Exercises for Chakras in Your Body

The chakra system -- starting at the base of the spine and going up the spine to the top of your head -- houses the seven main energy centers of the body. While Western medicine has nerve centers,Eastern medicine has chakras. When the chakras become unbalanced or blocked, it is believed that this can affect the overall energy in the body. Each chakra represents a specific area of the body and deals with the mental, physical and emotional characteristics of that area. To balance the chakras, exercises can be performed that are specific to each center.

  1. First/Root Chakra

    • Chair pose and squats can help ground the root chakra.

      Located at the base of your spine, the root chakra is the first of the seven chakras. This chakra deals with our sense of survival and can help us feel grounded or secure. Yoga poses and exercises that build strength into the lower region of the body and legs balance and bring strength to the root chakra. Chair pose and doing squats will do the trick. To perform Chair pose, stand with your feet together. On an inhale, bend your knees, hinge forward at the hips and reach your arms forward. Press your feet firmly into the ground. Hold for five to 10 breaths.

    Second/Pelvic Chakra

    • The pelvis is the center for the second chakra.

      Located in your pelvic region, the second chakra is the center point for creativity, emotions and sexuality. Exercises that balance this area, such as Cat and Cow pose, work through the pelvic range of motion. To perform the Cat pose, get down on your hands and knees. On an inhale, lift your hips, rock your pelvis back and reach your chest forward and up. On an exhale, draw your navel into the spine, tucking your head and hips under. Repeat five times.

    Thrid/Solar Plexus Chakra

    • Plank pose works into the Solar Plexus, the area housing the thrid chakra.

      Located near your navel, the third chakra is the center for willpower and strength. Exercises that balance this area, such as Plank pose and crunches, work deep into the abdominal cavity. To perform Plank pose, get down on your hands and knees. Line up your wrists directly under your shoulders. Engage your core by drawing your navel into your spine and lifting your knees off the mat. Push your energy out through your heels. Your hips should be level in this pose. Hold for five breaths.

    Fourth/Heart Chakra

    • Bow pose, a heart opener, expands into the chest and opens the fourth chakra.

      Located in the center of your chest, commonly referred to as the heart center, this chakra works with compassion and love. Exercises to balance this area, such as Bow pose, open the front of your body and expand your chest. To perform Bow pose, lie on your stomach. Bend your knees and reach back to grab on to the outer edges of your ankles. Engage your inner thighs to draw your knees back together. Kick your feet towards the ceiling and lift your thighs, chest and head off the mat. Hold for for to 10 breaths.

    Fifth/Throat Chakra

    • Plow pose helps to release the back of your neck and balance the fifth chakra.

      The fifth chakra is located in your neck and throat region. This chakra balances your communication and creativity. Exercises to balance this area, such as the shoulder stand and Plow pose, work into your throat while opening the back of your neck. To perform Plow pose, lie on your back. Lift your legs and reach your toes over and then behind your head, using your hands to support your back. If your toes touch the ground, release your hands. Hold for 10 breaths.

    Sixth/Third Eye Chakra

    • The sixth chakra is located between the eyebrows, in an area referred to as the Third Eye.

      The sixth chakra is located between your eyebrows in an area referred to as the Third Eye. This chakra is responsible for intuition and perception. Exercises to balance this chakra focus on bringing sensation to your Third Eye through touch and gaze. Sit in a comfortable seated position with your eyes closed. Rub your hands together until they are warm and place them over your eyes. Feel the heat penetrating your Third Eye. Hold this position until your hands cool down.

    Crown/Seventh Chakra

    • Meditation helps balance the seventh chakra.

      The seventh chakra is located at the crown of your head. This chakra deals with balance and clarity of mind and enlightenment. Exercises for this chakra focus on quieting the mind through meditation. To perform a simple meditation, sit with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your knees. Feel your spine lengthen and close your eyes. Start focusing on your breath. With each breath, silently repeat "I inhale, I exhale." Do this for five to 10 minutes.