Chakras are energy centres within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. Seven chakras are positioned throughout our body, from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, colour, and governs specific functions that help make us human.
The term chakra is Sanskrit in origin, and it translates to “wheel”. Chakras are therefore wheels of energy within the human energy field. Life force (known as “chi” or “prana”) flow in and out of each of our seven chakras. Each chakra is associated with a certain area of life and if it is blocked or out of balance, then the life energy in that area will also be affected. When chakras are open, balanced and strong, our life energy can flow better and healing is promoted.
The Seven Main Chakras The first chakra (from the bottom of the body up) is the Root/Base Chakra. It is located at the bottom of the spine and grounds us. This chakra is associated with stability, security and our basic needs. It connects with the colour red.
The second chakra is the Sacral Chakra. It sits approximately three inches below the navel, and is associated with emotionality, sensuality and creativity. The colour associated with this chakra is orange.
The third chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is located between the navel and the chest. This chakra is associated with our will, mental capabilities and overall personal power. It is connected with the digestive system, metabolism and the pancreas, and is connected to the colour yellow.
The fourth chakra is the Heart Chakra. It is located at the centre of the chest and it is connected to the cardiac system, lungs and the thymus, which is responsible for immunity. It is associated with love, compassion, integration and connection, and connects with the colour green.
The fifth chakra the Throat Chakra. It is located in the centre of the throat and it is connected to the mouth, jaw, pharynx, palate, shoulders and thyroid gland. This chakra is associated with expression and communication, and connects with the colour turquoise or aquamarine.
The sixth chakra is the Third Eye Chakra. It is located in the centre of the eyebrows just above the bridge of the nose. This chakra is associated with our foresight, intuition and imagination. The colour associated with this chakra is purple.
The seventh chakra is the Crown Chakra. It is located just at the top of the head and it is connected to the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland which regulate the endocrine system. This chakra is associated with our higher self and the higher state of consciousness, and is connected with the colours white or deep purple.
Balancing the Chakras
In order for our bodies to function in an optimal way, all of our seven chakras need to be balanced, allowing our energy to flow smoothly throughout our bodies. If one of the energy centres is not functioning well, then the others won’t function as well as they should. Some of them can even work too much or too hard (the third eyes, over-thinking chakra is typical of this!), which also sends our bodies and emotions into free-fall.
These days, it’s incredibly difficult to keep our chakras balanced - we’re all rushing around, worried about our to-do lists and, jobs, family, finances, etc. and not taking adequate time out for ourselves, but there are ways you can do it that are incredibly simple and mostly free!
Meditation Meditation is one of the most effective ways to balance your chakras. There are many chakra meditations that can be found online, but it is also easy enough to practice on your own. Each chakra is associated with a seed sound, or bija mantra and a colour. Chakra affirmations are also useful in healing and balancing. Each of these can be used to help you go deeper into your meditation and make it more effective.
Yoga A regular yoga practice is incredibly effective at balancing the chakras. As with meditation, you can visualise and focus your attention on the different chakras throughout your practice. As you are doing the postures, visualise the colours that correspond to the chakra on which you are focusing.
Moving through the postures will work out stiffness and tension in your physical body. As your body opens up, the energy flows more freely. With an uninterrupted flow of energy your chakras will balance themselves out.
Breathwork/ Pranayama The use of breathing techniques not only helps to relax the body, but it also allows you to control the flow of energy through your body. The best pranayama for balancing is Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing.
For this pranayama, block one nostril at a time and take deep cleansing breaths in and out. Be sure to do the same number of breaths on each side. It will balance the nadis as well as bring together the left and right hemispheres of the brain, easing stress and anxiety.
Crystals Crystals hold energy vibrations and can help you connect to various parts of your consciousness. Each chakra is associated with particular crystals, which will provide you with the greatest balancing benefit for that chakra:
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Root chakra: Hematite, Garnet, Red Jasper
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Sacral chakra: Carnelian, Tiger's Eye, Amber
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Solar plexus chakra: Citrine, Orange Calcite, Pyrite
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Heart chakra: Green Calcite, Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz
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Throat chakra: Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Calcite
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Third eye chakra: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Ametrine
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Crown chakra: Clear Quartz, Moonstone, Amethyst
Choose the crystal that corresponds to the chakra you want to focus on. You can also choose one of each for total chakra balancing. Place the crystals near you while you are meditating to enhance the energy of the crystal.
Essential Oils
Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of different ailments. These plant-derived oils can also be used for chakra balancing. As with crystals, there are different oils that correspond to different chakras.
The oils can be used by simply breathing them in or applying them topically. It is important to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, if you are applying it directly onto your body. These are potent oils that can irritate the skin if they are not diluted.
Balancing your chakras is a natural and spiritual process. There’s no need to force it, just relax, take in the healing vibrations and your energy will be flowing freely again in no time.
