How Chakras Can Improve Your Health
Chakras are used in various types of healing. The first mention of chakra, which is a Sanskrit word that means wheel or circle, was in ancient Vedic texts thousands of years ago. Chakras are included in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and other religious and philosophical texts, with different theories pointing to a different number of chakras in the body. Most Western interpretations of chakras are based on Hindu philosophy, which indicates 7 main locations in the body, and is what I use here.
Chakras are energetic centers located in the body’s midline. The energetic centers start in 7 different points, and extend out from the midline in circular form, forming wheels around the body. Each chakra is linked to a set of organs, and carries with it energetic influences that affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. When a chakra is out of balance, it causes illness, disease, or distress, and by bringing balance to it, health and stability are restored. I will explain how to balance each chakra below.
Each chakra is also represented by a color. If you were like me, you learned the colors of the rainbow through the acronym ROYGBIV, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Meditating with this color helps to balance the chakras. Keep this in mind as we go through each chakra.
1. Base or Root Chakra
The first chakra, also known as the base or root chakra or Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine or the perineum. It is linked with the adrenal glands, and represents survival, vitality, and grounding. Emotionally it relates to stillness and stability. When it is balanced, it energizes, controls fears, increases health, and helps in grounding.
To bring balance to this chakra, the essential oils of grapefruit Citrus paradisi, camphor Cinnamomun camphora, or clove Eugenia caryophyllata can be used (Hawkins, 2014), as well as a meditation that uses the mantra “LAM.” This chakra is represented by the color red, which is the first color of the rainbow. Visualizing the color red balances the root chakra.
2. Sacral Chakra
The second chakra is also known as the sacral chakra or Svadhisthana, and is located in the lower abdomen on the sacrum. The organs associated with it are the ovaries and testes. The second chakra represents sexuality, creativity, desire, pleasure, and procreation. Emotionally, it relates to joy, and when out of balance brings sadness and crying. When it is balanced we feel sexual vitality, fertility, and strength.
To bring balance to this chakra, the essential oils of mandarin Citrus reticulata, orange Citrus sinensis, or coriander Coriandrum sativum can be used (Hawkins, 2014), as well as a meditation that focuses on the word “VAM.” This chakra is represented by the second color in the rainbow, namely orange, and thus visualizing orange balances the sacrum chakra.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
The third charka is the solar plexus chakra or Manipura, and is located on the 12ththoracic vertebrae or between the navel and the bottom of the sternum. It is linked to the pancreas, and represents emotions, power, relating to others, and will power. Emotionally it relates to laughter, joy, and anger. Balancing this chakra calms emotions and frustrations, and eases tension.
To balance this chakra, use essential oils of lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus, citronella Cymbopogon nardus, or fir needle Siberia Abies siberica (Hawkins, 2014). Also a meditation using the mantra “RAM” will help, as will a visualizing the color yellow, which represents this chakra. Yellow is the third color in the acronym ROYGBIV.
4. Heart Chakra
The fourth chakra is known as the heart chakra or Anahata, and is located on the sternum, which is in the center of our chest. Even though the chakra is associated with the heart, the energetic center for this chakra is located in the center of the body, and not on top of the heart. It is associated with the thymus gland, and feelings of love and compassion. When balanced, the fourth chakra is important in ensuring proper functioning of the circulatory system, heart, and thymus. It also affects our sense of connection with the universe.
To balance the fourth chakra, use essential oils of angelica Angelica archangelica, bergamot Citrus bergamia, or palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii (Hawkins, 2014). Also, focus on the color green, which represent this chakra, and is the fourth color of the rainbow. Visualizing green can have a soothing effect on our bodies. Also, meditating using the mantra “YAM” will bring about balance to the heart chakra.
5. Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra is the throat chakra or Vishuddha, and as its name indicates, is located on the throat, specifically the larynx. It is connected with the thyroid and parathyroid organs. It represents communication, self-expression, and creativity, and affects how we interpret symbols. When balanced, it is important for speech and communication areas of the brain.
Balancing the chakra soothes, calms, and relaxes the body. To do this, use Roman chamomile Chamaemelum nobile, German chamomile Matricaria recutita, or Moroccan chamomile Ormenis multicaulis essential oils (Hawkins, 2014). Also, meditate by visualizing the color blue or repeating the word “HAM.”
6. Third Eye Chakra
The sixth chakra is the third eye chakra or Ajna and is located in the center of the forehead in between the eyebrows. It is associated with the pituitary gland. It is connected with logic, intuitive thought, seeing, and knowing. When balanced it helps psychic perception, and aids in meditation, intuition, and promoting thought.
To balance the third eye chakra use essential oils of cajeput Melaleuca cajuputii, pine Pinus sylvestris, or yarrow Achillea millefolium (Hawkins, 2014). Also, the sixth chakra is connected with the color indigo, and thus meditating by visualizing that color helps to balance it. Meditating on the words “OM,” helps as well.
7. Crown Chakra
The seventh chakra, the crown chakra or Sahasrara, can be found at the top of the head. It is linked with the hypothalamus and the pineal gland. It relates to spirituality, unity, and understanding, while on an emotional level relates to feeling bliss. Balancing the seventh chakra gives vitality to the cerebrum and the development of spirituality.
To balance the seventh chakra, the essential oils of rosewood Aniba roseodora, rose Rosa damascena, or sandalwood Santalum album can be used (Hawkins, 2014). The crown chakra relates to the color violet and a visualization with that color brings about balance, as does meditating on the words “OM.”
Chakras can be balanced on their own using visualization, essential oils, and meditation as I just described. They can also be incorporated into Reiki, healing through crystals, energy healing, flower essences, yoga, reflexology, massage, or function as a system of healing in it of itself.
References
Hawkins, B. (2014). Aromatherapy 201- Clinical Aromatherapy. West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
Originally published at www.petallife.com.
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