For thousands of years, the ancient teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism have embraced the concept of etheric energy points in the body known as chakras. These points bring life force and vital energy into the physical form and govern psychological qualities of a person. There are seven central chakras — four in the upper body that control mental properties and three in the lower that control instinctual properties. They’re arranged vertically along the spinal column:
Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Svadhishthana (Sacral Chakra)
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
Ajna (Third-Eye Chakra)
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
For most people, it is thought, the chakras are either blocked or not functioning properly. If the chakras are not balanced, peace with oneself cannot be achieved. True happiness becomes evasive. This is when you need to open the chakras. This can be done using mudras, which are special hand positions that have the power to send more energy to particular chakras.
To enhance the effect of mudras, some particular sounds are also chanted. When chanted, they cause a resonation in the body that can be felt at the chakra for which they are meant.
1) The Root Chakra
This chakra is located at the base of the spine and represents one’s foundation and feeling of being grounded. It concerns survival issues, such as money, and food.
How to open the root chakra:
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Allow the tips of your thumb and index finger to touch gently, in a peaceful motion.
Now, concentrate on the Root chakra.
Chant the sound “LAM”, silently yet clearly.
Keep on taking deep breaths until you are completely relaxed.
2) The Sacral Chakra
This chakra is located near the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel (or the width of three fingers). It concerns feelings of abundance, sexuality, and pleasure.
How to open the sacral chakra:
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Put the left hand underneath the right hand, with the left palm touching the back fingers of the right hand.
Allow the tips of the thumbs to touch gently.
Now, concentrate on the Sacral chakra.
Silently, chant the sound “VAM” until you are completely relaxed.
3) The Solar Plexus Chakra
This chakra is located in the upper abdomen, above the stomach. It concerns feelings of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Put your hands in front of your stomach, slightly below your Solar Plexus.
Allow your fingers to join at their tips, all pointing away from you.
Keep the thumbs crossed and straighten the other fingers.
Now, concentrate on the Solar Plexus chakra.
Silently, yet clearly, chant the sound “RAM” until you are completely relaxed.
4) The Heart Chakra
This chakra represents one’s ability to feel, give, and receive love. When blocked, love, joy, and inner peace may diminish.
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Allow the tips of your index finger and thumb to touch on both hands.
Put your left hand on your left knee.
Bring your right hand in front of the lower part of your breastbone.
Now, concentrate on the Heart chakra, located just above the heart.
Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “YAM” for about 10 minutes.
5) The Throat Chakra
This chakra is located in the throat and concerns communication, self-expression and feelings, and the truth.
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Cross your fingers on the inside of your hands, minus the thumbs.
Allow the thumbs to touch at their tips, and point them up.
Now, concentrate on the Throat chakra, located at the base of the throat.
Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “HAM.” Keep chanting for about 5 to 10 minutes.
6) The Third-Eye Chakra
This chakra is located in the center of the forehead and concerns one’s ability to focus and perceive the big picture. It concerns intuition, imagination, wisdom, and the ability to make decisions.
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Put your hands in front of the lower part of sternum.
Keep your middle fingers straight, touching their tips and pointing away from your body.
Keep the other fingers bent and touching at the upper two phalanges.
The thumbs should point toward you and touch at the tips.
Now, concentrate on the Third-Eye chakra, located a little above the center of the two eyebrows.
Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “OM”. Keep chanting until your feelings are intensified.
7) The Crown Chakra
This chakra is located at the very top of the head and concerns inner and outer beauty, one’s connection to ‘Spirit’, and pure bliss. It’s the highest chakra.
Assume a normal meditation posture.
Put your hands in front of your stomach.
Allow your ring fingers to point up, touching at their tips.
Keep the rest of your fingers crossed, with the left thumb underneath the right.
Now, concentrate on the Crown chakra located at the tip of your head.
Silently, chant the sound “NG” for about 10 minutes. Make sure you chant it clearly.
The Chakras as Explained by a Kid’s Show
This is a fantastic video from a kid’s show called The Last Airbender. It’s a great way to explain the nature of the chakras and their meaning. If you prefer video to text, watch this!!
