Chakras are the main energy centers of our body and they are 7 in number. Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit. These chakras are instrumental in the flow of energy throughout our body. Each chakra is related to different abilities, expressions and emotions, and the general health of our body. 

Here are the seven chakras and a little overview of each. 

Root Chakra (Mooladhar):

It is located at the base of the spine in the tailbone area. It controls financial independence, money issues and food. It is associated with the color red and the Earth element. It is developed around the age of 1 to 7 years. When it is open we feel confident and grounded. When blocked, we feel unstable and threatened. 

Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthan):

It is located in the lower abdomen a little before the navel. It controls our sense of well being and abundance. It also deals with pleasure and sexuality. It is associated with the color orange and the Water element. It is developed around the age of 8 to 14 years. When it is open it boosts our creativity and sexual energy. When blocked we feel lack of control over our lives. 

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura):

It is located in the upper abdomen in the stomach area. It deals with confidence and ability to control our lives. It is associated with the color yellow and the Fire element. It is developed around the age 15 to 21 years. When open we feel confident about expressing our true selves and accept ourselves. When blocked we feel tensed, overwhelmed and self doubt. 

Heart Chakra (Anahata):

It is located in the center of the chest just above the heart. It deals with love, joy and inner peace. It is associated with the color green and the Air element. It is developed around the age 21 to 28 years. When open we can express deep compassion and empathy. When blocked we feel difficulty in opening up to others. 

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):

It is located in the throat. It deals with communication, self expression and truth. It is associated with the color light blue and the Sound element. It is developed around the age 29 to 35 years. When open it helps in expressing ourselves truly and fully. When blocked it can hamper communication and expression. 

Third Eye Chakra (Ajnai):

It is located on the forehead, just between the eyebrows. It deals with wisdom, intuition and imagination. It is associated with the color dark blue or purple and the Light element. It is developed around the age 36 to 42 years. When open it boosts our intuition and insight. When blocked it hampers our spiritual journey.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrar):

It is located at the top of our head, just above the crown area. It deals with our inner self, inward and outward beauty, spirituality. It is associated with the color violet or while and the Divine Consciousness element. It is developed around 43 to 59 years of age. When fully open, which is quite rare, we are able to access higher consciousness. When blocked it becomes difficult to connect with your inner self, mentally and spiritually. 

This was just a little peek into what Chakras are all about. It is a vast study and getting guidance from a learned person becomes inevitably important, especially when one needs to introspect and balance these wheels of energy called Chakras.