Searching for inner peace? First, you need to be able to identify your chakras.

Those who perform chakra meditation believe that the human body has vital points of energy. These energy centers are used consciously or unconsciously, and have great influence over our life experiences. “Chakra” is the term used to define these critical points.

Chakras are found in different areas throughout the human body. There are seven chakras in total, each holding influence over the area in which it is found. Every chakra has its own distinctive property.

There is a chakra, located at the base of the spine, known as the Root Chakra. The Root Chakra affects the health, structure and safety of your body. Traditionally called muladhara and also known as the coccyx, this chakra is associated with how one’s body links to the material world. It is also symbolized by a red-colored circle surrounded by four golden petals.

The Naval Chakra or svadisthana, a fundamental point located in the lower abdomen, is associated with the feelings of love, passion, sexuality as well as pleasure. People experiencing positive feelings would send feedback to this chakra, which is associated with the orange color.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is found just above the navel and below the chest. A vital point influencing one’s force and willpower, this chakra is the point at which self-control, authority and discipline. Yellow is the colour of this powerful chakra.

The Heart Chakra, or anahata, is found in the middle of the chest area. Love and understanding are the focus of this chakra, as well as the feelings that result from these sensations. The Heart Chakra is related to the colour green.

A critical point located in the throat area is called the vishuddha, or Throat Chakra. This chakra is linked to communication and associated with a sky blue colour.

The Brow Chakra or the anja is a vital point located on the forehead, just above the eyes. This chakra is associated with our sensitivity outside the physical sphere and is known to the Buddhists as the region of the “Third Eye.” This clairvoyance-related focus point is associated with the color indigo as well.

The Crown Chakra, or sahasrara, is found at the central point on top of the head. Naturally, this important chakra is concerned with the spirit and the mind. One’s consciousness and items related to the High Self are dictated by the violet-coloured Crown Chakra.

If you are interested in practicing Chakra meditation, you’ll find that it has the ability to stimulate your vital energy points and lead to beneficial side effects. Be careful though, as too much mental energy is not always wise for people who do participate in much physical activity. Ask for expert guidance when learning chakra meditation or you may risk developing personality problems due to a chakra imbalance.

Contributor Wyatt Pottoe is a columnist for numerous Internet magazines, on alternative health care and anti aging product subjects.