The Subtle Energy of Chakras
Working with subtle energies, such as the chakras, has been shown to have positive effects on reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. Chakras are described as wheels or discs that spin continuously with energy and run through the center of the body, from the tailbone to the crown, aligning with the spine. Each chakra is associated with a specific color and sound, and is visually represented by a lotus flower with a corresponding number of petals. Crystals, scents, and yoga poses can activate or soothe these energy centers, helping to restore balance to the chakra system when needed.
Where Did Chakras Come From?
The first recorded mention of chakras appears in the Kundalini Upanishad. The Upanishads are a small portion of the Vedas, a four-part collection of ancient Indian hymns dating back to 1500 BCE. Regarded as the oldest known religious texts in the world, the Vedas consist of the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Presented in the form of dialogue and narrative, the Upanishads were the first parts of the Vedas to be translated and are the best known.
The Kundalini Upanishad is found in the Yajur Veda and initially describes six chakras: the root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye. The seventh chakra, the crown chakra, is introduced later in the text during a discussion of the “gradational ascent of the mind.” Chakras are energy centers aligned with specific areas of the body and are believed to help the yogi awaken Kundalini, a spiritual energy. Since then, chakras have been integral not only to Vedic philosophy but also to Buddhism, Hinduism, and beyond.
It is common for one or more chakras to become unbalanced, but how can one tell if their chakras are misaligned? While unbalanced chakras are not the direct cause of illness or discomfort, they can indicate when the mind and body are overwhelmed or stressed. Taking the time to realign the chakras allows the yogi to practice mindfulness, and mindfulness itself can be a healing action.
Whether through subtle energy-focused yoga or meditation, my personal experiences with chakra work have consistently left me feeling calmer and more mentally focused. This feeling isn't fleeting—it lingers long after the practice. Did my chakras truly realign, or is it simply a placebo effect?
Chakra Science
Decades of research support the beneficial effects of chakra work on mental and emotional health. For instance, a 2008 study published in the Quality of Life Research Journal examined the impact of mind-body therapies, including chakra work. The week-long program involved 152 participants, who were assessed before the program and again six months later. Participants were divided into two groups: the study group (83 participants) and the control group (69 participants). The study group began with a “clinically significant low health assessment.”
In the post-assessment, the study group showed significant improvements in "sense of coherence" and "health-related quality of life" compared to the control group. Eight out of 13 data measurements showed "clinically significant improvement," including general health perceptions, emotional well-being (both positive and negative), cognitive functioning, sleep, pain, role limitations due to emotional health, and family functioning. The greatest improvement was seen in emotional well-being.(3)
About a decade later, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine investigated the health benefits of combining chakrayoga and meditation. The study included 97 participants, with 45 in the experimental group and 52 in the control group. The experimental group practiced one hour of chakrayoga and one hour of meditation twice a week for six weeks.
The experimental group reported increased mindfulness, reduced stress, and an enhanced sense of well-being. They also experienced fewer medical symptoms compared to the control group. The study concluded that their findings "provided evidence" of the physical and physiological health benefits of chakrayoga meditation, paving the way for further research.(2)
The Field of Subtle Energy Medicine
Philosophically, the chakra and endocrine systems align with one another, and modern science is beginning to support this connection. The Scientific Basis of Integrative Medicine (2005) introduces the relationship between chakras and glands, exploring the emerging field of subtle energy medicine. The authors conducted extensive research, drawing from numerous medical journals and Eastern philosophies to uncover the healing connection between the physical body and subtle energy.
The book highlights the pineal gland, which is linked to the third-eye chakra. Through the lens of the pineal gland, the authors examine the mind-body connection to subtle energy, focusing on stress and relaxation responses. According to the authors, "subtle energy both informs and transcends the faculties of the five senses. It enters the body through openings called chakras and is translated into a form of energy that the body can use—literally at the cellular level. Just as the pineal gland acts as an energy transducer for environmental information, the chakras are energy transducers for subtle energy." The authors conclude that subtle energy is the cornerstone of integral physiology, bridging the gap between Western and Eastern medicine.(9)
The idea of modern science catching up to ancient wisdom is exciting, as it validates experiences and feelings that cannot always be seen or measured by others.
Concluding Thoughts
The chakras are interwoven through the physical, subtle, and causal bodies and form a foundational part of yogic philosophy. While they may seem mysterious, they are not beyond understanding. Energy workers have been exploring the mechanics of subtle energies since the Kundalini Upanishad, and now academic research is expanding this knowledge, highlighting the benefits and necessity of subtle energy medicine techniques. Whether through breathwork, meditation, yoga, or soul care, being mindful of the seven chakras can reduce stress and enhance well-being—both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy physical body.
The Seven Chakras in Detail
Root Chakra – Sanskrit Muladhara
Other Names — First Chakra, Base Chakra
Color — Red
Location in Body — Base of Spine
Lotus Details — Four petaled lotus
Element — Earth
Prana-Vayu — Apana-vayu
Glands — Adrenals
Associated Body Areas — Base of spine, feet, legs, bones, rectum, immune system, large intestine, teeth
Primary Functions — Survival, grounding, stability, sexuality (for men)
Sense — Smell
Seed Sound — LAM – pronounced “luhm”
Crystals — Ruby, garnet, black tourmaline, bloodstone, hematite, obsidian, onyx, red jasper, lodestone, smoky quartz, fire agate
Balanced Chakra — Feel grounded, connected to nature, trust, stability, feel like our basic needs are met, belief system is solid
Unbalanced Chakra — Unconnected, ungrounded, lack of trust, unstable, feel like our basic needs are not met, belief system is shaken
Supportive Yoga Poses — Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Tree Pose, Chair
Sacral Chakra - Sanskrit Svadhisthana
Other Names — Second Chakra, Sacrum Chakra
Color — Orange
Location in Body — About two inches below the navel
Lotus Details — Six petaled lotus
Element — Water
Prana-Vayu — Apana-vayu
Glands — Ovaries, Testicles
Associated Body Areas — Womb, genitals, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, bladder, hip area, kidneys
Primary Functions — Creativity, stability, self-confidence, pleasure, sexual energy (women)
Sense — Taste
Seed Sound — VAM – pronounced “vuhm”
Crystals — Carnelian, amber, moonstone, coral, orange tourmaline, sunstone
Balanced Chakra — Creative, expresses self confidently, healthy relationships, sense of abundance
Unbalanced Chakra — Difficulty expressing feelings, uncreative, unprocessed anger, unhealthy relationships, lacks abundance perspective
Supportive Yoga Poses — Child’s Pose, Happy Baby, Bound Angle Pose
Solar Plexus Chakra - Sanskrit Manipura
Other Names — Third Chakra, Power Chakra
Color — Yellow
Location in Body — About two inches above the navel
Lotus Details — Ten petaled lotus
Element — Fire
Prana-Vayu — Samana-vayu
Glands — Pancreas, Adrenals
Associated Body Areas — Abdomen, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, middle spine
Primary Functions — Will power, determination, assertiveness, laughter, joy, anger
Sense — Sight
Seed Sound — RAM – pronounced “ruhm”
Crystals — Yellow citrine, amber, yellow topaz, yellow tiger’s eye, yellow agate, rutilated quartz
Balanced Chakra — Know self-worth, patient and accepting of others, inner warrior
Unbalanced Chakra — Lack of self respect, may give power away to others or seek dominance and control
Supportive Yoga Poses — Cat/Cow, Boat Pose, Sun Salutations
Heart Chakra - Sanskrit Anahata
Other Names — Fourth Chakra
Color — Green
Location in Body — Center of the Chest
Lotus Details — Twelve petaled lotus
Element — Air
Prana-Vayu — Prana-Vayu
Glands — Thymus
Associated Body Areas — Heart, pericardium, circulatory system, lungs, shoulders, arms, ribs, breasts, diaphragm
Primary Functions — Love, wisdom, stability, perseverance, mental patience, equilibrium, pleasure, compassion,
Sense — Touch
Seed Sound — YAM – pronounced “yuhm”
Crystals — Rose quartz, emerald, green tourmaline, jade, green calcite, green kyanite, peridot
Balanced Chakra — Connected to self, happy, compassionate, can love self and others easily
Unbalanced Chakra — Disconnected from self, difficulty loving self and others, lonely, doesn’t feel deserving of love
Supportive Yoga Poses — Camel Pose, Eagle Pose, Dancer Pose
Throat Chakra - Sanskrit Vishudda
Other Names — Fifth Chakra
Color — Light Blue or Turquoise
Location in Body — The base of the throat, the hollow of the collarbone
Lotus Details — Sixteen petaled lotus
Element — Sound, Life
Prana-Vayu — Udana-vayu
Glands — Thyroid, Parathyroid
Associated Body Areas — Throat, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus, hypothalamus, shoulders, arms, hands
Primary Functions — Creativity, communication, expression, eloquence, intuition
Sense — Hearing
Seed Sound — HAM – pronounced “hum”
Crystals — Turquoise, blue kyanite, aquamarine, celestite, lolite, sodalite, lapis lazuli
Balanced Chakra — Speak the truth, courage to live dream, confident, an easily express self
Unbalanced Chakra — Difficulty speaking truths or being honest, feel silenced and judged, feel small and out of touch with self
Supportive Yoga Poses — Bridge Pose, Plow Pose, Warrior 2
Third-Eye Chakra - Sanskrit Ajna
Other Names — Sixth Chakra
Color — Dark Blue, Indigo
Location in Body — Center of the forehead, between the eyebrows
Lotus Details — Two petaled lotus
Element — Light, Time
Prana-Vayu — Vyana-vayu
Glands — Pineal
Associated Body Areas — Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose
Primary Functions — Direct perception, intuition, imagination, visualization, concentration
Sense — Extra sensory perception
Seed Sound — OM – pronounced “ohm”
Crystals — Lapis lazuli, amethyst, fluorite, lepidolite, sugilite, tanzanite, clear quartz, star sapphire, kyanite
Balanced Chakra — Intuitive, trust in self, trust in inner vision
Unbalanced Chakra — No trust in self or intuition, fearful
Supportive Yoga Poses — Lotus Pose, Standing Splits, Child’s Pose
Crown Chakra - Sanskrit Sahasrara
Other Names — Seventh Chakra
Color — Purple or White
Location in Body — Hovering above the head, centered
Lotus Details — 1,000 petaled lotus
Element — Thought, Space
Prana-Vayu — Vyana-vayu
Glands — Pituitary
Associated Body Areas — Muscular system, skeletal system, skin, cerebral cortex, central nervous system
Primary Functions — Union, bliss
Sense — Sense of empathy
Seed Sound — AUM – not one sound but a mantra, “OM AH Namaha”
Crystals — Amethyst, clear quartz, Herkimer diamond, labradorite, moonstone, selenite, phenacite, kunzite, apophyllite, white topaz
Balanced Chakra — Connected to the Universe/Higher Power, elevated consciousness, trust in life’s path
Unbalanced Chakra — Disconnected from Universe/Higher Power, lack of direction, anxious, fearful, maybe even angry at Higher Power/Universe
Supportive Yoga Poses — Headstand, Shoulderstand, Meditation
Artwork: anvinoart*
*Artwork Disclaimer: This website is not affiliate-sponsored nor is this article—I am not paid for the content nor for sharing links. I am sharing the chakra artist information of my own accord—I purchased the artwork and think the artist is cool. As far as I know, the in-texts links are not actively tracked but the internet tracks everything so I cannot confirm 100%.
Bibliography
1 - Alcantara, Margarita. Chakra Healing, 22-35, 86-141. Althea Press, 2017.
2 - Cho, Yoon-Ju, Kyo-Lin Sim, Sung-ja Cho, et al. “Effectiveness of Training Program Combining Chakrayoga and Meditation.” Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine 17, no. 1 (2019): 1-17.
3 - Fernros, Lotta, Anna-Karin Furhoff, Per Wändell. “Improving Quality of Life Using Compound Mind-Body Therapies: Evaluation of a Course Intervention with Body Movement and Breath Therapy, Guided Imagery, Chakra Experiencing and Mindfulness Meditation.” Quality of Life Research 17, no. 3 (2008): 367-376.
4 - Gopal, T.V. “Materials that Heal by Effecting the Psychic Centers.” Vijnana Vyjayanthi 2003, Bangalore, July 2003: 3-5.
5 - Simon Heather. “Origins of the Chakras,” 1.
6 - Stephens, Mark. Teaching Yoga Book, 58. North Atlantic Books, 2010.
7 - Tummee. “Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra Yoga Poses.”
8 - Vocal Medicine. “Chakra Seed Sounds.”
9 - Wisneski, Len and Lucy Anderson. “Book Review: The Scientific Basis of Integrative Medicine.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2, no. 2 (2005): 257-259.
10 - World History Encyclopedia. “The Vedas.”
11 - Yoga-Age.com via TheTherapist. “Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad Translation.” 11-12, 19-20.
Cultivating Chill hopes you found the content informative and helpful. If you have any questions or want to share anything, please feel free to leave a comment.
Disclaimer: Cultivating Chill is a space where we explore various topics about yoga, yoga science, and all the yoga things in-between. As a result, there may be content that may not align with personal points of view or beliefs. Neither Cultivating Chill nor any authors are trying to judge or claim authority on a topic. Cultivating Chill is a safe space to share ideas, information, and more about yoga–we are exploring and growing and open to trying new things.
Please feel to take what speaks to you and leave the rest.