A traditional chakra reference
Many Reiki traditions describe seven major energy centers called chakras. The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and is often translated as wheel. In these traditions, each center is associated with a color, an element and themes for personal reflection.
The reference below shares common traditional associations. It is intended as a spiritual and contemplative guide, not as medical information. Reiki and chakra practices are not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment or care from qualified health professionals.
The seven major chakras
First Chakra
Root Chakra
- Color
- Red
- Location
- Base of the spine
- Element
- Earth
- Traditional body associations
- Adrenals, bladder, genitals and spine
- Themes
- Grounding, survival, security and belonging
Second Chakra
Sacral Chakra
- Color
- Orange
- Location
- Lower abdomen, below the navel
- Element
- Water
- Traditional body associations
- Reproductive organs, kidneys, urogenital system and legs
- Themes
- Vitality, relationships, creativity and desire
Third Chakra
Solar Plexus Chakra
- Color
- Yellow
- Location
- Above the stomach, below the sternum
- Element
- Fire
- Traditional body associations
- Pancreas, stomach, liver and gallbladder
- Themes
- Personal power, strength, emotion and confidence
Fourth Chakra
Heart Chakra
- Color
- Green or rose
- Location
- Center of the chest
- Element
- Air
- Traditional body associations
- Thymus, heart, lungs and circulation
- Themes
- Compassion, trust, connection and peace
Fifth Chakra
Throat Chakra
- Color
- Blue
- Location
- Center of the throat
- Element
- Ether
- Traditional body associations
- Thyroid, throat, upper lungs and arms
- Themes
- Communication, expression, creativity and responsibility
Sixth Chakra
Third Eye Chakra
- Color
- Indigo
- Location
- Between and slightly above the brows
- Element
- None
- Traditional body associations
- Pituitary gland, lower brain, nose, eyes and ears
- Themes
- Intuition, inner vision, inspiration and reflection
Seventh Chakra
Crown Chakra
- Color
- Violet or white
- Location
- Top of the head
- Element
- None
- Traditional body associations
- Pineal gland, upper brain and eyes
- Themes
- Spiritual awareness, wisdom and connection
Harmonizing the chakras
Some Reiki practitioners use paired hand positions as a quiet, reflective chakra practice. If you are practicing with another person, ask for clear consent first and avoid any area that feels sensitive, painful or unwelcome.
A traditional sequence pairs the Root Chakra with the Third Eye, the Throat Chakra with the Sacral Chakra, and the Heart Chakra with the Solar Plexus Chakra. Keep each position gentle and unhurried, then move on when the person is ready.
Another traditional approach is to keep one hand near the Root Chakra while moving the other, one position at a time, through the remaining centers. You may also keep one hand near the Third Eye while moving through the other centers. These are contemplative practices, not a way to assess or treat physical or mental health concerns.