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The chakra system has been know for centuries and has stood the test of time. Moreover, now the mainstream science is finally beginning to recognize its validity. When our chakras are blocked or imbalanced, there's lost of things that can go wrong with our physical, mental and emotional health. That's why it's worth taking the time to read this article. Identify which of your chakras might be blocked or imbalanced. Here's how to identify if your chakras are blocked or imbalanced: The First Chakra/Root Chakra. Physical: soreness, stiffness or pain in legs and feet. Emotional: Feeling imbalanced, stuck, sluggish, ungrounded, chaotic, lack of self-esteem. The Second Chakra/Sacral Chakra. Physical: pain or lack of mobility in hips and/or lower back. Emotional: disconnected emotionally, sexual intimacy issues, lack of creativity and imagination. Solar plexus chakra. Physical: pain in abdomen and issues with digestive system. Emotional: feelings of powerlessness and victimization, problems with commitment and goal setting, lack of willpower. The Forth Chakra/Heart Chakra. Physical: pain or stiffness in neck or jaw, sore throat. Emotional: fear of speaking out, fear of thinking or acting independently, nervous overtalkativeness Fifth Chakra/Throat Chakra. Physical: pain or stiffness in neck or jaw, sore throat. Emotional: fear of speaking out, fear of thinking or acting independently, nervous overtalkativeness. Sixth Chakra/Third Eye Chakra. Physical: headaches, tension in forehead and/or brow. Emotional: overactive imagination, lack of motivation and inspiration, lack of purpose and meaning Seventh Chakra/Crown Chakra. Physical: Migraines and tension headaches. Emotional: overattachment to material items, loneliness, aimlessness, unable or unwilling to see different perspectives The History and Meaning of Chakras The beauty of chakras. Chakras have been the foundation of Yoga practice and tradition for hundreds of years. The Vedas, an ancient Hindu scripture written in India between 1500-500 B.C. has the first mentions of chakras. Written in ancient Sanskrit, these texts were believed to be superhuman, authorless, and sacred. The very word “Chakra” means “wheel” in Sanskrit. Each of the seven chakras represent spinning discs of energy points. These must stay opened, balanced, and in alignment with each other. The Science Behind Chakras Western science is still catching up in many ways to the beliefs of the ancient Indians. However, there are new and exciting developments in science that are proving the existence of chakras. They use the measurement of electromagnetic fields and biofields generated by the body. Excitable cells, such as brain cells (neurons), endocrine cells, and muscle cells all produce electricity. And this current naturally creates a magnetic field. Each cell and organ in the human body has its own electromagnetic field. Collectively, this forms a relatively weak, but measurable electromagnetic field around the body. And speaking of science, to learn more about the real science behind chakras, check this post. The science behind chakras. What Is This “Energy” Found in Chakras and How Does It Work? The energy found in chakras is electromagnetic in nature. But it may also include other more subtle energies that are not fully known. These do not have the full consensus of the scientific community, such as torsion fields or scalar waves. The energy is largely a function of the body’s neural system. And non-coincidentally, all of the seven chakras are located on the spine. There are large plexuses of nerves as well as endocrine glands associated with each chakra. To understand how chakras are connected to our glands, especially the root chakra and the adrenal gland, go here. How does the energy of the chakras work. The Subjectivity of Chakras An analysis of chakras is difficult because of their long history that spans many cultures. It is also linked to both the Hindu and Buddhist religions. To complicate things further, a blockage or imbalance in one or multiple chakras has a link to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This wide array of components has created multiple interpretations. And it is easy for anyone to create their own subjective road map of a chakra imbalance or blockage. Also everyone can use their own array of solutions that include yoga, meditation, diet, oils, crystals, and more. However, there is not one precise prescription to unblock chakras. And in the same way, there is also not an exact diagnosis to what constitutes a blockage or imbalance either. Depending on the source, expert, and region, there are inconsistencies and overlaps. This is due to the subjective nature of chakras. And from a scientific perspective, the complexity of the human nervous system and endocrine system. Even the human biofield itself has only recently started gaining global scientific consensus. Yet there is still not agreement of what it consists of, or its function(s). The good news is that there is a larger degree of consensus when you look at the chakra system holistically. It is easier to understand when you separate them into the upper and lower chakras, with a connection between both halves at the fourth chakra, the heart. The Chakra System As A Whole As a whole, there are seven chakras along the spine They start from the base of the spine to the top of the head. You can read a complete guide of the seven chakras HERE: First chakra/root chakra Second chakra/sacral chakra Third Chakra/Solar plexus chakra Fourth Chakra/Heart Chakra Fifth Chakra/Throat Chakra Sixth Chakra/Third Eye Chakra Seventh Chakra/Crown Chakra The lower chakras are the root chakra, the sacral chakra, and the solar plexus chakra. They are all associated with the physical world. The upper chakras are the throat chakra, third eye chakra, and crown chakra. They are related to the spiritual world and awakening higher levels of consciousness. It is the heart chakra, the 4th chakra, that connects these two halves. The 4th Chakra/Heart as the Key Non-coincidentally, the heart also contains the body’s largest electromagnetic field envelopes the entire body and is measurable. According to Heart Math Institute, “The heart is the most powerful source of electromagnetic energy in the human body, producing the largest rhythmic electromagnetic field of any of the body’s organs. The heart’s electrical field is about 60 times greater in amplitude than the electrical activity generated by the brain. This field, measured in the form of an electrocardiogram (ECG), can be detected anywhere on the surface of the body. Furthermore, the magnetic field produced by the heart is more than 100 times greater in strength than the field generated by the brain and can be detected up to 3 feet away from the body, in all directions, using SQUID-based magnetometers.” Practically speaking, this implies that what the heart chakra represents (love, kindness, empathy, and forgiveness) is the key to connecting our physical world and our bodies with the spiritual world and higher consciousness. And deep down, you already knew that. However, with the blocked heart chakra, you may feel a disconnection. You may feel unable to connect with others or yourself. Consequently, you may unable to receive love from others. The Lower Chakras To identify if your lower chakras are blocked or imbalanced, notice if you feel a sense of fear, insecurity, or a lack of self-esteem. As mentioned, the lower three chakras represent the physical body. However, they are more than that. Collectively, they also are representative of our emotional state and our self-image. They are about our emotional well-being and a sense of connection to how we feel. And also to our perceived sense of security or insecurity. Additionally, they are also a function of the “earthly” desires such as sex, money, and material possession. When combined, the lower three chakras represent our physical body’s relationship and connection with the physical world around us. With blocked lower three chakras, we may feel a disconnection to the physical world including our own bodies. There may be a sense of fear, insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and out of touch following us everywhere we go. 2 in 1: Spirituality and Psychology In many ways, the chakra system, and especially the lower three chakras, remind me of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The renowned physiologist Abraham Maslow created this hierarchy. Effectively, it is a pyramid that one must “climb” in order to achieve true fulfillment, or self-actualization at the top of the pyramid. Similar to the lower chakras, Maslow’s hierarchy starts with the basic necessities of survival such as food, water, shelter etc. It is important to note that in the chakra system, there is not necessarily an “order” of chakras. And we can balance any or multiple chakras at the same time. Still, there is a correlation between Maslow’s hierarchy and the chakra system. For example, let's say you have a very poor self-image and a high degree of insecurity. Then, it would be quite difficult to achieve a higher level of consciousness and have properly functioning higher chakras. Similarly, it is harder to forgive and love others if there is a lack of positive self-image. Or if one is emotionally disconnected. The Upper Chakras To identify if your upper chakras are blocked or imbalanced, notice if you have a fear of speaking, a foggy mind, lack of motivation, feel deeply lost, lonely, or have a lack of sense of purpose. The upper chakras are best known as your spiritual centers. They are represented by the 5th, 6th and 7th chakras. These are the throat chakra, third eye chakra, and the crown chakra, respectively. These upper chakras are responsible for your inner truth, wisdom, and intelligence. Additionally, they are about accessing the inner intuition and guidance of a higher “self”, “soul” and “power”. This power extends beyond our five senses. When activated and balanced, they represent our ability to listen to our inner or cosmic “knowing”. This knowing is much more powerful than our analytical or thinking mind. And it connects us to live unique, joyous, fulfilling, and exciting lives. It helps us live through a sense of oneness, unconditional love, and unlimited possibilities. When blocked, one may have a fear of speaking, a clouded or foggy mind, or a lack of motivation. Also, an overattachment to material items and the physical world. Additionally, one may feel deeply lost, lonely, and may lack a sense of purpose. We have looked at the chakra system holistically as a whole. And we have identified the lower three chakras, the 4th chakra, and the upper three chakras. Now let's look at each chakra individually to help identify warning signs that a chakra may be blocked or imbalanced. How to Identify if Your Chakras Are Blocked or Imbalanced First chakra/root chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: soreness, stiffness or pain in legs and feet Emotional: Feeling imbalanced, stuck, sluggish, ungrounded, chaotic, lack of self-esteem Here's how to open and balance a blocked root chakra. Second chakra/sacral chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: pain or lack of mobility in hips and/or lower back Emotional: disconnected emotionally, sexual intimacy issues, lack of creativity and imagination To lean how to open it, check this post. Third Chakra/Solar plexus chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: pain in abdomen and issues with digestive system Emotional: feelings of powerlessness and victimization, problems with commitment and goal setting, lack of willpower Here's how you can balance it and increase your self-esteem. Fourth Chakra/Heart Chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: pain or tightness in upper back, shoulders, and chest Emotional: lack of self-love, holding on to anger or grudges, unable to connect to others, fear of commitment to others And here's how to open the heart chakra with healthy empathy. Fifth Chakra/Throat Chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: pain or stiffness in neck or jaw, sore throat Emotional: fear of speaking out, fear of thinking or acting independently, nervous overtalkativeness Here's how to open it. Sixth Chakra/Third Eye Chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: headaches, tension in forehead and/or brow Emotional: overactive imagination, lack of motivation and inspiration, lack of purpose and meaning You can find 10 ways to open and balance your third eye chakra here. Seventh Chakra/Crown Chakra signs of blockage or imbalance Physical: Migraines and tension headaches Emotional: overattachment to material items, loneliness, aimlessness, unable or unwilling to see different perspectives. Here's how to open your Crown Chakra. Conclusion: Identify Which Chakras Are Blocked or Imbalanced to Lead a Fulfilling Life The Chakra system has stood the test of time for millennia. It has scientific backing that is finally beginning to become accepted among mainstream scientists. However, chakras represent so much than just electromagnetism, biofields, and the human nervous and endocrine systems. They are also holistically representative of our collective physical, mental and spiritual well-being. One purpose of this article was both to familiarize the reader with the history and science of chakras to establish their validity, while also explaining the “unknowns” of the chakra system. If we are able to first look at the lower three chakras as the physical and emotional well-being center of the individual and the upper three chakras as the spiritual, intelligent, and conscious center with the heart as both a “key” and a “bridge” between both halves, we can see the larger picture more clearly. And this can help us to identify the reasons for one or more blockages or imbalances. Finally, then we can look at each chakra individually. This will help us identify specific physical and emotional signs of blocked or imbalanced chakras. And once you have identified one or more chakra blockages or imbalances, you can learn how to unblock chakras HERE. 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Click on link below to meet L’Aquila Active’s entire team of experts, including university degrees, certifications, and credentials on yoga and meditation: MEET OUR EXPERTS HERE