The word 'chakra' is a Sanskrit word that means a 'wheel'. There are seven chakras, which help absorb vital energy into the body and to transform it into various frequencies, needed for sustenance and development. These energy-spinning wheels are placed in a ascending sequence, from the base of the spine, all the way up to the head.Each of these chakras is associated with some function of the body, and their balance helps in an overall development of our inner selves, and the world around us. The Seven Chakras Each and every chakra is associated with a particular vibration, color, symbol, and sound. Their colors are said to be present in the human body, and are similar to the colors of the rainbow. When any of these chakras stop spinning or vibrating, they affect the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of a person. Chakras can positively as well as negatively affect an individual, and therefore, it is very important to maintain their balance. This system of interpreting the functioning of the human body, by dividing it into various zones of energy, is found primarily in the Hindi and the Buddhist Tantric literature. Following table will help explain the various energy centers, and the elements that affect the optimum functioning of the body, mind, and soul.

Energy Chakras	Location	Color	Element
The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara Chakra	Top of the head	White	The element of this chakra is Sky. The name Sahasrara means a 'thousand-petaled lotus'. It is the seventh and the last chakra to open. Those who are known to open this chakra are said to be in total control of their life and death. Such a person is said to have an understanding of cosmic consciousness.
The Third Eye or Ajna Chakra	Center of the forehead	Purple	Its element is light. It indicates control over the other bodily chakras, and when it opens it is known to give clairvoyance or psychic powers to an individual.
The Mind or Vishuddha Chakra	Throat	Blue	Vishuddha means purity.The element for this chakra is ether or space. It is the fifth in order, and is related to rational and logical powers of the mind. When this chakra is balanced, it helps in increasing the compassion in the heart. It governs the vocal cords, and so, its opening imparts a better communication power, healing power, and creativity.
The Heart or Anahat Chakra	Center of the chest	Green, with a touch of pink	The fourth chakra, it is associated with 'unstruck sound'. The element of this chakra is air. It helps make an individual full of love, hope, and compassion when it is in its balanced state. This chakra is stronger in people, who are involved in social work, and/or are healers.
The Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra	The navel	Yellow	This is the third chakra, and its name refers to the 'city of jewels'. It is associated with energy, power, and heat, and its element is fire. It helps one dominate over the others.
The Sacral or Swadhisthana Chakra	Below the belly button	Orange	Swadhisthana means 'ones own home'. This is the second chakra in the human body. It is associated with sex and pleasure, and is governed by the element water. When this wheel is balanced, it helps keep all the carnal desires in control.
The root or Muladhara Chakra	Base of the spine	Red	The term 'muladhara' means the 'root support'. This is the first chakra, and the lowest of the energy centers. Its element is earth. The kundalini sleeps at the pelvic floor, in the form of a serpent. The tail of the serpent lies in its mouth. A balanced muladhara helps in imparting sense of security, inner strength, and feelings of safety and comfort in the world around.

One needs to focus, and bring the chakras in balance to achieve the highest individual potential. Yoga or meditation is the way one can concentrate on these energy centers, and achieve spiritual enlightenment. Before finding out how to activate the chakras, you need to start with chakra meditation for beginners.