The seven primary chakras run through the midline of the body and connect with our physical organs and systems as well as our emotions, family, past lives and our beliefs. Each chakra plays a supporting role in the body's energy field and no one chakra is more important than any of the rest. However, balance and flow of energy through the chakras (and throughout the physical body) are important to overall health.

The seven major chakras are outlined below:

Root (Sanskrit-muladhara) - The root chakra is located at the base of the spine or between the legs. It is through this chakra that we remain grounded to our body and to the Earth. Our sense of our bodies resides in this energy center and its health is reflected in the comfort we feel towards our body and how we move in our body. It is through this chakra that our feelings (and our level of comfort) about family (i.e. relationships, security, etc.) is centered. It is most often referred to as the "red" chakra, but crystals that are black (like black tourmaline) also have resonance with this chakra.

Sacral (Sanskrit-swadhisthana) - Just above the root chakra, the sacral (or second) chakra is our sexual and creative home. It is from here that we are able to feel secure with ourselves as a sexual being as well as a creative being. Orange is the color of this chakra and the health of this chakra is mirrored in how we feel about (and connect with) friendships and our partners.

Solar Plexus (Sanskirt-manipura) - This chakra is center of our will and our ability to move through life in a healthy way for us. The color is yellow and we process our experiences, relationships and decisions through this energy center. This chakra is also highly involved in the health of our immune systems.

Heart (Sanskrit-anahata) - I refer to the heart chakra as the "bridge". The heart chakra is located behind the sternum, to the right of the physical heart and at about the level of the thymus gland. It's color is generally that of rose or vibrant green, or a combination of those colors and gold. Our emotions reside here. It is often referred to as our "first brain" and is the seat of our ability to bridge our emotions and intuition (sixth chakra) with our spiritual selves (crown chakra). This bridging is where integration of ourselves occurs. When this area is blocked, energy flow from above and below may be stunted or closed altogether. At this time in human history, this chakra is the most important (and most affected) chakra of them all.

Throat (Sanskrit-vishuddha) - The throat chakra houses and works with the thyroid gland. It is the seat of our ability to express our emotional, creative and spiritual voices. The color of the sky right after sunset, the blue of this chakra (when it is healthy) is a combination of the third and fourth chakras and gives rise to our ability to make decisions about (and give voice to that which) is paramount in our lives.

Third Eye (Sanskirt-ajna) -  This chakra (also referred to as the brow) is located at the forehead, between the eyes and right above the pineal gland of the brain (which is called "the third eye" in humans). This center's color is indigo and, when open, allows us to relate our vision and insights directly to our experiences, which gives rise to spiritual power.

Crown (Sanskrit-sahasrara) – This violet or pure white energy center is located at the top of the head. It connects us with the divine and that which we call our "higher self". Meditation, Reiki attunements and healing (among other pursuits) opens this chakra, allowing us to receive knowledge and guidance about our spiritual path.