Chakras refer to the seven power points of life force in the human body that circulates energy. The meaning of the word 'chakra' is 'wheel of light' or ‘spinning wheel of energy’ in Sanskrit language. These seven important centers of energy are vertically aligned in the center of the body close to the spine. These Chakras function like valves that regulate the flow of energy through our energy system. A proper balance in the Chakras is essential for our good health. If there is any blockage or imbalance in the chakras it can result in diseases and ill health. The details of the seven chakras are given below and each of these Chakras has a location, significance and color and needs to be kept balanced and healthy.

Root Chakra or Muladhara Chakra

The 1^st Chakra is known as the ‘Root’, ‘Base’ or ‘Muladhara’ Chakra. The Root or Mooladhara Chakrais located at the base of the spine and groin and is associated with adrenals, kidneys, muscles and blood. The base chakra is said to be the seat of our procreation, survival and baseinstincts. The Base or Root Chakra is associated with the color red. The gemstones associated with this chakra are ruby, garnet, coral, red jasper,smoky quartz and rose quartz. These red stones are used to treat conditions like anemia and depression. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Root or Base Chakra are Constipation, back pain, diarrhea, piles, colitis, frequent urination, high blood pressure, kidney stones and impotence. A balanced and healthy root chakra can make one courageous, strong willed, confident, humanistic, strong willed, spontaneous and honest. On the other hand an imbalance in this Chakra can make one insecure, over aggressive, indulging in self pity and fearful.

Sacral or Svadhisthana Chakra

The 2^nd Chakra is known as the Sacral or Svadhisthana Chakra. This Chakra is located at the genitals and is associated with reproductive organs and stomach. The color associated with this chakra is Orange. The gemstones associated with this Chakra are Orange Carnelian, Orange jasper and fire opal. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Sacral Chakra are uterine fibroids, pre-menstrual syndrome, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, low back pain and prostate disease. A balanced and healthy sacral chakra can make one sociable, independent, constructive, energetic and enthusiastic whereas an imbalance in this Chakra can make one withdrawn, destructive and over dependent.

Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra

The 3^rd Chakra is known as the Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra. This Chakra is located midway between the rib cage and the navel and is associated with the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, digestive system and nervous system. The color associated with this chakra is Yellow. The gemstones associated with this chakra are topaz,citrine, golden calcite, yellow zircon and amber. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra are Diabetes, Liver disease and Gall stones. A balanced and healthy Solar Plexus Chakra can make one Confident, humorous, practical, intellectual, Alert and Optimistic whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one sarcastic, pessimistic and suffering from inferiority complex.

Heart or Ananhata Chakra

The 4^th Chakra is known as the Heart or Ananhata Chakra. This Chakra is located near the center of the breastbone or sternum and is associated with the heart, thymus gland, lungs and circulatory system. The color associated with the heart chakra is pink and Green. The gemstones associated with this chakra aremalachite, emerald, jade, aventurine, moss agate, rose quartz, peridot and kunzite. These gems are used to treat the nervous system, heart problems, blood disorders etc.Some diseases and conditions associated with this Chakra areheart diseases, allergies, breast cancer and problems related to the Immune system. A balanced and healthy Heart Chakra can make one compassionate, generous, romantic, self controlled, adaptable, sympathetic and loving whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one jealous, miserly, bitter and indifferent.

Throat or Vishudda Chakra

The 5^th Chakra is known as the Throat or Vishudda Chakra. This Chakra is located at the throat and is associated with thyroid gland, lungs and respiratory system. The color associated with this chakra is Blue. The gemstones associated with this chakra are lapis lazuli, aquamarine, turquoise,sapphire and blue topazand these stones are helpful in treatment of throat blockages, internal bleeding and nervous disorders. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Throat Chakra are thyroid, anorexia, asthma, bronchitis, hearing problems, tinnitus, mouth ulcers, sore throats and tonsillitis. A balanced and healthy Throat Chakra can make one loyal, trustworthy, affectionate, caring, tactful and calm whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one unfaithful, self righteous, untrustworthy and cold.

Third Eye or Ajna Chakra

The 6^th Chakra is known as Third Eye or Brow or Ajna Chakra. This Chakra is located between the eyes and is associated with the pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system. The color associated with the third eye chakra is Indigo. The gemstones associated with this chakra are indigo Sapphire, azurite and iolite and is helpful in opening our internal eyes and curing mental disorders.Some diseases and conditions associated with the Third Eye Chakra are migraine, glaucoma, cataracts and sinus problems. A balanced and healthy Third Eye Chakra can make oneorderly, clear sighted, faithful, fearless, practical, idealistic and highly intuitive whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one inconsiderate.

Crown or Sahasrara Chakra

The 7^th Chakra is known as Crown or Sahasrara Chakra. This Chakra is located above the head and is associated with the pineal gland, brain and central nervous system. The color associated with the Crown Chakra is Violet. Some gemstones associated with the crown chakra are Lavender Quartz, Amethyst and Violet Jasper and can help in healing mental disorders, insomnia etc.Some diseases and conditions associated with the Crown Chakra are Depression, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy and Alzheimer's. A balanced an d healthy Crown Chakra can make one mentally strong, creative, idealistic, kind and self sacrificing whereas am imbalance in this Chakra can make one confused and mentally instable.

Any blockage or imbalance in any of the above chakras can result in diseases and ill health. So it is essential to maintain a proper balance in the Chakras to stay healthy.