Chakras: Myths, Misconceptions and What They Really Are

If you’ve spent any time in the wellness space, you’ve probably heard people talking about chakras. Maybe you’ve seen Instagram posts about “unblocking your chakras” or been told your throat chakra is “out of balance” because you don’t speak up enough. But what do chakras actually do? And how much of what we hear is based on fact versus modern wellness trends?

Let’s clear things up.

What Are Chakras, Really?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and translates to “wheel” or “disc.” In traditional Indian spiritual systems, chakras are understood as energy centres in the body, each linked to different aspects of our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The concept originates from ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions and has been studied for centuries in yogic and Ayurvedic practices.

There are seven main chakras along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head and each one is associated with specific organs, emotions and elements. When these energy centres are balanced, we feel healthy, clear-headed and connected. When they’re out of balance, we might experience emotional struggles, physical discomfort or a sense of being “stuck” in certain areas of life.

But here’s where things get a little murky—because in modern wellness culture, chakras have taken on a life of their own.

Common Misconceptions About Chakras

1. “Blocked Chakras Are Like Clogged Pipes”

One of the most common things people say about chakras is that they get “blocked” like a drain, stopping energy from flowing. While it’s a useful metaphor, it’s not entirely accurate. Chakras aren’t physical structures and they don’t literally clog up. Instead, they can become overactive, underactive or energetically imbalanced due to stress, emotional patterns or even lifestyle choices. Like many of us looking for Reiki in Glasgow we want to feel better.

Rather than thinking of chakras as something that gets blocked, it’s better to imagine them as areas of energetic focus that can either function in harmony or become out of sync.

2. “You Can Open All Your Chakras Overnight”

Some guides or courses claim they can open or unblock all your chakras in a single session. In reality, chakra work is an ongoing practice. Balancing your energy isn’t about flicking a switch—it’s about self-awareness, healing and lifestyle changes that support your overall well-being.

Yoga, breathwork, Reiki, meditation and even the food you eat can influence your chakras. But just like building physical strength, energy balance takes consistency and patience.

3. “Chakras Are Just a New Age Trend”

It’s easy to assume chakras are a modern wellness fad, especially given how popular they are in Western spiritual circles. But the chakra system has deep roots in ancient Indian traditions, specifically within texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. The Western interpretation often simplifies or alters the original teachings, but that doesn’t mean the concept itself isn’t valid or meaningful.

4. “Each Chakra Has a Fixed Meaning”

A quick Google search like how we search Reiki Glasgow to find this page will tell you that the heart chakra is for love, the throat chakra is for communication and so on. While there’s truth to these associations, chakras are more fluid than a set of rigid definitions.

For example, the throat chakra isn’t just about speaking up—it also relates to active listening, inner truth and even creative expression. Similarly, the root chakra doesn’t just govern stability; it also connects to our sense of belonging and trust in the world.

What Chakra Balance Really Means

Rather than worrying about “unblocking” chakras, a better approach is to look at how your overall energy feels. Do you feel grounded and safe in your body?