TANTRA YOGA’S KEY TO VITALITY

BY JESSE LUCIER

From YOGA JOURNAL

In Tantra, chakras are viewed as spinning vortices of energy in the body and as storehouses of experiences and memories. When the chakras are balanced—meaning they’re not over- or underactive—a Tantra practitioner can experience clarity, access power, and feel more joyful, fearless, and free.

First Chakra

Muladhara, or root chakra, is located at the base of the spine. It is related to survival, safety, and basic human needs. When it is balanced, we experience feelings of safety and courage.

Second Chakra

Svadhisthana, 
or sacral chakra, 
is located at the 
top of the sacrum. It governs relationships, violence, addictions, base emotional needs, and pleasure. When balanced, we experience creativity and expansiveness.

Third Chakra

Manipura, or solar plexus/navel chakra, is located in the spine behind the navel. It is the source of personal power, and governs self-esteem, warrior energy, and the power of transformation.

Fourth Chakra

Anahata, or heart chakra, is located 
in the spine, in between the shoulder blades. It unites the lower chakras with the higher chakras. At the 
center of the human energy body, the heart chakra is the source of love and connectivity.

Fifth Chakra

Visuddha, or throat chakra, is located in the throat. It is the source of verbal expression and governs our ability to speak our highest truth. When balanced, our actions, thoughts, and speech are fully integrated.

Sixth Chakra

Ajna, or third eye chakra, is located in the mid-mind between the 
eyebrows. When 
balanced, we have mastery over our thoughts and experience wisdom.

Seventh Chakra

Sahasrara, or crown chakra, is located at the crown of the head. It governs enlightenment and our connection to divinity and limitless knowledge.