5 Effective Ways to Unblock Chakras

Chakras, meaning “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit, are thought to be portals through which the main energetic channels of the body flow.

There are more than 72,000 energetic channels in the body called nadis (pronounced “nah-dees”), according to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, global activist and founder of the Art of Living Foundation. Similar to veins carrying blood through the body, nadis are pathways carrying vital life force energy, often referred to as “prana,” throughout your entire being, according to practitioners of the chakra system.

There are three major nadis involved in the discussion of chakras: ida, pingala, and sushumna. These nadis run up and down the spine in a DNA-like helix and chakras form where these three nadis intersect. Although there are more than 100 chakras in the body, seven main chakras align on the axis from the base of the spine to the top, or crown, of the head, and these chakras are what most people refer to when discussing the chakras.

What Is a Blocked Chakra?

When a chakra is balanced, energy flows freely throughout the body. However, when the free flow of energy is blocked in a chakra, which can occur due to certain lifestyles, experiences, physical environments and more, imbalance occurs. If a chakra is obstructed, a person may exhibit physical and emotional manifestations of the imbalance.

It’s unhealthy for the chakras to be either completely blocked or continuously overflowing with energy—balance is the goal. However, when a non-life-affirming (stressful or traumatic) event occurs related to a particular chakra, that chakra begins to work faster to try to resolve the issue.

Unblocking chakras?

Your chakras are a complex energy system within your body and are the centers of spiritual power. When you are aware of this system, you can balance these energies. But what happens when our chakras become blocked? It may lead to difficulties with concentration, sleeping problems, a lack of motivation, and feelings of helplessness, among many other things. However, there are many easy ways to unblock your chakras yourself, and today we want to share with you our favorite techniques for clearing these energy pathways.

How To Unblock Chakras?

• Grounding Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool for chakra healing and unblocking energy centers. You can bring attention to each chakra through focused awareness and visualization, release blockages, and restore their natural flow. During meditation, visualize each chakra as a vibrant and spinning energy center, clearing away any stagnant or negative energy. You can also incorporate affirmations or mantras specific to each chakra to enhance healing. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and visualize roots extending from your tailbone deep into the earth. Imagine grounding and stabilizing energy flowing through your roots and into your chakra. Using deep breathing while practicing meditation helps additionally. Taking deep breaths with intention is very effective for restoring your chakras to their natural and harmonious state. As you inhale, direct your energy to the chakra. As you exhale, allow awareness to relax into it.
•  Mantras: A mantra is a short repetition that is often used at the end of a yoga practice. The mantra acts as a form of sound healing that can restore your energy fields. Sound profoundly impacts our energy centers, making sound healing and chanting powerful tools for unblocking chakra. You can use a singing bowl or listen to specific frequencies or binaural beats corresponding to each chakra to promote healing and balance. You can also do singing bowl meditation. Additionally, chanting mantras or bija (seed) sounds associated with each chakra, such as “LAM” for the root chakra or “OM” for the crown chakra, can help clear energetic blockages and enhance the flow of energy.
• Yoga: Practicing yoga asanas (poses) and movements that target specific chakras can be highly beneficial for unblocking energy centers. Each chakra has corresponding poses that help activate and balance its energy. For example, forward bends like Uttanasana or Child’s Pose stimulate the root chakra, while heart-opening postures like Camel Pose or Cobra Pose activate the heart chakra. Incorporating a regular yoga practice can support overall chakra balance and energy flow.
• Engage in Physical Activities: Engaging in activities such as walking barefoot in nature, practicing grounding yoga poses like Mountain Pose, or incorporating strength-building exercises can help activate and unblock the root chakra.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils have their own energy, the essence of the plant from which they were obtained, so working with essential oils to support and balance chakras can be very powerful.