You may have heard people talk about chakras — but what actually are they?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and is often translated as “wheel”. Chakras are part of ancient spiritual traditions originating in India and are commonly described today as energy centres within the body.

There are different chakra systems and traditions, but the one most familiar in Western wellbeing practices describes seven main chakras, running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.

I like to think of them not as something we have to fully understand or even necessarily “believe in”, but as another gentle way of exploring how we are feeling — physically, emotionally and energetically.

The Seven Chakras

❤️ Root Chakra — Grounding & Safety
Located around the base of the spine, the root chakra is traditionally associated with stability, security and feeling grounded.

🧡 Sacral Chakra — Creativity & Emotion
Associated with our emotions, creativity, pleasure and connection.

💛 Solar Plexus Chakra — Confidence & Personal Power
Often linked with self-esteem, confidence, motivation and our sense of personal identity.

💚 Heart Chakra — Love & Connection
Associated with love, compassion, relationships and our ability to give and receive.

🩵 Throat Chakra — Communication & Expression
Traditionally connected with communication, speaking our truth and feeling able to express ourselves.

💙 Third Eye Chakra — Intuition & Awareness
Associated with intuition, insight and looking beyond the constant chatter of the thinking mind.

💜 Crown Chakra — Connection & Meaning
Located at the top of the head and traditionally associated with spiritual connection, meaning and a sense of something greater than ourselves.

What does “balancing your chakras” mean?

You may hear people describe a chakra as blocked, open or out of balance.

These aren't medical diagnoses. They are terms used within traditional and holistic practices to describe how someone may be feeling.

For example, you might use the idea of the root chakra when you're feeling unsettled and need grounding, or focus on the throat chakra when you're struggling to say what you need.

For me, this is where chakra work can be lovely.

It gives us another language for checking in with ourselves.

Chakras at The Calm Queen

Chakras have featured in some of my wellbeing work, particularly alongside sound, relaxation and meditation.

Different sounds, colours, intentions and practices are traditionally associated with each chakra, and they can provide a beautiful theme for slowing down and turning your attention inward.

But there's no pressure to believe anything.

You can simply enjoy the relaxation, the sound and the opportunity to stop doing for everyone else for a while.

Because ultimately, whether we call it grounding, balancing your energy or simply having an hour to yourself...

sometimes we all need a little help coming back to ourselves. 🌿👑