A Guide to: The Chakras

I have been studying chakras since undergrad (2015) when I first started my meditation journey. Fast forward to now, chakras are a hot topic with mindfulness/meditation communities. Whether you’re new to chakras or well versed, I hope you can take something away from this post. For more about chakras, how they affect your body, how to balance your chakras and ways to incorporate them…keep reading! Use this guide as a point of reference along your meditation journey! Feel free to screenshot and share with others❣️

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.