A Guide to: The Chakras
Chakra is a word originating from Sanskrit, meaning “wheel” or “disk”; basically chakras are energy sources located on our body that are associated with psycho-emotional functions. They connect our physical bodies with the energies we feel. Imagine a spinning disk that when activated, spins or is “open”. Oftentimes when we are in or out of alignment, we can feel it in our physical bodies. The energies never lie! Although the chakras are not physical, it’s helpful to know where they are located so that you can be mindful of any bodily changes. For example, if you notice more frequent headaches-this could be associated with a blockage in your crown chakra. If you ever discover you have an under or overactive chakra, you can use things like movement, foods, crystals or even mantra to help alleviate this.
Maintaining a balance is essential is any aspect of life. Specifically, balancing your chakras means there is balance between your spirit, body and overall health. Perhaps, it is the physical manifestation of the state of your spirit. An open chakra leads to alignment and overall positive experiences. When your chakras are open or balanced, energy is able to run through them freely and harmony between mind, body and spirit is created. Said balance enables us to feel grounded and secure both physically and mentally. On the other hand, when your chakras are blocked or under active, you might feel physical stiffness or mentally blocked.
THE 7 CHAKRAS:
CROWN CHAKRA
Linked to: psychic center, connection to divine, spiritual & mental wellbeing
Blockage symptoms: Headaches, Depression, Leaving disorders
Physical location: crown/top of head
Associated yoga pose: Headstand
Associated foods: broccoli, eggplant, kale, grapes, plum
Balancing crystals: diamond, clear quartz, gold
Mantra: om
Associated scents: cedarwood, jasmine, lavender, rose, sandalwood
3RD EYE CHAKRA
Linked to: Clairvoyance, Self Reflection, Mindfulness, wisdom
Blockage symptoms: Eyesight, Headaches, Hormonal imbalances
Physical location: middle of forehead
Associated yoga pose: downward dog
Associated foods: eggplant, grapes, blueberry, blackberry
Balancing crystals: lapis lazuli, amethyst, purple fluorite
Mantra: sham
Associated scents: clary sage, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, frankincense
THROAT CHAKRA
Linked to: truth, self protection, communication of wants, self expression
Blockage symptoms: victimisation, throat issues, tonsil problems
Physical location: throat
Associated yoga pose: shoulder stand
Associated foods: plum, blueberry, blackberry
Balancing crystals: turquoise, aquamarine, azurite
Mantra: ham
Associated scents: chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, cypress
HEART CHAKRA
Linked to: creativity, self respect, female reproductive system, love
Blockage symptoms: addiction, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts
Physical location: heart
Associated yoga pose: camel
Associated foods: kale, broccoli, cucumber, artichoke
Balancing crystals: malachite, emerald, pink quartz
Mantra: yam
Associated scents: jasmine, lavender, rose, orange, cypress
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Linked to: self worth, willpower, power & control
Blockage symptoms: weight problems, stomach aches, liver problems
Physical location: (approx 2 inches) above navel
Associated yoga pose: warrier
Associated foods: lemon, melon, pineapple, pepper
Balancing crystals: yellow citrine, chrysoberyl, golden rutilated quartz
Mantra: ram
Associated scents: black pepper, geranium, ginger, peppermint, rosemary
SACRAL CHAKRA
Linked to: creativity, self respect, female reproductive system
Blockage symptoms: addictions, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts
Physical location: hips
Associated yoga pose: goddess
Associated foods: carrott, mango, orange
Balancing crystals: citrine, carnalian, silver rutilated quartz
Mantra: vam
Associated scents: cardamom, clary sage, orange, rose, yang ylang
ROOT CHAKRA
Physical location: base of spine, on perineum
Linked to: truth, self protection, communication of wants, survival, instincts, sexuality, physical pleasure
Symptoms of blockages: victimization, throat issues, tonsil problems, feeling isolated, substance misuse
Associated yoga pose: tree
Associated foods: carrot, melon, tomato, pomegranate
Balancing crystals: fire agate, tiger’s eye, hematite
Mantra: lam
Associated scents: cypress, cedarwood, patchouli, frankincense
Now that you’re better acquainted with the Chakras, try to incorporate chakra meditations into your life. No need to tackle all 7 at once, start with one and build. As you become in tune with your chakras, it will become easier to identify where you need to direct your energy. If you are not sure where to start and want some help, check out the chakra test I linked below. The quiz is a quick and easy way to identify any over or underactive areas you may have. Keep in mind, the quiz is a great tool but listen to your inner voice and tap in to that!
Ways to Incorporate your Chakras
Yoga
Mantras
Journaling
Meditation
Gemstones
Mindful eating
Aromatherapy
As an additional resources, HERE is my favorite chakra test to use to help me identify when I have under or over active chakras.