According to Wikipedia; "Chakras (UK: /ˈtʃʌkrəz/, US: /ˈtʃɑːkrəz/ CHUK-rəz, CHAH-krəz;[2] Sanskrit: चक्र, romanized: cakra, lit. 'wheel, circle'; Pali: cakka are various focal points used in a variety of ancient meditation practices, collectively denominated as Tantra, or the esoteric or inner traditions of Hinduism.
The concept of the chakra arose in the early traditions of Hinduism. Beliefs differ between the Indian religions, with many Buddhist texts consistently mentioning five chakras, while Hindu sources reference six or seven. Early Sanskrit texts speak of them both as meditative visualisations combining flowers and mantras and as physical entities in the body. Within Kundalini yoga, the techniques of breathing exercises, visualisations, mudras, bandhas, kriyas, and mantras are focused on manipulating the flow of subtle energy through chakras."
The Modern Western System
The chakras began to filter into the West as early as the 1880s but a book by Sir John Woodroffe called The Serpent Power published in 1919. But it was a book entitled The Chakras by Charles W. Leadbeater published in 1927 that introduced the seven rainbow colours for the chakras. This new age version incorporates the Newtonian colors of the rainbow not found in any ancient Indian system and other systems such as alchemy, astrology, gemstones, homeopathy, Kabbalah and Tarot have been added through history.
Today the chakras are largely considered meditation aids in the practice of yoga, meditation and mindfulness; the yogi (a person who practices yoga) progresses from the low root chakra to the highest chakra (the third eye chakra) blossoming on the crown of the head. In both the Hindu kundalini and Buddhist candali practices, the chakras are pierced by a dormant energy residing near or in the root chakra, the lowest chakra. In Hindu texts she is known as Kundalini, while in Buddhist texts she is called Candali or Tummo.
The seven main chakras
The chakra system is made up of seven major chakras, each in a specific location along your spine, they are...
Root chakra
The root chakra, or Muladhara, is located at the base of your spine. It has a deep red colour. It provides you with a base or foundation for life, and it helps you feel grounded and able to withstand challenges. Your root chakra is responsible for your sense of security and stability.
Sacral chakra
The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, is located just below your belly button. It is orange in colour. This chakra is responsible for your sexual and creative energy. It’s also linked to how you relate to your emotions as well as the emotions of others.
Solar plexus chakra
The solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is located in your stomach area. It is a glowing yellow colour and it’s responsible for confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping you feel in control of your life.
Heart chakra
The heart chakra, or Anahata, is located near your heart, in the centre of your chest. It has a fresh green colour. It comes as no surprise that the heart chakra is all about our ability to love and show compassion.
Throat chakra The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is located in your throat. It is a light, sky blue colour and has to do with our ability to communicate verbally.
Third eye chakra The third eye chakra, or Ajna, is located between your eyes and is a dark, navy-like blue. You can thank this chakra for a strong gut instinct. That’s because the third eye is responsible for intuition. It’s also linked to imagination.
Crown chakra The crown chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of your head and glows a brilliant purple, ultra violet light radiating brightly into white. Your Sahasrara represents your spiritual connection to yourself, others, and the universe. It also plays a role in your life’s purpose.