Which of my chakras are blocked?

And what are the signs your chakras are out of balance? Chakras are energy centers throughout the body. Although there are hundreds of chakras, there are seven main chakras that are generally focused on. These wheels of brilliant energy line up along the central channel of the body, the shushumna nadi.

The chakras along the shushumna nadi are the power centers where the left channel (ida nadi) and the right channel (pingala nadi) intersect. These energy channels and psycho-power centers make up what is known as “the subtle body.” The subtle body is in a different realm than the physical body and the mind, but has a powerful impact on the body, mind, and entire system.

The human body system thrives when the chakras and the nadis are open and prana, or life force, is allowed to move throughout the system with ease. Any kind of disturbance or disease in the body, mind, or spirit can cause blockage and imbalance. The goal is harmony. So if you’ve been feeling out of sorts, take a closer look at your chakras to investigate what’s going on and begin to find balance.

If you are feeling out of balance, consider what you have been consuming (food, drink, ideas, experiences), your current life circumstances (traveling, moving, big transitions), and the current season (wind, cold, rain, heat, dryness). Each of these elements has a potentially big impact on your sweet, sensitive human system as a whole.

In the philosophies of yoga and Ayurveda, where the chakras play an important role in understanding the human system, “like increases like” and “opposites balance.” This means that if you already have excess heat in your body (in the forms of anger or indigestion) and you add more heat (like a warm day or spicy food), you may feel even more heat and agitation than you already do—like increases like.

On the other hand, if you add the opposite to that equation and take a cold shower or eat some fresh fruit, you may feel better and more in balance—opposites balance. Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit, and an expert in energy medicine, explains that your biography becomes your biology with each thought you think and each experience you encounter.

In general, there are five warning signs that your chakras may be out of balance. In striving for balance, too much or too little energy in each of the chakras creates imbalance. Remember: the goal is harmony—balancing your chakras does take effort. The general warning signs are:

Each of these general imbalances manifests as specific physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual imbalances in each chakra. Let’s take a closer look at how imbalances in each chakra can influence a sense of disharmony in the body system as a whole.

This chakra, physically located at the feet, legs, and “roots” of your being, is connected with the element of Earth. The root chakra is associated with your sense of safety, security, and feeling at home within your skin. This chakra is also related to your family of origin and your human tribe.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the root chakra:

This chakra, physically located at the sacrum, hips, and sexual organs, is connected with the element of Water. The sacral chakra is associated with your emotions, creativity, and senses. This chakra is also related to your one-on-one relationships and your connection to intimacy.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the sacral chakra:

This chakra, physically located at the abdomen, mid-back, and side body, is connected with the element of Fire. The solar plexus chakra is associated with all of your thoughts and feelings about yourself. This chakra is about your relationship with yourself.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra:

This chakra, physically located at the heart, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, and upper back, is connected with the element of Air. The heart chakra is associated with love of all kinds: kindness to strangers, romantic love, compassion for others, friendship, family love, and self-love.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the heart chakra:

This chakra, physically located at the throat, neck, mouth, jaw, and ears, is connected with the element of Ether/Space. The throat chakra is associated with communication, expression, using your voice, and knowing when to stay quiet. This chakra is related to your ability to speak from your heart and mind with clarity and to listen with compassion.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the throat chakra:

This chakra is physically located at the center of the forehead in the space between the eyebrows and inside the mind. The third eye chakra is associated with your intuition, imagination, inner wisdom, and insight. This chakra is also related to your ability to see deep within your heart spaces to the truest, wisest parts of yourself. When the third eye chakra is open, you see the bigger picture and have a positive view of the future.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the third eye chakra:

This chakra is physically located at the top of the head and skull. The crown chakra is associated with your sense of enlightenment and remembrance that you are a small part of a greater whole. This chakra is also related to your sense of place in the universe.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the crown chakra:

The chakra system is one way to understand the human body. Even minor disturbances in the “subtle body” can manifest as pain, disease, discomfort or general disharmony in your body, mind, heart, and spirit. As you make your way on your journey toward balance, bliss, and happiness, consider checking in with your chakras regularly. Investigating the chakras can be a good temperature gauge for the entire system. Allow your journey to be intuitive and guided by your inner wisdom. Happy harmonizing!

*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.

You can determine which chakra is out of balance based on your answers. NOTE: It’s possible to have more than one imbalanced chakra. And at different times, you may have different outcomes. You can take this chakra quiz as many times as needed to determine the health and state of all seven chakras.

If the majority of your answers were ‘a’: Your root chakra (muladhara) is blocked.

This is the first chakra, located at the base of the spine. The root chakra symbolizes safety, survival, grounding, nourishment, and connection to earth energy. When it is blocked, it can manifest into arthritis, digestive issues, constipation, and bladder or colon problems. Emotional manifestations include feeling insecure about finances or basic needs and wellbeing.

When muladhara is in alignment and open, you feel grounded and secure, both physically and emotionally. Simple ways to bring it into balance include taking a shower or Epsom salt bath; grounding in nature; yoga poses such as Tree, Eagle, or Downward-Facing Dog; or mindful walking.

Affirmation: “I am grounded, safe, and protected. All my needs are met with grace and ease.”

Mostly b’s: Your sacral chakra (swadhisthana) is blocked.

This second chakra is in the lower abdomen. It governs your sense of creativity, expression, and sensuality and how you relate to other people. Having a blocked sacral can make you feel as if you are alone and not able to connect to others. You may feel as if you are stuck in a rut or unable to find lasting fulfillment, pleasure, or joy. You also might feel unsatisfied in your romantic relationships and friendships.

Issues with this chakra can manifest in problems with the associated organs, like urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and impotency.

Start to balance this chakra by taking on new creative projects or hobbies. Practicing mindfulness meditations, going into nature, journaling with self-reflective questions, and making pleasure a priority can help you balance this chakra.

Affirmation: “I am free to feel my feelings and show my passion for life and love.”

Mostly c’s: Your solar plexus chakra (manipura) is blocked.

The third chakra is located in the upper abdomen near the stomach. This chakra is where your gut instincts and sense of self originate. When you go through a difficult or traumatic situation, the coping skills you develop to get through it may cause disruptions in manipura. When blocked, you might feel uncomfortable in your own skin and suffer from low self-esteem or shame. It can manifest as an inability to set or maintain boundaries, or as codependency, lack of self-control, depression or anxiety, and even addiction.

When the energy of your solar plexus chakra is balanced, criticisms and problems are easier to handle, and you have control over your emotions and your thoughts. Open things back up by visualizing what it would look like to love yourself unconditionally, journaling on your best qualities, or repeating positive affirmations. Crystals such as amber, citrine, golden or honey calcite, and yellow sapphire can help balance your solar plexus.

Affirmation: “I am enough just as I am.”

Mostly d’s: Your heart chakra (anahata) is blocked.

Your fourth chakra is located near your heart. It is connected with love, relating, and compassion. When out of alignment, you may feel lonely, insecure, or isolated. Those with a blocked heart chakra might find it difficult to be vulnerable around others, may be avoidant and detached in relationships, or be fiercely independent in their nature. Heart chakra imbalances can manifest as heart problems, asthma, and weight issues.

You can balance this chakra by learning to trust your heart and feeling lovable. Practice self-love and daily self-care with Epsom salt baths, journaling on qualities you like about yourself, heart-opening yoga poses, crystals like rose quartz or citrine, and guided meditations focused on self-love.

Affirmation: “I am compassionate with others and myself. I show up for me.”

Mostly e’s: Your throat chakra (vishuddha) is blocked.

Your fifth chakra is located at the throat. This chakra is connected with all things expression and governs how you share your message and perspective with the world. Are you speaking your mind and sharing your voice with the world? If this chakra is blocked, chances are you’re not. Voice and throat problems as well as any problems with everything surrounding that area, such as the teeth, gums, and mouth, can indicate a blockage.

When in alignment, you will speak freely and from an empowered place. You will also listen with compassion and feel confident when you speak because you know you are being true to yourself with your words. Open it back up again with stream-of-consciousness journaling, start that book you’ve been intending to write, get out and peacefully protest for a cause you’re passionate about, sing or write songs, and express yourself more openly with others.

Affirmation: “I express myself clearly and fully. I live in my truth and communicate my true self to others.”

Mostly f’s: Your third-eye chakra (ajna) is blocked.

Your sixth chakra is located between your eyebrows on your forehead. It evokes intuition, extrasensory perception, and inner wisdom. It is considered the chakra of enlightenment and represents the connection to your life’s purpose and spirituality. When it’s blocked, you may lose your sense of direction in life and become stagnant. You may find you are frequently sick, suffer with insomnia, or develop high blood pressure.

When this chakra is open, it is thought to help keep all the other chakras open and to bring bliss and enlightenment. You can balance this third-eye chakra by embracing compassion and forgiveness, focusing on healthy eating, and doing some form of energy healing, such as aromatherapy, reiki, or sound therapy.

Affirmation: “I use discernment and connect to universal source energy. I am a vessel for love and light.”

Mostly g’s: Your crown chakra (sahasrara) is blocked.

Your seventh and final chakra is located at the crown of the head. It is the gateway to advanced spiritual wisdom. It also connects us to the wider universe. Having a wide-open crown chakra is rare because it is considered enlightened and all-knowing. A blocked crown chakra can limit spiritual growth and cause isolation and emotional distress. Feeling disconnected spiritually or lacking clear direction are signs this chakra could be blocked. If unchecked, it can manifest into thyroid and pineal gland disorders, recurring headaches, migraines, depression and insomnia.

• Pain in your upper back or chest.
• Tight shoulders or, alternatively, overly flexible shoulders.
• Inability to receive love in any of its forms.
• Lack of self-compassion.
• Feeling a sense of lack or loss with regards to love.