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Chakras

In Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, a chakra is an energy point on the physical and spiritual body. It is derived from the Sanskrit word for wheel, Cakra.

There are 7 main chakras, and many more minor ones, with each chakra having a specific location and function.

These 7 chakras are located from the top of the head down to the base of the spine. Each chakra has different locations and attributes, and are not something you can physically touch, but rather something you can feel and sense.

The chakras are formed at the junction of three energy shafts along the spine. The two lesser channels of energy (the Pingala on the right and the Ida on the left) and the main central channel (the Shushumna) run parallel to the spinal cord. Chakras absorb prana (life force energy), and also transform and pass on this energy.

Each of the seven chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs, as well as one’s emotional, psychological, and spiritual states. Everything is moving, and therefore it is important that the chakras remain aligned and opened, for if there’s a blockage, energy cannot flow.

Root chakra (Muladhara)

Location: Base of spine

Association: Grounding, security, trust, and stability

Balanced: Healthy kidneys and adrenal glands, feelings of security, stability, and bravery, being healthy, and feeling full of energy

Unbalanced (Physical): Lower body pain, sciatica, digestive issues, prostate problems, eating disorders, and immune system problems

Unbalanced (Emotional): Low energies, anger, depression, alienated feelings, jealousy, co-dependence, indecisiveness, fear, and addictions

Colours: Red

Foods and nutrition: Red foods, apples, raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, pomegranate, beets, radish, and watermelon

Sounds: Key note (C), Frequency 256Hz, and thunder

Mantra: “Lam”

Crystals: Haematite, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Carnelian, Jasper, Black Tourmaline and Smokey Quartz

Affirmations: “I am”

Essential oils: Patchouli, ginger, cedar wood, cypress, cinnamon, and sandalwood

Yoga poses: Mountain pose, Side-Angle pose, Warrior pose, standing forward bend, Bridge pose, and Child’s pose

Opening the chakra: Confront your doubts, speak to others and reach out for support, visualize completed tasks, stay in tune with your body, walk around with bare feet, wear reds or earthy tones, and dance often

Sacral chakra (Svadhishthana)

Location: Just below the belly button

Association: Sexuality, emotions, and creativity

Balanced: Healthy reproductive organs and sex hormones, depth of feeling, stability, sexual fulfilment, and creativity

Unbalanced (Physical): Menstrual problems, urinary problems, infertility, gynaecological problems, lower back pain, spleen and kidney issues, and problems with the gallbladder

Unbalanced (Emotional): Feelings of guilt, unbalanced emotions, co-dependence, creative blocks, apathy, jealousy, possessiveness, detachment, over sensitivity, manipulation, over-eating, and shame

Colours: Orange

Foods and nutrition: Almonds, papaya, orange, pumpkin, melon, passionfruit, coconut, mandarins, walnuts, and mangos

Sounds: Key note (D), Frequency 288Hz, and rainfall, water, and the ocean

Mantra: “Vam”

Crystals: Red and brown Adventurine, Garnet, Jasper, Citrine, Moonstone, Sunstone, Amber, and Carnelian

Affirmation: “I feel”

Essential oils: Ylang Ylang, neroli, patchouli, lemongrass, clary sage, rosewood, and tangerine

Yoga poses: Wide standing forward bend, Wide sitting forward bend, Bound Angle pose, Cobra pose, Triangle pose, Dancer pose, and Butterfly pose

Opening the chakra: Connect emotionally to others, be kinder to yourself, do things step-by-step instead of all at once, celebrate achievements, be creative, wear orange, do soothing water exercises, and do yoga

Solar plexus chakra (Manipura)

Location: Above the navel

Association: Ego, personal power, wisdom, and independence

Balanced: Healthy digestive system and adrenal glands, harmony, protection, self-confidence, and comfortability with one’s self and others

Unbalanced (Physical): Low metabolism, poor digestion, blood sugar problems, fatigue, liver problems, and ulcers

Unbalanced (Emotional): Low confidence and self-esteem, no sense of purpose, anger, addiction, unmotivated, insecure, depressed, indecisive, and confused

Colours: Yellow

Foods and nutrition: Yellow foods, corn, pineapples, squash, beans, brown rice, oats, peppers, quinoa, bananas, millet, amaranth, ginger, and turmeric

Sounds: Key note (E), Frequency 320Hz, and crackling fires

Mantra: “Ram”

Crystals: Topaz, Citrine, Yellow Zircon, Amber, Tiger’s Eye, and Yellow Jasper

Affirmation: “I do”

Essential oils: Cinnamon, lemongrass, lemon, orange, fennel, and juniper

Yoga positions: Sun salutation, Warrior pose, Bow pose, Half twist pose, Boat pose, and Bridge pose

Opening the chakra: Add some control and order to your life, spend more time in the sun, challenge yourself, wear yellow, and be aware of whom you spend your time with

Heart chakra (Anahata)

Location: Centre of chest

Association: Love, compassion, and healing

Balanced: Healthy heart, immune system, and endocrine system, good circulation, harmony, forgiveness, sincerity, and love

Unbalanced (Physical): Chest pain, respiratory issues, poor circulation, and blood pressure issues

Unbalanced (Emotional): Over-loving, clingy, jealousy, abandonment, anger, bitterness, loneliness, hatred, greed, despair, judgemental, and manipulative

Colours: Green/Pink

Foods and nutrition: Green foods, spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, chard, zucchini, peas, leeks, green apples, peppers, celery, pears, kiwi, grapes, and avocados

Sounds: Key note (F), Frequency 341.3Hz, and the wind

Mantra: “Yam”

Crystals: Malachite, Jade, Green Tourmaline, Emerald, Peridot, Rose Quartz, and Chrysoprase

Affirmation: “I love”

Essential oils: Rose, cedar wood, lavender, chamomile, Frankincense, pine, and jasmine

Yoga poses: Camel pose, Cobra pose, Fish pose, Cat pose, and Forward bend pose

Opening the chakra: Spend more time with loved ones, connect with others, make time to do what makes you happy, follow your dreams, perform acts of kindness, wear green, and participate more in activities and discussions

Throat chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat

Association: Speech and communication

Balanced: Healthy lung and respiratory system, stable thyroids, and good communication, speech, and healing

Unbalanced (Physical): Sore throat, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid problems, voice issues, and gum or tooth problems

Unbalanced (Emotional): Problems with self-expression, feelings of powerlessness and lack of control, addiction, dishonest, quiet, confused, and indecisive

Colours: Light blue

Foods and nutrition: Blue foods, currants, blue grapes, blueberries, dragon fruit, kelp, Kombu, barley, wheatgrass, mushroom, and barley

Sounds: Key note (G), Frequency 384Hz, and bird song

Mantra: “Ham”

Crystals: Turquoise, Blue Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Opal, Sodalite, Sapphire, Blue Topaz, and Aquamarine

Affirmation: “I speak”

Essential oils: Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, sage, and geranium

Yoga poses: Fish pose, Supported shoulder stand, Camel pose, Bridge pose, and Plow pose

Opening the chakra: Sing, speak your fears, learn to say no, be honest with yourself and others, try journaling, illustrate your thoughts through art, wear blue, and talk to others more often

Third eye chakra (Ajna)

Location: Between the eyebrows

Association: Intuition and awareness

Balanced: Healthy eyes, an in-tuned intuition, good focus, strong morality, and a deep spiritual connection

Unbalanced (Physical): Headaches, vision problems, insomnia, sinus problems, stress, hearing problems, nausea, dizziness, and ear problems

Unbalanced (Emotional): Moodiness, daydreaming, mistrust, indecisive, overwhelmed, anxious, self-doubt, memory problems, learning difficulties, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions

Colours: Indigo

Foods and nutrition: Purple foods, figs, grapes, raisins, blackberries, prunes, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple kale, purple potatoes, and purple carrots

Sounds: Keynote (A), Frequency 426.7Hz, and bells and chimes

Mantra: “Ksham”/ “Om”

Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Indigo, Sodalite, Sapphire, Azurite, Amethyst, Celestite, and Blue Adventurine

Affirmation: “I see”

Essential oils: Frankincense, Myrrh, jasmine, star anise, patchouli, clary sage, cypress, sandalwood, vetiver, and lavender

Yoga poses: Child’s pose, seated Yoga Mudra, Thunderbolt pose, Downward facing dog, and Crescent lunge

Opening the chakra: Be still, be in touch with nature, walk often, be creative, and clear out clutter

Crown chakra (Sahasrara):

Location: At the crown of the head

Association: Spiritual connection

Balanced: General happiness, and a healthy central nervous system

Unbalanced (Physical): Headaches, neurological problems, nerve pain, Alzheimer’s, insomnia, and psychological disorders

Unbalanced (Emotional): Depression, inability to learn, confusion, loneliness, inability to connect with others, frustration, discontent, rigid thoughts and beliefs, and a fear of alienation

Colours: Violet

Foods and nutrition: As this chakra is more spiritual than physical, it is not nourished with food, but rather with prayer, meditation, fasting, and detoxing

Sounds: Keynote (B), Frequency 480Hz, or silence

Mantra: “Om”

Crystals: Amethyst, White Calcite, Selenite, Obsidian, Clear Quartz, and Sugilite

Affirmation: “I understand”

Essential oils: jasmine, lavender, sage, lotus, saffron, Frankincense, and sandalwood

Yoga poses: Tree pose, Eagle pose, Yoga Audra, Lotus pose, Headstand, Fish pose, ad Corpse pose

Opening the chakra: Pray, meditate, sing, read inspirational books, and include ‘quiet time’ into your daily routine.