What Are Chakras? The Truth About Energy Centers Every Yogi Should Know
What Are the Chakras? A Realistic Guide from Moola Yoga
If you’ve been exploring yoga, you’ve likely come across the word chakra. Perhaps you've heard phrases like “opening your heart chakra” or “balancing your energy centers.” At Moola Yoga, we believe in grounding yoga in its authentic roots—while also helping students approach subtle energy practices with clarity and care.
In this post, we’ll explain what chakras are, how to pronounce them correctly, and why they shouldn't be your first focus when beginning your yoga or energy work journey.
What Are Chakras?
The word chakra (pronounced chuh-kruh, not shakra) comes from Sanskrit and translates to “wheel” or “disc.” In yogic philosophy, chakras are considered energy centers in the subtle body. These centers are said to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
There are seven main chakras, each aligned along the spine—from the base to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with different physical organs, emotional states, elements, and even sounds.
The 7 Main Chakras
Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Location: Base of the spine
Element: Earth
Associated with: Stability, survival, grounding
Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Location: Below the navel
Element: Water
Associated with: Emotions, creativity, sexuality
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Location: Upper abdomen
Element: Fire
Associated with: Confidence, willpower, transformation
Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Location: Center of the chest
Element: Air
Associated with: Love, compassion, relationships
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
Location: Throat
Element: Ether (Space)
Associated with: Communication, truth, self-expression
Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)
Location: Between the eyebrows
Element: Light
Associated with: Intuition, insight, perception
Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Location: Top of the head
Element: Consciousness
Associated with: Enlightenment, unity, spiritual connection
Why Chakras Are Not the First Step in Yoga Practice
At Moola Yoga, we often see new students eager to dive into chakra healing, energy work, and subtle body practices. While this enthusiasm is beautiful, we also want to highlight that yoga is first and foremost a practice of embodiment, discipline, and self-inquiry.
The chakra system is subtle and deeply interconnected with ancient yogic practices. Without a strong foundation in physical practice (asana), ethical living (yamas and niyamas), and breathwork (pranayama), working with the chakras can feel overwhelming or even misdirected.
Just like you wouldn’t build the roof of a house before laying its foundation, we believe chakra work comes after developing a steady and grounded yoga practice.
How We Approach Chakras at Moola Yoga
Our Yoga Teacher Training programs and workshops at Moola Yoga introduce the chakra system in a balanced, authentic, and non-dogmatic way. We focus on:
Accurate historical and philosophical context
Practical applications in modern life
Integration with physical postures, breathwork, and meditation
Encouraging personal experience over rigid belief
Providing you with information on the Chakras from not only a Yogic standpoint but from our Ayurvedic Doctor (you’ll see why this is important!)
We don’t promise quick chakra “activations” or instant enlightenment. Instead, we invite students into an experiential understanding—rooted in discipline, awareness, and self-study.
Ready to Deepen Your Yoga Practice?
If you're looking for a Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India that honors both the physical and energetic dimensions of yoga, Moola Yoga might be your perfect path.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a committed practitioner, our programs are designed to support your personal growth and professional development—while staying true to the heart of yoga.
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