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As a Reiki Master and Yoga teacher, I discovered that integrating Reiki energy healing with regular Yoga practice has been a transformative process, not only for balancing my chakras but also for developing a deeper awareness of them. In many cases, I was even able to perceive the subtle energy flowing through these centers. The chakras are part of our subtle and non-material existence, and thanks to the teachings of ancient sages, we have a detailed understanding of their vibrations, colors, shapes, and sounds. These sages, through deep introspection and sharp perception, were able to access the wisdom of these energy centers.
In the tantric tradition, chakras are seen as key stations of the mind, serving as channels of communication between the body and the mind. They are closely linked to the endocrine system, and when imbalanced, they can manifest as physical and psychological conditions. Therefore, maintaining the balance of the chakras is essential for overall health and well-being. Tantric Yoga offers a range of practices—such as asanas, pranayama, mudras, kriyas, kirtan, and the consumption of sattvic food—that help harmonize these centers.
The word “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit term cakra, meaning “wheel” or “vortex.” Chakras are often described as rotating wheels or energy centers that project and process vital energy, prana. Each chakra governs specific physical, emotional, and psychological functions. Although the chakras are located along the spine, they energetically extend outward, which is why they are often depicted at the center or in front of the body during meditation.
The Seven Main Chakras
Traditionally, there are seven main chakras, each with unique characteristics and corresponding practices. Additionally, two important chakras—Lalana and Guru—play a significant role in the tantric system. Below is an overview of the seven main chakras and some practices to balance and harmonize them. These descriptions are based on teachings I received during my 200-hour Yoga teacher training course and also form the foundation of the tantric teachings, which are explored in depth in the book The Chakras of Tantra: Seven Wheels of Self-Governance by my Yoga teacher, Ganga Devi.
Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Earth
Location: At the base of the spine
Shape and Color: Square, golden yellow
Bij Mantra: LAM
Associated Organs: Legs, spine, rectum, colon
Endocrine Gland: None
Activities: Hiking, cycling, grounding activities
Herbs: Lotus root, Shatavari, Ashwagandha
Key Asanas: Padahastasana, Janusirsasana
Yogic Techniques: Mula Bandha (root lock)
Description: The Muladhara chakra is the foundation of our energy system, associated with survival instincts, fears, and a sense of stability. A balanced root chakra promotes a strong connection to the earth and a solid sense of self.
Svadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Water
Location: Below the navel (two fingers below in men, at the base of the genital organs in women)
Shape and Color: Crescent moon, milky white
Bij Mantra: VAM
Associated Organs: Reproductive organs, bladder, kidneys
Endocrine Gland: Sexual glands, ovaries (in women), testes (in men)
Activities: Swimming, dancing, water sports
Herbs: Coriander, Marshmallow, Uva Ursi
Key Asanas: Dirgha Pranam, Yogamudra, Gomukhasana
Yogic Techniques: Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock)
Description: Svadhisthana governs creativity, relationships, and emotional balance. It is the center of sensuality and pleasure, as well as our subconscious mind. When balanced, this chakra enhances creativity and emotional flow.
Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Fire
Location: At the level of the navel
Shape and Color: Triangle, bright red
Bij Mantra: RAM
Associated Organs: Small intestine, pancreas, eyes, feet
Endocrine Gland: Adrenal glands
Activities: Outdoor exercise, sunbathing
Herbs: Black pepper, cumin, chili pepper
Key Asanas: Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, Mayurasana
Yogic Techniques: Uddiyana Bandha, Kapalabhati (breath of fire)
Description: Manipura is the center of personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. It governs our digestive fire and metabolism and is closely related to how we assert ourselves in the world.
Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Air
Location: Center of the chest
Shape and Color: Hexagon, smoky green
Bij Mantra: YAM
Associated Organs: Heart, lungs, respiratory system, large intestine, skin, hands
Endocrine Gland: Thymus
Activities: Aerobic exercises, dancing, walking
Herbs: Cardamom, rose, saffron, lotus seeds
Key Asanas: Bhujangasana, Karmasana
Yogic Techniques: Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing)
Description: Anahata is the seat of love, compassion, and empathy. It governs our ability to love unconditionally and connect with others. A balanced heart chakra promotes emotional healing and harmonious relationships.
Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Ether (Space)
Location: In the throat region
Shape and Color: Multicolored, shapeless
Bij Mantra: HAM
Associated Organs: Liver, gallbladder, vocal cords, ears
Endocrine Gland: Thyroid and parathyroid glands
Activities: Singing, talking, creative expression
Herbs: Cloves, licorice, myrtle
Key Asanas: Sarvangasana, Matsyamudra, Halasana
Yogic Techniques: Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock), Akashii Mudra
Description: Vishuddha governs our ability to communicate effectively and express our truth. It is also connected to creativity and spiritual expression. A balanced throat chakra allows us to speak with clarity and authenticity.
Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Light (Intuition)
Location: Between the eyebrows
Shape and Color: Eye-shaped, transparent with a lunar white glow
Bij Mantra: AUM
Associated Organs: Hypothalamus
Endocrine Gland: Pituitary gland
Activities: Meditation, deep contemplation
Herbs: Basil, sandalwood, elecampane, skullcap
Key Asanas: Sarvangasana, Matsyamudra, Halasana
Yogic Techniques: Trataka (concentration on a point), Manasi Mudra (mental gesture)
Description: Ajna is the center of intuition, inner vision, and wisdom. It governs intellect, perception, and awareness of higher truths. A balanced third eye chakra promotes clarity and the ability to perceive the invisible.
Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra)
Fundamental Element: Thought (Pure Awareness)
Location: Top of the head
Shape and Color: Thousand-petaled lotus, luminous white
Bij Mantra: Silence (or Om in some traditions)
Endocrine Gland: Pineal gland
Activities: Deep meditation, spiritual practices
Herbs: Calamus, Gotu Kola, Valerian
Key Asanas: Shavasana, Savasana, Tandava dance
Yogic Techniques: Dhyana (meditation)
Description: Sahasrara is the gateway to spiritual enlightenment, the seat of pure awareness, and connection to the divine. It governs our awareness of higher spiritual truths and is the center of bliss, peace, and transcendence.
The Myth of Rainbow Colors in the Chakra System
You may have noticed that the descriptions above do not include the rainbow colors commonly associated with the chakras in modern depictions. This concept was popularized in the 1970s by Christopher Hills in his book Nuclear Evolution, where he also linked the chakras to personality types. Although these ideas gained considerable attention, they do not come from traditional tantric or yogic systems.
