About Your Chakras
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The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven major energy centers in the
body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal
column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements,
developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.
One of the functions of the practice of hatha yoga (the physical practice of yoga asana or yoga
postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing) is to cleanse and activate these chakras.
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Crown - Seventh Chakra
Thought, Universal Identity, Oriented to Self-Knowledge
The crown chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to our higher self, the
divine, the timeless, spaceless place of oneness. This chakra brings us wisdom, understanding, spiritual
connection and bliss. The colors associated with this chakra are white and gold.
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Third Eye - Sixth Chakra:
Light, Spiritual Identity, Oriented to Self-Reflection
The third eye is related to the act of seeing both physically and intuitively. It opens our psychic faculties
and facilitates true understanding. It allows us to see "the big picture" and is the sight that guides us on
our spiritual path. The color associated with this chakra is purple
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Throat - Fifth Chakra:
Sound, Creative Identity, Oriented to Self-Expression
The throat chakra is related to communication, creativity and self-identity. It allows us to experience the
world symbolically through vibration, such as the sound vibration associated with language. It is the
center of self-expression. The color associated with this chakra is blue.
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Heart - Fourth Chakra:
Air, Social Identity, Oriented to Self-Acceptance
The heart chakra is the middle chakra in a system of seven. It integrates our higher, more spiritual selves
with our lower more visceral selves. It is the integrator of opposites: mind and body, male and female, ego
and unity. It is the center of Universal love and compassion. The colors associated with this chakra are
green and pink.
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Solar Plexus - Third Chakra:
Fire, Ego Identity, Oriented to Self-Definition
The solar plexus is the power chakra. It rules our personal power, sense of self, will, autonomy and
metabolism. This chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, self-confidence, and
non-dominating power. The color associated with this chakra is yellow.
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Sacrum - Second Chakra:
Water, Emotional Identity, Oriented to Self-Gratification
The sacral chakra, located between your hip bones, is related to creativity, sensuality and your
inner-child. It connects us to the world through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. This chakra
brings us grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment and the ability to accept change. The color
associated with this chakra is orange.
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Root - First Chakra:
Earth, Physical Identity, Oriented to Self-Preservation
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine and is our connection to the earth. It is our survival
chakra, the center for procreation, prosperity, grounding and balance. The color associated with this
chakra is red.
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