We are more than just a physical body. Like all living things, we are made up of energy. You may have heard about chakras and are wondering exactly what they are. In this article I am going to give you a brief overview on them.
So, what is a chakra? A chakra (pronounced “cha”-kra”) is a vortex energy center within the human body. A chakra is an energetic wheel. There are seven main chakras, which are positioned throughout our bodies, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each of the seven chakras has its own colour, vibrational frequency and oversees specific functions that make you human.
Chakra is a Sanskrit word (an ancient Indo-European language of India in which most religious and spiritual literature was written), which means, “wheel” or “disc” and is derived from the root word “chakra”. The reason they are interpreted as wheels of energy is because as they spin, they shift energy up and down the body. The chakras run along the center of the body, parallel to the spine.
Each of the chakras has specific physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and energetic characteristics. The chakras are responsible for regulating, taking in and maintaining energy to keep our bodies and minds functioning at optimal levels. Healthy and balanced chakras allow you and your body to function to an optimum level.
Major and Minor Chakras
The human body consists of major and minor chakras, which form an energetic system.
When we fall ill it is a sign that a chakra is not functioning correctly. Unbalanced chakras affect our wellbeing. For example, when we are tired and start feeling depressed, this is a sign that we are lacking energy.
When our diets are poor and we lack essential nutrients then we are not taking in as much energy as we need to function correctly.
Our emotions also affect our levels of energy, such as anger, fear, procrastination etc. Unresolved negative emotions can affect the flow of energy around our bodies and also block certain chakras from working, as they should.
By taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, we can increase the flow of energy through our chakras. Here are some ways you can help improve the flow of the personal energy in your body:
- Feng Shui
- Tai Chi
- Crystal Healing
- Sound Healing
Other ways of improving energy flow is to live in a clutter free home and learning to de-clutter your mind too.
Take a good look around your living area and throw out anything that no longer serves you. To help de-clutter your mind, you can start by using daily affirmations and focus on your desires, taking steps to achieve them.
What are the 7 Chakras?
Location: Base of the spine at the coccyx.
Represents: The root chakra is the foundation of our whole energy system and on which we build our lives (food, water, shelter). Here, we are supported in our growth and feel safe, stable and secure as we go through our life. It connects us to earth. It is often linked to financial independence and money.
Imbalance: When the root chakra is imbalanced it will affect you physically in your body, such as in your muscles, legs, feet and joints. This chakra is also linked to the adrenals and endocrine system. It will impact our emotions by triggering feelings of depression, abandonment, instability, disconnection and loneliness.
Heal & Balance: The root chakra thrives when you take part in activities such as getting out and about in nature and hiking or going for a walk. We know when this chakra is balanced as we feel stable, balanced, supported, safe and grounded. Foods that nourish this chakra are proteins like red meat, eggs and nuts wholesome, root vegetables, and red foods such as tomatoes, pomegranate and cherries.
Location: Lower abdomen just below the navel (above the pubic bone and below the navel)
Represents: The sacral chakra is where we hold the seed of our creativity; connection to others around us and it controls the sexual organs and reproductive system. It is the central point from where we feel pleasure, emotion and intimacy. It is also has the ability to make us feel as though we are living in abundance.
Imbalance: When the sacral chakra is out of balance, this will often result in either a low libido or a high sex drive. Your creativity may suffer and you may also be unable to express your emotions or perhaps be incapable of containing them.
Heal & Balance: Foods that will help to balance your sacral chakra are healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and fish. Think of orange foods when nourishing this chakra and fill up on pumpkin, sweet potato, mandarins and carrots. Also, water is a great way to balance this chakra, so spend some time around and in water whenever you can.
Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: Above the navel and below the rib cage
Represents: The solar plexus chakra is the centre of our energy our personal power station.It’s responsible for our self-discipline, motivation, restraint, our self-esteem and ability to manifest our deepest aspirations. Our digestion system is governed by this chakra and it is where nutrients are converted into energy for our whole body.
Imbalance: When your solar plexus chakra is imbalanced it will manifest as a sense of powerlessness, lack of confidence and low self-esteem.
Heal & Balance: Foods that will nourish the solar plexus chakra are spices, legumes and grains. It is advisable that you avoid spicy and hot foods if your solar plexus chakra is overactive. Other foods that are great for this chakra are corn, pineapple, bananas, lemons and chamomile. Should your solar plexus be under-active, it is recommended that you take part in activities that build heat such as walking in the sunshine, having an infrared sauna and hot yoga. These will all help to nourish and heal it to function at its best.
Location: Heart centre (located at the center of the chest and governs our heart, lungs and arms)
Represents: This is the energy centre from where we emanate happiness, forgiveness, compassion, love and joy.Additionally, it is from here where we also feel sadness, anger, grief and lust. It is from this chakra where we discover our true self. We can only able to truly love others once we begin to love and accept ourselves fully.
The heart chakra connects our spiritual and physical worlds. For example, our arms are a physical extension of the heart chakra as they allow us to connect with others with a handshake or a warm embrace.
Imbalance: When the heart chakra is unbalanced it can manifest as strong uncontrollable emotions such as grief, sadness, anger or greediness. An example of imbalance can show itself as being with a partner who you are always giving to and receiving nothing back in return. You may spend a lot of your time trying to “fix” people and to “change” them rather than accept them as they are.
Heal & Balance: The heart chakra heals when you get out in the fresh air and by immersing yourself in nature; this is vital to help balance it.Performing deep breaths from the abdomen is also very beneficial.The heart chakra thrives when you fill up on healthy greens, such as green fruit & vegetables, green super foods which powerful blend of nutritious greens, phytonutrient-packed fruits, veggies and cereal grasses, digestive enzymes and probiotics which increase energy, promotes detoxification and boosts your immune system.
Location: Base of the throat (governing our mouth, jaw, ears and neck).
Colour: Sky Blue
Represents: Our creative expression and communication is managed by the throat chakra.It mirrors our authenticity and when balanced, we speak our truth from here. Listening and hearing is also linked to the throat chakra as these are an essential part of good communication.
Imbalance: When the throat chakra is imbalanced it can manifest as having fear of defending yourself, indecisiveness, lack of creative expression, and sensitivity to constructive criticism.
Heal & Balance: A great way to heal the throat chakra is by spending time outside in nature. Surround yourself with the ocean and spend time under the bright blue sky. Eat food like blueberries, blackberries, lemon and honey. Nutritious liquids are also very soothing for the throat chakra, such as coconut water, honey and herbal teas.
Third Eye Chakra
Location: Between the eyebrows (governs your pituitary gland, lower brain, eyes and skull)
Represents: The third eye chakra, also known by its Sanskrit word, Ajna, this means “perceiving” and “command”. This chakra provides us energy for insight and spiritual reflection. It is from here that we are led by our intuition, wisdom, intellect and inner perception and where we connect to a mental state. We give birth to our imagination, ideas, focus, values and dreams through our sixth chakra.
Imbalance: When the third eye chakra is imbalanced, this may manifest as having difficulties with having self awareness and embracing a spiritual connection.An under-active third-eye chakra manifests as strict thoughts and stubborn belief systems, whereas an overactive third-eye chakra is connected to a tendency to be a dreamer and living in world of fantasy and generally being out of touch with reality.
Heal & Balance: A good way to help rejuvenate your third eye chakra is by sitting out in the sun and facing towards the light for short periods of time.
Lucid dreaming or moments of clairvoyance may be experienced when this chakra is open. During this time you will feel guided, supported and able to trust in the process of life, believing and understanding your presence is an essential part of life.The third is stimulated when you fill up on foods such as cacao, purple foods like eggplant, cabbage, kale and purple sweet potato and omega-3 rich foods like salmon, walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds, which are perfect for boosting brain power.
Location: Top of the head or just above (Also known as the thousand-pedaled lotus that rests on the seat of the head).
Represents: The crown chakra gives us contact to higher consciousness. It’s also associated with feelings of happiness, bliss and insight.
Imbalance: When the crown chakra is imbalanced; it can result as a disconnection to the universe or faith, fanatical attachments to the area of spirituality or having a closed mind.
Heal & Balance: The quickest way to heal an imbalanced crown chakra is with Meditation.Each day, take a moment to connect to yourself and your spirituality to your higher self. There are no specific foods associated with thecrown chakra; it is recommended that you fill up on foods that are nourishing and healing, this will only have a positive affect this chakra.
As you can see by the picture above, each chakra is connected with a colour found within the rainbow. The colours add a new dimension where we can better understand ourselves, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and then we can relate to our surrounding environment on a deeper level. Our bodies are like a well of wisdom and by exploring this ancient system, you can begin to understand yourself better and live a life full of joy, vitality and inner peace.
With love and gratitude,