Chakras by Eliane Carotta

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means wheel. They are our energy centers, and function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through our energy system. The functioning of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to respond to conditions in our life. We open and close these valves when we decide what to think, and what to feel, and through which perceptual filter we choose to experience the world around us.

We have chakras in almost all of our bodies, but there are seven “more important” energy centers that I’m going to tell you a little bit, and write some postures to balance each one. They are:

Root Chakra (Muladhara), located on the perineum, the point between the anus and the sex organs, it is associated with the Lymph system, skeleton system (teeth and bones), the prostate gland in men, the sacral plexus, the bladder and elimination system, and the lower extremities (legs - feet, ankles, etc.). Also the nose, since it is the organ of the sense of smell, and associated with survival (color: red).
Balance poses: head to knee poses, downward dog, tree, downward dog, chair pose;

Spleen Chakra (Svadhisthana), located on the center of the abdomen, is associated with the  reproductive system, sexual organs, lumbar plexus. (color: orange).
Balance poses: Side rolls, bent and straight legs, Boat;

Solar plexus Chakra (Manipura), located on the Solar plexus, it has association with the muscular system, the skin as a system, the large intestine, stomach, liver, and other organs and glands in the region of the solar plexus. Also the eyes, as the organs of sight, and the face, representing figuratively the face one shows the world (color: yellow).
Balance poses: bridge with one leg extended, boat, downward dog to upward dog, triangle and variations;

Heart Chakra (Anahata), located in the Center of the chest, it is associated with the heart and the blood circulatory system, and the cardiac plexus, as well as the lungs and the entire chest area (color: green or rose).
Balance poses: Child’s pose, Head to knee, Fish, Camel;

Throat Chakra (Vissuddha), located in the Base of the throat, it controls the throat and the neck, the arms and the hands. It is associated with the brachial or cervical plexus. (color sky blue).Balance poses: standing poses, shoulder stand, bridge, cobra;

Brow Chakra (Ajna), located in the Center of the forehead (3rd eye), it is associated with the forehead and temples, with the carotid plexus (color: Indigo Blue or violet).
Balance poses: bridge, butterfly, downward dog, shoulder stand, downward dog, warrior poses;

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara), located on the Top of our head, it is associated with the brain, and the entire nervous system (color: Violet or white).
Balance poses: tree, eagle, headstand, yoga mudra.