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Ah, be still my aching Anahata! What? No idea what this means? That’s okay, because you’re probably not alone. Chakra means “wheel” or “vortex” in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit. We have seven major chakras: the centers of spiritual power in the human body. They are circles of energy that balance and distribute the energies of life all through our physical body. If one or more is blocked, you could feel completely out of whack.
Where Are My Chakras and How Do They Make Me Feel?
Chakras start at the base of the spine and move upward to the crown of the head. They coincide with the positions along the spinal cord of the major nerve ganglia in our physical body.
1. Muladhara or Root: positioned close to the anus, at the perenium. When this chakra is balanced we feel healthy and full of vitality. If too much energy is flowing through it, this could cause selfishness, greed, and an overpowering manner. If there is too little energy flowing through it, you are anxious and lack confidence.
2. Svadhistthana or Sacral Plexus: situated in the lower abdomen behind and approximately two inches from the belly button. When this chakra is balanced it encourages intuition, a good frame of mind, energy, and success. If blocked, it causes negative influences in the form of emotional problems or sexual guilt.
3. Manipura or Solar Plexus: situated below the ribs, above the navel. This supports the digestive system. A well-balanced solar plexus chakra fills us with self-confidence and the ability to make effective decisions in any situation. An imbalance causes undue stress, anxiety, and a low resistance to infections.
4. Anahata or Heart: located at the heart. It governs our emotions and the ability to function in relationships of all kinds. When it’s balanced, you can love, trust, and feel for someone unconditionally; when blocked, it can deplete the immune system, increase stress levels, and cause feelings of despondency.
5. Vishuddi or Throat: situated at the throat. When this is open, you can communicate freely and in the right way. If you feel a “frog in the throat” or often can’t find the right words, this chakra is blocked.
6. Ajna or Third Eye: Two inches above eyebrows and two inches toward mid-brain. This is the center of our dreams and intuition. When blocked, one gets headaches, migraines, sinusitis, insomnia, and, of course, stress.
7. Sahasara or Crown: located just above the top of the head. Enables universal energy to be channeled into the system, helping to keep it balanced. Its symbol is a thousand-petaled lotus. The main physical effects are the results of an imbalanced mind and result in stress, fatigue, and sleep problems. It works to keep the entire system in balance.
Balancing the Chakras
There are many different ways to balance your entire chakra system, such as through crystal placement or color meditation. For crystal placement, lie flat in a comfortable position with your legs slightly apart. Place one of the crystals associated with each chakra in the place where the chakra is located; for the root chakra, place the crystal just in between the legs, then place each subsequent crystal in each location until the crown chakra, where it should be placed just above your head. It may be easier to have someone do this for you, or go to a professional crystal healer. Once the crystals are in place, lie quietly for five minutes and allow the crystals to do their work. Re-cleanse the crystals after to remove the negative energies accumulated. Also, the physical practice of yoga works to unblock chakras by releasing stress, and allowing prana, or energy, to flow freely.
Aromatherapy Oils for Opening and Balancing Chakras
Root: vetiver, patchouli
Sacral Plexus: sweet orange, cinnamon, myrrh
Solar Plexus: sweet orange, grapefruit, lemon
Heart: ylang-ylang, rose
Throat: rose, spearmint
Third Eye: bergamot, jasmine, lime, sandalwood
Crown: bergamot, jasmine
Crystals Useful for Balancing Chakras
Root: carnelian, red jasper, smoky quartz, obsidian
Sacral Plexus: orange carnelian, orange calcite, citrine
Solar Plexus: tiger’s eye, citrinen
Heart: rose quartz, ruby, pink tourmaline, watermelon tourmaline
Throat: blue lace agate, turquoise, blue topaz, aquamarine
Third Eye: sodalite, lapis lazuli, lepidolite
Crown: amethyst, clear quartz, purple jasper
