With their basis in Hindu tradition, the Chakras are said to operate like valves channeling the Universe's Life Force into the body. Properly balanced, the Chakras will channel the Life Force into the body correctly. One popular method to balance the Chakras is through Yoga. Each Chakra is roughly related to a gland (the system as a whole associated with the endocrine system) and an associated colour. Strong emotional occurances in one's life can cause one or more of the Cakras to become too open or too blocked. Identifying which Chakra is dysfunctional and then focusing on it through various techniques can help one to address the related problems. We begin by listing the seven major Chakras.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is associated with the adrenal glands and has the colour red. It is located at the base of the spine. Used to ground your mind in your physical body, when properly balanced, you feels in good health, strong and vital. When it is unbalanced, it causes an overbearing attitude and egoism. Physically, it is associated with the kidneys, bones, and the spine.

Sacral Chakra

This Chakra has the colour orange and is associated with the sexual organs. It is used for creativity, vitality and sexual expression and creates the balance between connectedness with other people and time spent alone. When this chakra is balanced, adaptability and flexibility come easily. When it is out of balance, it can lead to feelings of isolation, emotional instability, or an unbalanced sex drive. Physically, it governs sex and reproduction along with creativity, intimacy, and the flow of the bodies energy.

Solar Plexus Chakra

This Chakra is the center of your will and is concerned with the emotions and self love. Its colour is yellow and is located near the stomach. The associated gland is the pancreas and physically it governs the digestive system and the muscles. When it is balanced, the Solar Plexus Chakra helps your personal power, respect for yourself and others, and a feeling of "lust for life". However, if it is unbalanced, emotional problems such as low self-esteem, the need to be in control, and oversensitiviy to criticism may occur. Physical problems include digestive problems, diabetes, fatigue, and stomach ulcers.

Heart Chakra

Located at the center of the chest, this Chakra is associated with the heart, chest, lungs, and circulation. The colour for this Chakra is green and it is associated with the thymus gland. When balanced, one is more compassionate, nurturing, has a feeling of unconditional love, and a desire to have a spiritual experience during lovemaking. When unbalanced, feelings of melancholy, fear of betrayal, and co-dependence may occur. Physical effects of an unbalanced Heart Chakra include circulatory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

Throat Chakra

This Chakra is associated with communication and self expression. It has the colour blue and is located near the thyroid gland. When balanced, this chakra allows you to speak the truth and to express your true feelings with love. Those with a well balanced Throat Chakra will find it easy to meditate and are artistically inspired. If unbalanced, one can experience blocked creativity, perfectionism, an inability to express emotions, thyroid problems, tinitus, asthma, sore throats, and neck ache.

Third Eye Chakra

The colour indigo and the pituitary gland are related to this Chkra, and it is located slightly above and between the eyes at the so-called "third eye". When properly balanced, one is likely to experience unusual phenomenon, and a high level of intuition. Others may find the person charismatic and unattatched to material objects. If this Chakra is unbalanced, nightmares, hallucinations and learning problems may occur. Physically, an unbalanced Third Eye Chakra may cause headaches, poor vision, and neurological disturbances.

Crown Chakra

The final of the seven major Chakras is the Crown Chakra. This is located at the top of the head and is related to the pineal gland. It is concerned with spirituality and has the colour violet. People will often find that a person with a well balanced Crown Chakra has a magnetic personality, at peace with themself, and transcendent. When unbalanced, depression, obsessional thinking, and confusion may occur. Physical problems include chronic exhaustion, sensitivity to pollutants, and even epileply and Alzheimer's disease.

Balancing the Various Chakras