Introduction: Energy Meets Embodiment
The chakra system offers more than symbolism—it’s a living, breathing guide to personal healing. In yoga therapy, these energy centers help us understand emotional imbalances, tension, and the inner blocks that limit freedom. Rooted in ancient wisdom and modern somatic practice, the chakras show us how to come back into alignment—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are energetic centers along the spine that influence everything from physical vitality to emotional resilience. In yoga therapy, we use the chakra system as a framework to explore patterns, restore balance, and support deep transformation.
The Seven Chakras in Yoga Therapy
1. Root Chakra – Mūlādhāra
- Location: Base of spine
- Element: Earth
- Theme: Safety, survival, grounding
- Imbalance Signs: Anxiety, instability, digestive issues
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Grounding āsana, deep belly breathing, body scans
- Affirmation: I am safe. I belong.
2. Sacral Chakra – Svādhiṣṭhāna
- Location: Pelvis
- Element: Water
- Theme: Emotion, creativity, sensuality
- Imbalance Signs: Numbness, shame, rigidity
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Pelvic flow, hip openers, emotional processing
- Affirmation: I honor my emotions and creativity.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra – Maṇipūra
- Location: Navel region
- Element: Fire
- Theme: Power, confidence, will
- Imbalance Signs: Control, low self-worth, fatigue
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Core activation, breath of fire, mantra work
- Affirmation: I am strong and capable.
4. Heart Chakra – Anāhata
- Location: Chest
- Element: Air
- Theme: Love, compassion, forgiveness
- Imbalance Signs: Grief, tension, guardedness
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Supported heart openers, loving-kindness meditation
- Affirmation: I give and receive love freely.
5. Throat Chakra – Viśuddha
- Location: Throat
- Element: Ether
- Theme: Expression, truth, clarity
- Imbalance Signs: Suppressed voice, jaw tension
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Neck release, chanting, guided dialogue
- Affirmation: I express myself with truth and grace.
6. Third Eye Chakra – Ājñā
- Location: Between the brows
- Element: Light
- Theme: Intuition, insight, vision
- Imbalance Signs: Overthinking, disconnection from inner wisdom
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Meditation, alternate nostril breathing, inner inquiry
- Affirmation: I trust my inner knowing.
7. Crown Chakra – Sahasrāra
- Location: Crown of the head
- Element: Consciousness
- Theme: Connection, meaning, unity
- Imbalance Signs: Spiritual disconnection, isolation
- Yoga Therapy Practices: Stillness, silent meditation, gratitude
- Affirmation: I am connected to all that is.
Chakras in Practice: A Holistic View
Rather than treating chakras in isolation, yoga therapy sees the full system as a fluid, interdependent field. Imbalance in one center may echo in another. Practices are always tailored to your unique body and lived experience.
Final Reflection
The chakras offer more than insight—they offer embodiment.
They help you feel your way home to wholeness.
In the hands of skilled yoga therapy, this system becomes not only a map—but a deeply personal invitation to heal.
