The Seven Chakras – Vortexes of Power

The chakras represent our power – both when dealing with the external, physical world as well as with the astral and spiritual world.

However it is a mistake to think that chakras will fully express their power without the ascent of the kundalini. Unlocking the power of each chakra happens by the use of mental practices and mantra, while ultimately the full power blossoms as the kundalini pierces each chakra.

Beyond the balancing of chakras there is awakening of the chakra’s power, which is a complex topic and part of the Tantra teachings.

What are the 7 chakras and why do they matter?

The seven chakras have been written about in ancient texts of Tantra and yoga as important psycho-energetic centres which allow us to align with matter and the material world, with the mental and emotional world as well as with the subtle world of spirit. They are not anatomical organs but rather subtle energy centres which coordinate the flow of prana (vital energy) through our body.

Chakras are closely related to the endocrine glands, and hence imbalances in the chakras will be mirrored in disease, affecting the region of the chakra in the physical body and also as imbalances in the hormone secretion of the related gland.

To maintain physical health and emotional well-being it is crucial to constantly work on stabilizing and balancing the seven chakras. A chakra imbalance will express itself in physical disease. For example a person often suffering from a sore throat or difficulty speaking and expressing herself could point to an imbalance of the throat chakra. Chest and chronic lung diseases as well as diseases like bronchitis could point to a clogged heart chakra.

Strong mental and behavioural tendencies can also be curbed and one troublesome tendency after another can be eliminated by strengthening and balancing the chakra. The science which explores the relationship between the nervous plexi and endocrine glands on one hand and the chakras on the other is called bio-psychology, a new science.

The seven chakras are also controlling points of the 5 elements the human body is made of: the solid, liquid, luminous, aerial and ethereal factor. The highest two chakras are not controlling any element, but are rather the seat of the mind and soul. Even though there are many chakras in the human body, there are 7 main chakras:

The first three chakras, starting at the base of the spine are chakras of matter. They are more related to the physical, the manifested world.

1. Muladhara Chakra, also called root chakra is located at the base of the spine and controls the solid factor in the human body. This chakra is related to our basic needs and survival. When out of balance we experience existential fear. When fully balanced we feel safe and secure and gain control over our physical needs, for ex. food, sleep, reproduction.

2. The sacral or Svadhisthana chakra is located two fingers below the navel, controls the liquid factor and is related to the testes and ovaries. It concerns our relationships with others (this includes all types of relationships) and the inclination to enjoy pleasure. When out of balance we tend to overindulge. When fully balanced we will have harmonious relationships and a balanced mind.

3. The navel or Manipura Chakra holds our sense of power and enthusiasm. When out of balance it may cause a person to become domineering and a power monger. On the other hand feeling powerless or disempowered, depressed or worthless also points to a chakra imbalance. This chakra is located at the navel and controls the luminous factor in the body, related to energy and heat production. The navel is also the seat of the digestive fire, called Agni in Sanskrit. Manipura chakra related to the adrenal glands and pancreas. A fully balanced chakra is a source of enthusiasm, a sense of empowerment and the ability to materialize one’s goals.

The 4th or heart chakra is the bridge between the physical and spiritual world. This chakra is also spiritual in nature but it is the connecting point, the bridge between the lower and higher chakras.

4. The heart or Anahata chakra is the chakra of love and connection, both human and divine love. Out of balance could be expressed as extreme possessiveness and the desire to constantly seek attention. It is located in the centre of the chest and controls the aerial factor. It is related to the thymus gland. When blocked we are not enjoying interactions with others and avoid company, while fully balanced and open we experience an expanded consciousness, seeing others as part of ourselves. We start to blossom and wherever we go we spread the fragrance of love.

5. The throat or Vishuddha chakra is located at the centre of the throat and relates to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. This chakra is the controlling point of the ethereal factor. It allows us to speak our truth. When blocked we feel the inability to express ourselves properly. It is also the chakra of purity and creativity. When this chakra is fully open we become artists, poets, even our smile will have a unique aroma. On the other hand when the chakra is blocked one will feel dull, devoid of ideas and listless.

6. The Ajina (pronounced Agya) chakra, also called the third eye is located between the eyebrows and is the seat of the mind. It is related to the pituitary gland. This is also the centre of intuition. When blocked or imbalanced, we are unable to connect to the voice of the higher Self. Furthermore, this chakra when fully open will allow us to command our mind and body. Whetever we tell our mind that will be executed. What we call willpower is actually a fully active and open Ajina chakra. When this chakra is blocked a person becomes like a slave to one’s unconscious thoughts, impulses and past behaviour or habits.

7. The crown or Sahasrara chakra is related to the pineal gland. This is the chakra of enlightenment and spiritual connection to our higher selves, and ultimately, to the divine. It is located at the crown of the head and is considered the seat of the soul.

It is fascinating that each chakra determines our relationship to the world of matter, emotion and spirit, yet the chakras are also the energy vortexes of psychic propensities or tendencies, as for example, fear, hatred, lethargy, shyness, effort, pride, jealousy, etc. Yoga teaches the exact location of each psychic propensity and how we can free the mind from troublesome psychic propensities to find peace and tranquillity – the requirement for meditation.

Awareness to which of the chakras is out of balance is key to aligning them. Pointers are for ex. Physical problems in that region, as in frequent constipation which could be a sign that the first chakra is weak. Certain recurring strong emotions are also pointers that a particular chakra is out of balance. Asanas or yoga postures as practiced and taught in Rajadhiraja yoga will have a profound effect on the glands and chakras and an experienced teacher will be able to prescribe asanas to each person individually prescribed for deep inner chakra work.

Join us for the Chakra Workshop!

What’s the programme?

When: Saturday ^1st of August 2015, from 14.00 – 18.00

Four hours of pure bliss aligning, balancing and harmonizing your chakras

We will practice asanas specifically targeted to each chakra. We will explore sound and mantra for each of the chakras.

Learn to use mudras, specific hand gestures when balancing your chakras’ Learn which food feed which chakras and how you can heal yourself by working on your chakras and glands.

We will also use visualization to develop awareness of the chakras location

Where: At the studio on Mount Pleasant Road in Tottenham, London

Price: £89.00 (Advance booking is required as space is very limited)

To book please call 07969157994 or email:

info@himalayanyogainstitute.com