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.
Reference
- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-16958/7-essential-oils-to-balance-your-chakras.html
- http://www.biosourcenaturals.com/pure-essential-oils/essential-oils-for-chakras/
- https://www.gaia.com/article/7-chakras-you-need-know-about-chakra-alignment
- http://www.expressionsofspirit.com/yoga/chakras.htm
- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-91/The-7-Chakras-for-Beginners.html
- http://www.chopra.com/articles/what-is-a-chakra#sm.00001lictgf1s6f6vsurnr7jn4z1o
- http://www.chakras.info/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra
- https://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php
- http://personalitybuzz.com/heal-chakras-personal-development/
- http://conqueringfearspiritually.com/CFS/how-to-heal-and-balance-chakras/
- http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13433/warning-signs-your-chakras-are-out-of-balance.html
- http://silverlineddays.com/3-easy-ways-balance-chakras/
- http://vannasana.com/sacral-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/root-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/solar-plexus-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/heart-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/throat-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/third-eye-chakra/
- http://vannasana.com/crown-chakra/
Images
- https://au.pinterest.com/pin/419116309059302941/
- http://www.celestinevision.com/2016/04/spirituality/the-seven-chakras-for-healing/