According to yoga tradition, the chakras are part of the subtle body, a part of you that you can’t see or touch. It’s where your energy flows, which is why it’s also referred to as the energy body. Chakra literally means “spinning wheel.” The chakras are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned for optimal emotional and physical well-being. If energy becomes blocked in one of the chakras, it triggers physical, mental, or emotional imbalance. For example, you may feel symptoms such as anxiety, lethargy, or poor digestion. A well-tuned asana practice can free up energy and stimulate an imbalanced chakra, paving the way for that wonderful internal shift for which yoga is known.