The concept of chakras plays a central role in various spiritual and healing traditions around the world. Traditionally, the chakra system is depicted as seven key energy centers located along the spine. However, some traditions and modern spiritual teachings expand on this and include 9 chakras that are found in and outside of the body. Adding two additional energy centers that contribute to our spiritual evolution and well-being.

Are there 7 or 9 chakras in the body?

Traditional teachings describe 7 chakras. These are aligned along the spine. Modern spirituality sometimes includes 9 chakras.

The additional two are beyond the physical body. The 7-chakra system is more widely recognized. The 9-chakra concept expands on spiritual connections. Both systems aim for balanced energy flow. The choice between 7 or 9 chakras varies by belief and practice.

What are the 9 chakras?

Traditionally, seven chakras are recognized. Modern interpretations introduce two additional chakras.

  1. Root Chakra: Foundation of your being. Grounds and stabilizes.
  2. Sacral Chakra: Center of creativity and pleasure. Governs emotions.
  3. Solar Plexus Chakra: Source of personal power. Boosts confidence.
  4. Heart Chakra: Unites love with compassion. Bridges earthly and spiritual aspirations.
  5. Throat Chakra: Enables communication. Encourages truth.
  6. Third Eye Chakra: Opens intuition. Enhances insight.
  7. Crown Chakra: Connects to higher consciousness. Spiritual gateway.
  8. Soul Star Chakra: Transcends the physical. Links to the divine.
  9. Earth Star Chakra: Grounds to Earth. Anchors spiritual energies.

The 9 chakra system: location, significance and balancing tips

Here’s a closer look at these nine chakras, their locations, significance, and tips for balancing them.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Location: Base of the spine
Significance: The root chakra is associated with feelings of safety, stability, and grounding. It serves as the foundation for all the chakras above it.
Balancing Tips: Engage in grounding activities, like walking barefoot on grass, meditation focused on the color red, or consuming root vegetables.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Location: Below the navel
Significance: This chakra governs creativity, sexual energy, and emotional balance.
Balancing Tips: Creative expression, water-based healing practices, and embracing pleasure in healthy ways can help balance this chakra.

Read also: 80 Sacral Chakra affirmations for creativity, sensuality and emotional flourishing

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

Location: Above the navel, in the stomach area
Significance: It’s the center of personal power, self-esteem, and confidence.
Balancing Tips: Assertiveness training, engaging in activities that challenge the intellect and willpower, and consuming yellow foods can enhance this chakra’s energy.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Location: Center of the chest
Significance: The heart chakra is all about love, compassion, and connection with others.
Balancing Tips: Practices that foster self-love and compassion, as well as green foods and heart-opening yoga poses, can balance this chakra.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat
Significance: Governs communication, self-expression, and truth.
Balancing Tips: Singing, chanting, and consuming liquids like herbal teas can help clear and balance the throat chakra.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Location: Forehead, between the eyebrows
Significance: This chakra is associated with intuition, insight, and psychic abilities.
Balancing Tips: Meditation focused on the color indigo, visualization exercises, and foods rich in omega-3s can enhance third eye chakra functions.

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Location: Top of the head
Significance: Connects us to the divine, universal consciousness, and spiritual wisdom.
Balancing Tips: Spiritual practices, meditation, and spending time in silence can help open and balance the crown chakra.

8. Soul Star Chakra (Above the head)

Location: Approximately six inches above the crown of the head
Significance: Sometimes referred to as the “eighth chakra,” it’s associated with divine love, spiritual compassion, and enlightenment.
Balancing Tips: Meditation focused on transcending physical limitations and connecting with universal energy can activate the soul star chakra.

9. Earth Star Chakra (Below the feet)

Location: Approximately six inches below the feet
Significance: This chakra connects us to the Earth, grounding us and providing a foundation for the entire chakra system.
Balancing Tips: Activities that connect you deeply with nature, like gardening or barefoot walking on natural surfaces, can help balance the earth star chakra.

Read also: The hidden power of the Earth Star Chakra

What are the 9 chakra stones or crystals?

Chakra stones are powerful tools for balancing and enhancing the body’s energy centers. Each of the nine chakras is associated with specific stones that resonate with its unique frequency.

  1. Red Jasper: Grounds and stabilizes the Root Chakra.
  2. Carnelian: Ignites creativity and passion in the Sacral Chakra.
  3. Citrine: Boosts self-esteem and power in the Solar Plexus Chakra.
  4. Green Aventurine: Opens and heals the Heart Chakra.
  5. Blue Lace Agate: Encourages communication at the Throat Chakra.
  6. Lapis Lazuli: Enhances intuition and insight for the Third Eye Chakra.
  7. Clear Quartz: Connects to higher consciousness at the Crown Chakra.
  8. Selenite: Cleanses and connects to the divine through the Soul Star Chakra.
  9. Black Tourmaline: Grounds and protects, anchoring the Earth Star Chakra.

By using these stones, individuals can support their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Whether used in meditation, worn as jewelry, or placed in one’s environment, these stones serve as a bridge to harmonizing the body’s energy flow and unlocking deeper levels of healing and awareness.

The healing sounds for each chakra

Chakras, the energy centers within the body, each resonate with specific sound frequencies. These sounds, often chanted as mantras, can help to balance and align the chakras. Incorporating these sounds into meditation or healing practices promotes energy flow and spiritual well-being. Here are the sounds associated with each of the 9 chakras:

  1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): “LAM”. Encourages grounding and stability.
  2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): “VAM”. Enhances creativity and emotional balance.
  3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): “RAM”. Boosts confidence and personal power.
  4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): “YAM”. Opens the heart to love and compassion.
  5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): “HAM”. Supports clear communication and expression.
  6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): “OM”. Increases intuition and insight.
  7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): “AH” or silence. Connects to higher consciousness and spirituality.
  8. Soul Star Chakra: A suitable sound for the Soul Star Chakra can be “OM” or “AH”, chanted at a higher pitch or tone, aiming to resonate with the ethereal and divine energies.
  9. Earth Star Chakra: The sound for the Earth Star Chakra might be deeper tones or even drumming sounds that mimic the heartbeat of the Earth. Chanting “OM” or “UUH” (a deep, grounding sound) while visualizing deep roots extending from the soles of the feet into the Earth can help in connecting with this chakra.