Chakras are energy centers within the body, with the most important positioned from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Every one governs specific functions, and has its own vibrational frequency and color. The West didn’t hear much about chakras until the early 20th century, though discussions about them originate in India around 1,500 B.C. The word itself is Sanskrit for “wheel”, representing the life force inside of us that spins and rotates.

It is essential that the chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid to function optimally so we stay physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually balanced. Unless or until you experience an apparent problem in one area of the body, the constant flux between balance and imbalance often goes undetected. Being aware of your body and mind in order to understand the signals and messages therein is the first step to chakra health.

Let’s look at the seven major chakras.

1. The Root chakra is located at the base of spine. It provides stability and security. It is the foundation for the basic needs of our day-to-day survival, controlling issues such as money, food, and the sense of being grounded.

2. How we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others is the mandate of the Sacral chakra. It controls our sense of abundance, well-being, sexuality, and pleasure. The sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen about 2 inches below the naval.

3. The chakra known as the Solar Plexus is located in the abdomen just above the belly button. It is the seat of personal power, governing willpower and our sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem.

4. The Heart unites the lower chakras (Root, Sacral, and Solar Plexus) and the upper chakras (Throat, 3rd Eye and Crown). It serves as the bridge between body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The heart influences the ability to both give and receive love, and is all about compassion, joy, and forgiveness. This chakra is located in the center of the chest, just above the heart.

5. The first of the upper chakras is the Throat, which gives voice to the heart chakra by letting us speak our highest truths with clarity. It controls the ability to communicate personal power and self-expression. It is, appropriately enough, located at the throat.

6. The 3rd Eye chakra is located in the center of the forehead between the eyes. This chakra is the source of our ability to see the big picture and connect to intuition. It opens the mind to what lies beyond the five senses and the material world. Imagination and wisdom reside here.

7. Located at the very top of the head is the Crown chakra, which represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually with the Divine. It is pure consciousness energy, and deals with both inner and outer beauty.

Just as you schedule maintenance on your home and your car, so too you should be caring for your chakras by frequently removing blockages and/or negativity.

• Conscious breathing, Reiki, Tai Chi, yoga, sound therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy are all beneficial.

• Healing stones possess unique vibrational frequencies and can be matched to the frequency of the chakra. The chakra absorbs the stone’s frequency for restored balance.

• Meditation is a powerful tool for opening and balancing the chakras. It is calming and has the ability to improve the overall quality of your life.

• Mantras are sounds, words, or phrases that you may chant during meditation.

• Mudras are specific hand positions that can help open the chakras.

Pay attention to the messages your body is sending. Before turning to over-the-counter items in the medicine cabinet, perform a little chakra maintenance. It might be all you need.