The word chakra means energy vortex or wheel and according to Ancient Indian philosophy we each have seven chakras that manage the energy of our body from our spine to the top of our head.
Each chakra plays a role in establishing our overall health and well being. For optimal health, these energy wheels need to be aligned, clear and balanced. It is believed that when these energy centers are imbalanced that physical and emotional disturbances occur.
The seven chakras each have a specific purpose and control both physical and emotional aspects of the body.
Root Chakra
Root Chakra: is our grounding chakra. It begins at the base of the spine and grounds our soul to our body. This energy centre is responsible for protecting the spinal column, the rectum, legs, bones and feet. Emotionally it ties to survival, stability, acceptance, self preservation, perception, fear and safety.
Traditionally, the root chakra is associated with the color red and red crystals such as rubies, garnet and red jasper, as well as red foods and art can be used to heal this chakra.
When the chakra is out of balance, issues such as sluggishness, tiredness, obesity, hoarding, materialism, greed, fear of safety, inability to deal with change, lack of discipline and financial difficulty can occur. Physical dysfunctions can also occur such as bowel disorders, bone or teeth issues, lower back pain, depression and lack of energy.
When the root chakra is balanced, feelings of good health, vitality, being well grounded, trusting the world, feeling safe, stable and secure will prosper.
This chakra can be upset by birth trauma, abandonment, physical neglect, a poor relationship with the mother, malnourishment or inherited traumas such as living in war or poverty.
In order to heal this chakra it is recommended to get exercise, massage the lower abdomen and spine, reconnect with your body and accept yourself.
A Mantra for the Root Chakra:
“I feel grounded and secure in my body, I trust the universe and know that I am looked after. I am supported, safe and loved by mother earth.”
Sacral Chakra
Sacral Chakra: is located in the lower abdomen and rules over sexuality, emotions, creativity and financial matters.
It is associated with the color orange and crystals such as amber, citrine or even orange foods can be used to enhance the energy of the sacral chakra.
This chakra helps to balance our sexual organs, intestines, lower vertebrae, kidneys, pelivis, appendix, prostate, hip area and our lymphatic system.
When the energy of this chakra is excessive, sexual addiction can occur as well as strong or sensitive emotions, seductive manipulation, attachment and addiction and emotional dependency. When the energy is deficient, issues such as poor social skills, fear of sex, lack of desire and passion, denial of pleasure and unwillingness to change can occur.
Physically when this chakra is out of balance sexual dysfunction or reproductive issues occur as well as urinary problems, digestive issues, spleen issues or appetite control issues.
Often this chakra can be upset by sexual or emotional abuse, manipulation, alcoholic parents, denial of feelings and neglect.
A Mantra for the Sacral Chakra-
“I acknowledge and accept my sexuality and give permission to myself to feel all that I feel. I understand that I deserve pleasure in life and I am comfortable with who I am.”
Solar Plexus Chakra
Solar Plexus Chakra: sits below the diaphragm and controls feelings of power, self-esteem and our relationship with our inner self.
Represented by the color yellow, crystals such as citrine, yellow topaz and tiger’s eye, as well as yellow foods or flowers can be used to heal this chakra.
Physically, this chakra looks after our respiratory system, our stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenals, the lower back and the nervous system.
When the energy from this chakra is unbalanced issues such as poor self esteem, fearfulness, poor self discipline, aggression, feeling power hungry, or the need to be in control, feeling like a victim, blaming others or being overly competitive can occur.
When this chakra is balanced, feelings of inner harmony, self acceptance and respect for others can be felt.
When out of balance physically, digestive problems, colon and intestinal problems, ulcers, anorexia, pancreatitis, diabetes, gallstones, allergies and liver or stomach issues can occur. A constant feeling of coldness can also be felt.
This charka is usually effected by physical abuse, fear of punishment or shaming, living in a dangerous environment, feeling shameful of oneself or living in a dominating household or society.
In order to heal this chakra, it is important to deal with any self-loathing issues, or feelings of needing to be in control. Abdominal exercises and vigorous exercise can also help.
A Mantra for the Solar Plexus Chakra:
“I honor the power within me and know I hold the answer to my own destiny. I release my built up emotions and claim my personal power.”
Heart Chakra
Heart Chakra: this chakra rules the heart, cardiac system and chest. It also governs love, forgiveness, relationships, loneliness, depression and devotion.
The heart chakra is associated with both pink or green and can be supported by rose quartz, emerald and jade crystals or pink and green plants.
This chakra looks after the circulatory system, lungs, shoulders, arms, thymus gland, immune system and upper back and when imbalanced can lead to disorders in these areas including tension, breast problems, asthma and allergies.
Energetically, an imbalance in this chakra can lead to being demanding, jealous or possessive in relationships or anti-social, withdrawn, shy, judgemental, depressed or bitter. A fear of intimacy or relationships can also occur as well as over sacrificing oneself in relationships.
Traumas such as rejection, abandonment, loss, abuse, grief, divorce, death, feelings of not being loved and betrayal can harm this chakra.
When balanced, the heart chakra helps to promote compassion, self-love, empathy, peace and a good immune system.
In order to heal this chakra, one must learn to forgive, practice unconditional love and learn the true value of compassion and co-dependency.
Breathing exercises, working with the arms and self discovery can also help heal this chakra.
A Mantra for the Heart Chakra:
“I open myself to give and receive love. I forgive myself and others for past mistakes and I acknowledge that I am worthy and safe to love myself and others.”
Throat Chakra
Throat Chakra: Sits in the throat area and rules self expression, communication and speaking one’s truth.
Associated with the color blue, the throat chakra can be activated by blue crystals such as sapphire and lapis lazuli, eating blue foods or wearing blue clothes.
The throat chakra rules over the throat, thyroid, vocal cords, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws ears and muscles and when imbalanced, issues such as chronic sore throats, a raspy voice, mouth ulcers, gum problems, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid problems, headaches, ear problems and pain in the neck or shoulders can occur.
An imbalance in this chakra emotionally can lead to talking too much, talking as a defence, inability to listen, gossiping, stuttering, fear of speaking, talking in a soft voice, shyness, poor rhythm, being tone deaf or an inability to put feelings into words.
Lies, secrets, verbal abuse, constant yelling, criticism, authoritative parents or chemical dependency in the family are common traumas associated with throat chakra issues.
In order to heal this chakra, self control and developing confidence must occur. Learning to communicate effectively, knowing that you are worthy of your own opinion, practicing silence and listening to others can also facilitate healing.
Chanting, singing, voice work, throat exercises and story telling can also help to heal this chakra.
A Mantra for the Throat Chakra:
“I accept myself, feelings and emotions and know that I am worthy to express how I feel. I hear and speak the truth and I trust that I can express myself with clear intent.”
Third Eye Chakra
Third Eye Chakra: is located in the centre of the forehead and rules over our intuition, the mind, our imagination, intelligence and the ability to see life clearly.
It is associated with the color indigo and can be supported by amethyst crystals and lavender essential oil.
Physically, this chakra rules over our brain, nervous system, ears, eyes, nose, face and the pineal and pituitary gland. When imbalances occur, headaches, eye disease nose and sinus problems, brain tumors, neurological disturbances, seizures and learning disabilities can be experienced.
Emotionally when this chakra is out of balance, nightmares, hallucinations, headaches, difficulty concentrating, delusions, poor memory, insensitivity, lack of imagination and denial can ensue.
Often those who have grown up in frightening environments or those who experience lack of support or validation for intuitiveness or creativity can experience trauma to this chakra.
In order to heal this chakra, mediation, visualizations, creating art, working with memory or dreams, hypnosis or past life therapy can help.
A Mantra for the Third Eye Chakra:
“I trust my intuition and open my mind to the endless creativity of the universe. I am open to hearing and experiencing all that is aligned with light and love and I have the power to manifest my desires.”
Crown Chakra
Crown Chakra: is the portal to our spiritual self and is responsible for spiritual awakenings, karma, awareness and all things divine.
The colors represented by this chakra include purple, white, gold and silver and crystals that support this energy include diamond, quartz and selenite.
Physically, this chakra controls our muscular and skeletal system and our nervous system. When this chakra is imbalanced, energetic disorders, depression, migraines, amnesia, and sensitivity to the environment can be experienced.
Energetically, learning difficulties, materialism, greed, domination of others, spiritual addiction, dissociation from the body and depression can all be symptoms.
When this chakra is balanced, a feeling of deep spiritual connection can be felt as well as open-mindness, wisdom and a broad understanding of both the seen and unseen world.
Often experiences including, forced religion, fear of the unknown and spiritual abuse can cause trauma to this chakra.
To heal this chakra, an emotional, spiritual and physical connection needs to be made to the body. Meditation, understanding self and clearing the mind can all help.
A Mantra for the Crown Chakra:
“I am a divine spiritual being. I am guided by a higher power and my inner wisdom. I am love.”
