Before we begin, let’s clarify what a chakra actually is and where the term comes from. Chakras are energy centers aligned along the midline of the human body. The word chakra comes from ancient Hindu texts and roughly translates to “wheel” or “vortex.” There are seven main chakras, although many smaller, secondary ones exist too.
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Muladhara – Root Chakra (base of the spine, near the reproductive organs)
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Swadhisthana – Sacral Chakra (around the tailbone)
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Manipura – Solar Plexus Chakra (in the stomach/navel region)
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Anahata – Heart Chakra (center of the chest)
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Vishuddha – Throat Chakra (neck and throat area)
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Ajna – Third Eye Chakra (forehead, pineal gland)
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Sahasrara – Crown Chakra (top of the head)
The smaller chakras, often referred to as meridians, are frequently used in practices like acupuncture to help guide the flow of energy—also called ki, chi, or prana. While the large chakras are tied closely to your emotional and spiritual well-being, the smaller ones are more linked to the physical body.
When we go through trauma, whether emotional or physical, or endure prolonged periods of self-neglect, these energy centers can become blocked or imbalanced. If we want to function fully and thrive, we need to clear these blockages and restore energy flow.
Start by meditating for a few minutes—focus on your breath and center your mind. Bring your awareness into your body and imagine the flow of energy rising from the base of your spine. Visualize each chakra one by one. Let the first color that comes to mind when focusing on a specific chakra take form—this might be your subconscious trying to tell you something.
7 Chakras explained
Once you’re attuned and ready, picture a pure, white light glowing from your root chakra. See it cleansing any stuck energy. When it feels clear, move upward, repeating the process for each chakra. Don’t overthink it. Let your imagination lead—add texture, light, and movement. The more vividly you feel and see it, the more effective it becomes.
You may come across chakra-cleansing routines that are very structured and ritualistic. While structure can help, it's just as powerful to follow your intuition. Listen to the cues your subconscious offers. Being rigid in your approach can limit growth—don’t treat every issue like a nail just because you’re holding a hammer.
After cleansing, it’s important to stabilize the energy. Picture the light gently fading and your chakras settling into harmony. Skipping this part might leave you feeling overly stimulated—think of it like cooling down after intense exercise.
One final note: cleansing chakras is incredibly helpful, but illness and discomfort often signal deeper issues. They’re not random—they’re messages. If you return to old habits, the same problems will reappear. Real healing requires change. Like recovering from a heart attack, you wouldn’t go back to cheeseburgers the next day. Be honest with yourself, and be willing to shift. That’s where real transformation begins.
