Chakra Healing

Explore Chakra Healing

WHAT ARE CHAKRAS?

Chakras, translated from Sanskrit means “disc” or “wheel” refers to the seven circular vortexes of energy from the crown of the head to the base of the spinal cord. Each of these nerve centers has a corresponding vibrational frequency, level of consciousness, color, physical, emotional and spiritual influence. Chakra systems transmit and receive energy. By connecting to the system, we can discover that the macrocosm (the Universe) exists within the microcosm of the human being. They are also considered to be gradations of consciousness that reflect the levels and state of the soul. In order to maintain health (physical, emotional and psychological) it is important to keep them open, balanced and in alignment. Doing so allows for maximum happiness, communication, prosperity, positive opportunities and love to be achieved.

There are seven main chakras located along the spine with corresponding color, physical, spiritual, mental and emotional dispositions:

Crown Chakra - Sahasrara - Violet - Top of Head - Spiritual Connection and Enlightenment

Third Eye Chakra - Ajna - Indigo - Center of Forehead - Intuition and Imagination

Throat Chakra - Vishuddha - Blue - Throat - Communication

Heart Chakra - Anahata - Green - Center of Chest next to Heart - Love and Empathy

Solar Plexus Chakra - Manipura - Yellow - Abdomen - Self Esteem and Confidence

Sacral Chakra - Svadhisthana - Orange - 3” below Navel - Creativity and Sexuality

Root Chakra - Muladhara - Red - Base of Spine - Security, Survival and Stability

HOW TO PRACTICE CHAKRA HEALING

When a chakra is blocked, off-balance and not flowing freely, numerous physical, spiritual and emotional health issues arise. For example, the Solar Plexus Third Chakra is connected to balance and personal power. When it is blocked, one may experience anger, low self esteem, lack of willpower, commitment, difficulty making decisions and taking action. Stomach and digestive issues may manifest physically. Alternatively when there is too much energy in this chakra, it is expressed as rampant ego, power trips, unfocused, manic behavior and hyperactivity. There are several ways to open, unblock and balance the chakras including meditation, crystals, working with healing practitioners, yoga and breathwork.

Yoga poses (Asanas), controlled breath (Pranayama) and movement are a great way to reinvigorate the body and realign the chakras to create better flow, release negativity and infuse the body with positive energy. Often, the physical “high” and sharpening of the mind one feels after a yoga class is actually the cleansing, balancing and rejuvenation of the chakra energies.

Another method to align the chakras is through Reiki. From the Japanese words “Rei” (God’s Wisdom/Omnipotent Power) and “Ki” (universal life force energy), it is an ancient form of Japanese medicine/healing. Using spiritual guidance to direct their effort, practitioners transfer energy through their hands to open the chakras promoting the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional healing in need of balancing.

Crystals are effective, inexpensive and can be a powerful tool when used correctly. Just as quartz creates a voltage that keeps the time in a watch or assists a computer with memory, crystals emit energy and create vibrations that affect the biomagnetic field of the body. Each colored crystal contains special healing properties that focus on specific problems and promote concentrated healing.

WHY PRACTICE CHAKRA HEALING?

As the transmitters and receptors of the body, chakras impact every aspect of life. Because the frequency that is emitted matches the frequency of what is received, when they are balanced and working in harmony, the body, mind and spirit function at optimum frequency. Feelings of well-being, positive energy, abundance, health and opportunities present themselves. Other benefits include the ability to heal faster, heightened creativity, more confidence, improved sleep and patience. Conversely when the chakras are not aligned and stimulated, physical ailments, anxiety, low libido, eating disorders, insecurity and fear are present.

WHERE DID CHAKRA HEALING ORIGINATE?

The chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 B.C.E and was first mentioned in the ancient texts (Vedas) in India that were recorded from oral tradition. The original meaning of the word chakra/cakra is 'wheel' and refers to the chariot wheels of the rulers, called cakravartins. Chakra is also a metaphor for the sun, which traverses the world like the victorious chariot of a cakravartin and denotes the eternal wheel of time called the kalacakra which represents celestial order and balance. There were additional references to chakras in the Yoga Upanishads (approximately 600 B.C.E) and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (200 B.C.E). Another important reference is the16th-century book written by an Indian sage Swami Purananda. In his book, "Shri-Tattva-Cintamini" he included a chapter known as Sat-Cakra-Nirupana which explained the chakras in detail including how to stimulate and realize the power of each chakra and how to attain the state that gives rise to kundalini (the serpent Goddess).

The modern Western chakra system arose from multiple sources, starting in the 1880s, followed by researcher Sir John Woodroffe's 1919 book The Serpent Power (the holy grail of western chakra philosophy) and Charles W. Leadbeater's 1927 book The Chakras, which introduced the seven rainbow colours of the network. The Chakra system remained a primarily Eastern philosophy until New Age authors like Anodea Judith wrote The Wheels of Life, making the knowledge more mainstream and accessible.