Are you familiar with chakras? Chakras are energy centers located within your body. Just as your body has a circulatory system—where blood carries oxygen from the heart through the vessels and back again chakras serve as key points through which the life force flows within you.

However, unlike the physical circulation of blood, fluids, nutrients, or cells, chakras govern the flow of vital energy—the dynamic, invisible force that animates life itself. It's a fascinating concept that bridges the physical and the energetic realms of our being.

Rooted in the physiological traditions of ancient India, the word chakra comes from Sanskrit, meaning "wheel" or "rotation." Depending on the tradition, there are said to be 7, 8, or even 12 to 15 chakras. Here, we will focus on the seven primary chakras most commonly referenced.

The human body is infused with vital life force and inner energy. Chakras are the key centers where this energy intersects and circulates. At the very core of your body runs the spine—a central pillar of support and flow. Aligned along this axis are seven primary chakras, each approximately the size of a golf ball, positioned from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. These energy centers serve as conduits through which life energy moves, balances, and transforms.

When these chakras are open and spinning like wheels, energy flows freely through the system. In this awakened state, your physical health may be enhanced, your intuition sharpened, your sense of love and compassion deepened, and your capacity for focus and clarity expanded.

Explore the unique qualities and functions of each chakra in greater detail. Let this be the beginning of your journey into the powerful energy within.

The first, second, and third chakras are positioned at the core of the body, aligning with the center of gravity. These chakras play a crucial role in grounding us to the Earth and allowing us to fully experience life in this physical world.

Our physical body enables us to have a vast range of experiences, and without the weight of the body, we would not be able to connect to the earth beneath our feet. These chakras influence our sense of self and our understanding of our own existence.

Therefore, the activation of these three chakras enhances your unique experience and deepens your material perception, enriching your connection to the physical realm.

In Sanskrit, the word chakra means "wheel" or "rotation." Imagine a motorcycle. If it’s left untouched in the back of a garage, it will rust, and its wheels will no longer turn effectively. Despite having the capability to cut through the wind, it misses the opportunity to do so. On the other hand, a well-maintained bike, ridden regularly, is able to fully express its potential.

Similarly, chakras function in the same way. When activated through daily chakra meditation, each chakra can express its unique qualities. There are various methods for activating the chakras through meditation. For example, you can visualize a mandala (a symbolic pattern) associated with each chakra, use color, or immerse yourself in specific sounds or frequencies.

Focusing on one of these elements during meditation is effective. By concentrating on either the mandala, color, or sound, visualize each chakra awakening and coming to life. As you do this, you may notice tangible changes in your body and senses.

Let’s enhance chakra meditation by incorporating the five senses. Since the sense of smell strongly stimulates the brain, incense can be a powerful tool. Chakras are intangible, so consciously engaging the senses to bring awareness to their presence is highly effective.

There are seven chakras, and if you practice chakra meditation thoroughly, it will take at least 40 minutes to work through them all. However, if that feels challenging, try lighting incense and focus on the image of the chakras rotating like interlocking gears. You can then meditate for about 15 minutes.

The incense will help promote relaxation and concentration, making it an excellent companion for meditation.

Let's delve deeper into each of the chakras. In separate articles, we’ll also be introducing specific meditation
techniques to activate each one.

The Root Chakra, known in Sanskrit as Muladhara, literally means "root." Located at the base of the spine, near the pelvic floor, it is symbolized by the color red. As the lowest of the seven chakras, the image of a root is fitting—it represents the foundation of our energetic body.

Being the base from which all energy flows through the body, this chakra governs our sense of survival, vitality, and stability in the physical world. Just as a plant must root deeply and firmly into the earth in order to grow freely and fully toward the sky, we too must be grounded in order to thrive.

The Root Chakra is the starting point of our physical existence and life force on Earth. It anchors us to the present moment and provides the energy needed to feel secure, connected, and alive. When you are in nature or in meditation, it's helpful to visualize your body standing strong and rooted into the Earth—just like a tree extending its roots deep into the ground. You may also find it effective to imagine your body as a mountain or a great stone —solid, unwavering, and grounded in the energy of the Earth.

The Sacral Chakra, known in Sanskrit as Svadhisthana, means “one’s own place” or “dwelling of the self.” It is located around the sacrum—a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine—and is represented by the color orange.

Having a physical body means we experience the world through the five senses. This chakra plays a vital role in channeling the life force energy that rises from the Root Chakra into the physical body, enabling free movement, creative expression, and a desire for connection with others. Your emotions, physical sensations, and desires that arise throughout life are uniquely your own. The Sacral Chakra is deeply connected to the joy of being born into this world and the personal expression of that joy. It invites you to honor your individuality by embracing your feelings, desires, and pleasures in your own authentic way.

This chakra is activated through the senses. By engaging with what pleases you—touching soft textures, listening to beautiful music, savoring delicious food, admiring visual beauty, or breathing in soothing aromas—you nurture and awaken this energy center. Equally important is becoming aware of what doesn't feel good for you.

Recognizing discomfort or disharmony also helps you clarify your own emotional and sensory boundaries, which is essential for maintaining balance in the Sacral Chakra.

The Solar Plexus Chakra, known in Sanskrit as Manipura, means “lustrous gem” or “city of jewels.” It is located in the area of the abdomen and is represented by the color yellow.

As energy rises from the Root Chakra and flows through the body via the Sacral Chakra, we begin to distinguish between pleasure and discomfort, developing an awareness of our personal desires and preferences through our interactions with the world around us. This chakra empowers us to embrace life as a unique individual—to live with confidence and joy. Merely thinking about our desires isn’t enough; we must act on them. In order to explore what we love, follow our curiosity, and realize our goals, we need courage, intuition, and the willingness to take initiative.

Have you ever noticed how radiant you feel when you’re doing something you truly enjoy? That glowing sensation is the energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra coming alive. You don’t need grand gestures—small, joyful actions in daily life are more than enough. We are meant to feel the happiness and excitement of simply being alive. The source of that drive, that spark, lies within this chakra. So give yourself more time to engage in what you love. That’s not just indulgence—it’s nourishment for your inner light.

The Fourth Chakra, known as the Heart Chakra (Sanskrit: Anahata), means "untouched." It is located in the chest area, and its symbolic color is green. The heartbeat is beyond conscious control — it cannot be stopped, sped up, or slowed at will. It functions automatically: when under tension, the heartbeat accelerates; when in a state of calm, it slows down. Despite being at the core of our being, it remains an intangible, mysterious space. The Heart Chakra continuously adapts to your changes and communicates them through the rhythm of your heartbeat, embodying the essence of love. By listening to the love emanating from the chest area, you can restore warmth and balance to your being. The Heart Chakra encourages the experience of joy, gently opening both you and the world around you.

The Fifth Chakra, known as the Throat Chakra (Sanskrit: Vishuddha), means "purity" or "clear." It is located in the throat area, and its symbolic color is blue. The throat is the place where your inner thoughts and emotions are expressed through sound. When pure and truthful energy flows through the throat in the form of words, the Fifth Chakra begins to open.

As humans, there are times when we may speak words that are untrue. In such moments, we may feel stuck or uncomfortable, as our words conflict with our true feelings. However, this is not inherently bad—it’s simply a way of using language to express ourselves.

Try to focus on the energy of sound when you speak, paying attention to the vibrations that your words create. As you become more aware of this energy, your choice of words may change, and you will find greater joy in expressing yourself through sound and language.

The Sixth Chakra, known as the Third Eye Chakra (Sanskrit: Ajna), means "command" or "to direct." It is located in the space between the eyebrows, and its symbolic color is indigo. When this chakra is activated, it is often associated with heightened intuition and the ability to perceive what is not immediately visible to the physical eye—hence, the term "third eye."

Those with an active Third Eye Chakra are thought to have sharp intuition and can make decisions quickly and accurately. Simply focusing on the space between the eyebrows can help activate and strengthen this chakra.

You can practice activating your Third Eye Chakra in your daily life as well. For example, start by making quick decisions in simple, low-risk situations—such as choosing between coffee and tea. The key is to trust your intuition in the moment and act on it swiftly. This simple practice can be both fun and challenging, helping you connect more deeply with your inner wisdom.

The Seventh Chakra, known as the Crown Chakra (Sanskrit: Sahasrāra), means "thousand-petaled" or "a thousand petals." It is located at the top of the head, and its symbolic color is violet. In fact, this chakra could be imagined as having countless petals, each representing a unique connection to the universe.

The Crown Chakra is the gateway for the flow of cosmic energy into your being, connecting you to the infinite energy of the universe. This flow of universal life force nourishes your mind, body, and spirit. The powerful, expansive energy of the cosmos enters through this chakra, granting you spiritual insight, awareness, and a deep sense of connection to all that exists.

To cultivate and open the Crown Chakra, it is helpful to free yourself from personal attachments and desires. Spend time in nature, observe the stars, or immerse yourself in the quiet contemplation of life’s vastness. Taking moments to simply feel the act of breathing and being alive can also help activate this chakra. As you continue to nurture this space, imagine each petal of the "flower" unfolding, allowing your own unique beauty and spiritual essence to bloom.

As each chakra is awakened, your life energy becomes more fully activated and vibrant. The knowledge of chakras—their existence and the means of awakening them—has been passed down through the ages, preserved and refined over centuries. This wisdom is still being studied and explored to this day. Let us share this ancient knowledge and the practical methods of activating the chakras—through the use of incense—as a path to greater inner harmony and vitality.