How Do Chakras Work?

You’ve probably heard the term “chakras” thrown around at yoga class or when people talk about meditation, but if you were like me, you might not know what it all means.
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By: 
Marisa Grieco
January 5, 2021

Updated: Oct 1, 2024. Here’s the deal: When your chakras are spinning properly, you’re golden! You feel healthy, happy, and life just flows. But when one gets blocked, it’s like a traffic jam on your inner energy highway. And trust me, no one enjoys traffic—especially in the energetic realm. When a chakra is blocked or out of balance, it can mess with your emotions, leave you feeling sluggish, or even lead to physical issues. It’s like having a clogged toilet. And nobody loves a clogged toilet. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and honestly, just a drag. When your energy isn’t flowing properly, the same thing happens to your mood, your health, and even your thoughts.

So, let’s break these down in a fun and simple way.

  1. Root Chakra (aka "The Grounder"): Located at the base of your spine, this guy’s responsible for helping you feel secure and grounded—think of it like your energetic anchor. When it’s in balance, you feel stable, like you could conquer the world (or at least your to-do list). But when it’s blocked, hello, anxiety! It’s like walking on shaky ground. So, imagine you're planting your feet firmly into the Earth, and let that red energy fill you with strength. Feeling off? Try standing barefoot on grass or hugging a tree. No joke. It works.
  2. Sacral Chakra (aka "The Artist"): Right below your belly button, this chakra is the hub of your creativity, pleasure, and emotions. When it’s spinning freely, you're basically channeling your inner Aphrodite—full of passion and creativity. But when it’s blocked, your creativity feels dry, and let’s be honest, Netflix becomes your main hobby. If you're feeling creatively stuck, try dancing like nobody's watching or take a bubble bath and imagine your orange energy flowing freely again.
  3. Solar Plexus Chakra (aka "The Boss"): This one’s located in your upper abdomen and is all about your confidence and personal power. When it’s in balance, you’re unstoppable—like, “I am woman, hear me roar” vibes. But when it's blocked, you're suddenly questioning everything and feeling like a victim of life’s circumstances. Try some core-strengthening exercises or wear something yellow (yes, the color yellow helps!) to reignite your inner fire.
  4. Heart Chakra (aka "The Love Machine"): Situated in the center of your chest, the heart chakra is all about love, compassion, and connection. It’s the big hug your soul needs. When it’s open, you feel the love flowing in and out, like a Hallmark movie on steroids. But when it’s blocked, oh boy, cue the heartbreak, jealousy, and all those tough emotions. Open it up by practicing gratitude or hugging someone (or yourself!). Wear some green, and boom—love is in the air again.
  5. Throat Chakra (aka "The Speaker"): Right at your throat, this chakra is your communication HQ. When it’s balanced, you speak your truth loud and clear (and with confidence, baby!). But when it’s blocked, you might feel like you’re walking on eggshells or worse, you’ll say something and immediately regret it (hello, foot in mouth!). Get this baby spinning again by singing, chanting, or even just writing down your thoughts. It’s time to get that voice heard!
  6. Third Eye Chakra (aka "The Intuitive Guru"): Located between your eyebrows, this is your center of intuition. When it’s clear, you trust your gut, see the bigger picture, and have those "aha!" moments. But when it’s blocked, you might feel lost, disconnected from your inner voice, and struggle to make decisions. You know that "why did I do that?" feeling? Yeah, that's a third-eye issue. To balance it, try meditating and focusing on the color indigo. Or simply stare at the sky and let your imagination run wild.
  7. Crown Chakra (aka "The Enlightened One"): This one sits at the top of your head and is your connection to the universe. It’s like having Wi-Fi that links you to the cosmos. When it’s aligned, you feel at peace with everything, knowing you’re part of something greater. But when it’s blocked, you might feel isolated or lost. To open this up, imagine a glowing white or violet light streaming down from the cosmos and flooding your entire body with bliss.

How Do Chakras Get Clogged?

Okay, so let’s talk about how these energy wheels get all jammed up. Just like the toilet metaphor (yes, I’m sticking with it), life’s stressors, negative thoughts, old beliefs, or even physical habits can block or slow down the flow of energy. Whether it’s emotional baggage, physical tension, or just the chaos of everyday life, your chakras can become misaligned. But don’t worry—no need to call the energetic plumber. With a little intention and care, you can unblock those babies yourself!

Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Chakras Flowing

So, what can we do to keep those chakras clear and our energy flowing like a magical river of light? Here are a few simple techniques to try:

  1. Meditation: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize each chakra as a spinning ball of vibrant color. Start from the base and work your way up. Imagine each chakra glowing brightly and spinning freely. Pro tip: Use affirmations as you focus on each chakra. For example, for the root chakra, you might say, “I am safe, grounded, and secure.”
  2. Dance It Out: Yes, I’m serious! Moving your body helps shake up stuck energy. Throw on your favorite song and let your body move however it wants. Imagine the energy swirling through each chakra as you dance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or you’re just vibing in your living room—just have fun with it!
  3. Crystals: Use crystals to balance specific chakras. For example, rose quartz is great for the heart chakra, while citrine works wonders for your solar plexus. Place them on your body during meditation, or carry them with you throughout the day.
  4. Sound Healing: The vibrations from sound healing can help balance your chakras. Use singing bowls, tuning forks, or even just chant the corresponding sound for each chakra. For example, the sound “Om” can help open your crown chakra and connect you to that higher spiritual energy.
  5. Energy Healing: Reiki or energy healing is another fantastic way to cleanse your chakras. If you’re feeling stuck or need some extra help, you can book a phone session or meet with me in person for a personalized energy healing experience. Together, we’ll work to release those blockages and get your energy flowing smoothly again. If you're new to energy healing or want to dive deeper into clearing your chakras, this can be a powerful way to restore balance and feel revitalized!

In my video, I share a metaphor of a chakra and a clogged toilet. (Watch here) No one likes a clogged toilet… or chakra. It’s a mess. It leads to crappy feelings and crappier results. You might feel off, your head might be a little fuzzy (and not from the wine), you find it hard to express your emotions, there's a lot of negative self talk, or you might even get sick.

Watch My Video About What are Chakras and How do Chakras Work?

Take a moment to watch my video here about What are Chakras and How do Chakras Work?. I share tips as well as my experiences in a short video. (Just in case you get tired of reading. 🙂

What Happens When Chakras Are Aligned?

When your chakras are balanced, it’s like every part of your life suddenly clicks into place. You’ll notice you feel more confident, connected, and grounded. You’re able to express yourself freely, love openly, and take action without hesitation. Basically, you’re in the zone, and life feels way more fun and exciting.

To keep things moving smoothly, make chakra work part of your self-care routine. You don’t have to do a deep dive every day, but just check in with yourself regularly. Notice if you’re feeling off in a certain area of your life and trace it back to the related chakra. Give it a little extra love and attention, and boom—back to balance! You got this!!

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About the Author:

Marisa Grieco is the creator of Your Mystical Guide and host of a popular Youtube show about energy healing, mindfulness, and the path to a better life. Her work focuses on identifying and releasing old programs that prevent us from reaching our true potential
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