Hindus and Buddhists believe that the seven chakras -- each of which correspond to bodily functions and life issues -- regulate energy flow throughout the body. Martin Brofman, Ph.D., of The Brofman Foundation for the Advancement of Healing, says chakras are aspects of our consciousness, and their functioning relates to our experiences and beliefs. Each chakra is associated with seven endocrine glands and a group of nerves called a plexus. Chakras can become deficient or excessive depending on a person's reactions to situations, their beliefs, past pain and internal stress. A deficient chakra doesn't give or receive its corresponding energy; an excessive chakra becomes a dominating aspect in a person's life, Yoga Journal states.
Root Chakra -- Tension and Weight Gain
The root chakra, or “muladhara,” is centered at the perineum at the spine's base, states Yoga Journal. This chakra affects the adrenal glands, lymphatic system, skeletal system, the male prostate gland, the sacral plexus, bladder and lower extremities, according to Brofman. It is also associated with the sense of smell and survival instincts. If you have a busy mind and active imagination, you may have a deficient root chakra, Yoga Journal states. People who meet these qualifications feel ungrounded and live in their heads rather than their body, according to belief. The result is tension, fear and a feeling of a threat to survival, Brofman says. An overly expressed root chakra manifests as greed, hoarding possessions or money and attempting to ground yourself with excessive weight gain, says Yoga Journal.
Svadisthana – Libido
The second chakra, “svadisthana,” is within the abdomen and is associated with the hips, sacrum, genitals, womb, bladder, kidneys and lower back, according to Brofman. Yoga Journal states that svadisthana corresponds with sensuality, sexuality, emotions, intimacy and desire. This chakra is concerned with the female qualities of relaxation and openness to receive love and pleasure, and to feel emotions. If you have a second chakra deficiency, you will may be out of touch with your feelings, fear pleasure and resist change, according to belief. Sexual problems or discomfort might result. An overactive second chakra might be apparent in overly emotional behavior, sex addiction, and excessive need for entertainment or having boundaries issues, Yoga Journal states.
Solar Plexus Chakra -- Digestion and Metabolism
The third chakra -- at the solar plexus -- is associated with the muscles, skin, large intestine, stomach, liver and other organs and glands near the solar plexus, Brofman says. Its corresponding endocrine gland is the pancreas, and its sense is sight. The third chakra governs digestion and metabolism. Yoga Journal states that a deficiency here manifests as digestive problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem or feeling like a victim, while an excessive third chakra is expressed as perfectionism, anger, hatred and concerns about power, status and recognition.
Heart Chakra -- Lungs and Heart
This chakra deals with the heart, circulatory system and lungs, Brofman says. It corresponds with the thymus gland, which controls the immune system. When the heart chakra is deficient, you might feel shy and lonely, and have an inability to forgive or a lack of empathy. Indicators of a heart chakra deficiency are shallow breathing, asthma and other lung diseases. An overactive heart chakra brings co-dependency, possessiveness, jealousy, heart disease and high blood pressure, states Yoga Journal.
Throat Chakra -- Throat, Jaw, Thyroid
The throat chakra, or “visuddha,” is in the neck, throat, jaw and mouth, states Yoga Journal. It deals with your inner truth and your unique voice in the world. Creativity, writing and speaking are expressions of the fifth chakra. If you are deficient here, you might have neck stiffness, shoulder tension, teeth grinding, jaw disorders, throat ailments, an under-active thyroid or fear of speaking, according to belief. If this chakra is overactive, you might talk more than you listen, have hearing difficulties, stutter or have an overactive thyroid.
Brow Chakra -- Head and Eyes
The brow chakra, or “ajna,” is at the forehead between the eyes. It is associated with the forehead and temples, carotid plexus and the pituitary gland, Brofman says. This chakra is often referred to as the third eye, as it deals with matters of clairvoyance, telepathy, intuition, dreaming, imagination and visualization, states Yoga Journal. An under-active brow chakra brings eyesight and memory problems, difficulty recognizing patterns and a lack of visualization, according to belief. An over-stimulated third eye produces headaches, hallucinations, nightmares and poor concentration, according to Yoga Journal.
Crown Chakra -- Brain
The crown chakra, or “sahasrara,” is at the top of the head. It is associated with the pineal gland, brain and the entire nervous system, says Brofman. This chakra has less influence on the physical body, and instead deals with matters of intellect. An excessive crown chakra displays itself in a person overly intellectual or who believes himself to be a member of a spiritual or intellectual elite. A deficiency manifests as apathy, spiritual skepticism, materialism and the inability to think for one's self, states Yoga Journal.
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