakra at the base of the spine and extend upward to the Crown chakra at the top of the head.
You may already use astrology, Tarot, dream interpretation, meditation, crystals, runes, or Reiki to seek answers, healing, or insight. Think of chakras as another practical tool in your personal growth and abundance toolbox.
Many of these practices work well together to increase their benefits.
Balancing your chakras can support clearer thinking, healthier relationships, and improved financial and emotional well-being. But what do chakras actually do, how do you tell if they’re balanced, and how can you restore them when they’re not functioning well?
Below is a clear, practical guide to the seven chakras, their common associations, and accessible ways to work with them to restore balance and vitality.
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are subtle energy centers that align along the spine, from the tailbone to the crown of the head. Though invisible, they influence physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Each chakra has a color, related body areas, and distinct qualities—similar to how zodiac signs are associated with particular traits.
When all seven chakras allow energy to flow freely, you tend to feel grounded, empowered, and centered. Blocked or underactive chakras can show up as recurring physical or emotional problems, so paying attention to them is a useful form of spiritual self-care.
If you’ve been feeling off and conventional remedies haven’t helped, checking your chakras may reveal useful next steps.
Root Chakra – Power – Red
Located at the base of the spine, the Root chakra governs survival instincts, security, and personal power. If you feel chronically insecure, exhausted, or financially strained, this chakra may need attention.
Crystals
- Garnet – supports self-esteem
- Black Tourmaline – grounding and protective
- Red Goldstone – energizing and motivating
Linked to: legs, feet, ankles, knees, tailbone, bladder, and large intestine. Physical issues in these areas can suggest a Root chakra imbalance.
Sacral Chakra – Sexuality – Orange
Located in the pelvic area, the Sacral chakra relates to sexuality, creativity, and emotional expression. Dishonest or harmful sexual habits, emotional suppression, or creative blocks can signal a need for healing here.
Crystals
- Citrine – encourages abundance, courage, and honesty
- Carnelian – calms anger and grounds emotions
- Amber – clears negativity and balances feelings
Linked to: reproductive organs, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys.
Solar Plexus Chakra – Confidence – Yellow
The Solar Plexus chakra governs confidence, personal power, and self-worth. When it’s balanced you feel capable and proud; when it’s low, self-doubt and passivity can dominate.
Crystals
- Golden Tiger’s Eye – protection and reduction of self-criticism
- Abalone Shell – supports communication and balance
- Amber – cleansing and confidence-enhancing
Linked to: the digestive system, small intestine, and pancreas.
Heart Chakra – Love – Green
Located near the heart, this chakra governs love, compassion, and emotional healing. Heartbreak, difficulty giving or receiving love, or persistent resentment can indicate a blocked Heart chakra.
Crystals
- Rhodonite – emotional balance, forgiveness, and harmony
- Serpentine – supports abundance and soothes irritability
- Rose Quartz – encourages self-care, empathy, and acceptance
Linked to: lungs, thymus gland, bronchial tract, heart, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Throat Chakra – Communication – Blue
The Throat chakra, centered near the vocal cords, governs communication and self-expression. If you struggle to be heard or find your words misunderstood, this chakra may need attention.
Crystals
- Sodalite – sharpens focus and intuition
- Lapis Lazuli – relieves anxiety and fosters inner strength
- Dumortierite – boosts confidence and mental clarity
Linked to: tongue, mouth, gums, neck, vocal system, throat, glands, and perspiration.
Third Eye Chakra – Intuition – Indigo
Located between the eyebrows, the Third Eye chakra supports insight, foresight, and inner vision. A healthy Third Eye sharpens instincts and clarity about future outcomes.
Crystals
- Selenite – calms chaotic thoughts and raises vibration
- Turquoise – encourages compassion and kindness
- Labradorite – supports transformation and inner strength
Linked to: ears, nose, throat, and the brain.
Crown Chakra – Spiritual Connection – Purple
Sitting at the top of the head, the Crown chakra connects you to the Divine or higher consciousness. Regular prayer, meditation, or contemplative practices tend to keep this chakra open and resilient.
Crystals
- Blue Kyanite – supports psychic development and deep healing
- Amethyst – helps reveal unhelpful patterns and clarifies the mind
- Clear Quartz – amplifies clarity and other energetic tools
Linked to: the nervous system and pituitary gland.
How to Use Chakra Stones
Crystals are versatile: wear them as jewelry, carry a stone in your pocket, or place them on your body during meditation. A pendant near the chest or a stone under the navel during seated meditation can subtly support energy flow. Holding stones in your hands during practice also helps focus intent and balance.
Pendulums and other divination tools can provide feedback on which chakras might be open or blocked. For example, a pendulum that hangs still over a chakra could indicate a blockage in that area.
Signs of Blocked Chakras
Think of chakra work as a spiritual checkup. Persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, unexplained physical symptoms, or recurring emotional patterns can all hint at chakra imbalances. For example, forehead band-like headaches may point to the Third Eye, while pain at the crown of the head can relate to the Crown chakra.
Simple visualizations—lying down, relaxing, and imagining healing colors such as indigo, white, or violet—can help relieve discomfort and restore flow.
Common Triggers
Chronic stress and frequent anxiety blunt chakra energy. If you notice yourself repeatedly describing your life as “stressful,” that recognition alone can perpetuate the state. Short, regular meditations—sometimes as little as 30 seconds—can reduce stress and support chakra alignment.
Working With Chakras
Chakra healing means restoring each center to its natural state so energy moves freely. Cultivating positive habits linked to each chakra—acts of courage for the Solar Plexus, compassion for the Heart, honest expression for the Throat—strengthens them over time. Energy follows intention, and consistent practical steps produce durable changes.
Since energy can be redirected but not destroyed, small, regular practices—visualization, crystal work, meditation, creative or physical activities—help tune and balance the system.
Can Chakras Help with Wealth?
Feeling blocked around money may reflect imbalances, especially in the Root and Sacral chakras. The Root chakra relates to basic security and resources; when it’s balanced, you feel more grounded and capable of meeting practical needs. The Sacral chakra supports creativity, social connection, and confidence—qualities that help you recognize and seize opportunities.
Root Chakra Practices
- Wear red clothing or crystals and include red foods in your diet.
- Engage in grounding, hands-on activities like gardening or pottery.
- Meditate visualizing red energy supporting your stability.
Sacral Chakra Practices
- Use orange-colored stones, foods, or clothing to stimulate warmth and creativity.
- Take warm baths, enjoy massage, or spend time in water to soothe and balance emotions.
- Develop intimacy, play, and creative projects to restore receptivity and flow.
Go Forth with Balanced Chakras
Chakras need ongoing attention—some may run faster, others slower. Regular care, practice, and maintenance help all seven move in harmony. When energy flows evenly, you feel resilient, energized, and ready to pursue your goals.
Are you ready to explore chakra work? Start with small, consistent steps and observe the changes in your physical and emotional life as energy becomes more balanced.