Chakra Healing. The 7 Chakras.
Next Chakra workshop. Illuminate Chakra Workshop Sat 26th November.
Tune into your understanding of the 7 Chakras. What do these subtle energy fields represent physically and emotionally? Tips, Yoga Poses and Healthful activities for Chakra Healing.
The Root Chakra/Base Chakra: (Muladhara): “I am”
Location: The perineum, base of the spine. Colour: Red. Element: Earth
The Root Chakra is associated with our “right to be”. It is connected
Physically: The root chakra is associated with the bones of the body and the spine, in particular the lower back. This also includes the teeth. The feet, knees and legs are very much associated with the root chakra. The sexual organs are also connected, including the gonads (male and female) which are responsible for the release of hormones. As an example, women with an imbalance of hormone secretion in the ovaries might manifest symptoms varying from infertility to irregular menstruation
Emotionally: Giving us a sense security about ourselves and our world are the functions of the Root Chakra. This chakra is associated with our survival instincts. It is connected with sexual reproduction on a primal level. (rather than as a sensual or sacred function). It is associated with earthly security including a sense of physical safety and financial security. This is the most primal of our instincts. Do we feel safe and secure in the world? Are we thriving? As it is connected to our past and ancestral memory most people have some level of work to do on this chakra.
Healthful activities for the Root Chakra: Running, physical exercise, Yoga in general, Reiki , particularly on the feet, knees, and lower back, gardening, walking barefoot on sand, grass or earth, meditation visualising roots growing down into the earth. It is possible to have an “over-active chakra”. With the Muladhara Chakra this might be seen as been overly focused on the material world, egotism and viewing people as sex objects rather than having an emotional connection. In this instance more calming activities would be advised rather than high intensity exercise that may benefit somebody with an “under-active” root chakra.
Specific Yoga poses for the Root Chakra: Anything with a focus on the feet, lifting arches, rooting the feet down ,creating really good foot alignment. Virabhadrasana 2, Mountain poses, Mula Bandha, Virabhadrasana 1, hero pose, bridge poses.
The Sacral Chakra (Svadisthana): “ I feel”
Location: About 2 inches under belly button. Colour: Orange. Element: Water
The Sacral Chakra is associated with pleasure, sensuality, joy, 
emotion & feeling. It is our creative centre; pro-creatively and artistically speaking. The Sacral Chakra is connected with personal sexual energy. One of the main functions of this chakra is to form healthy emotional and sexual relationships and boundaries. The sexual energy of the chakra can be transmuted to develop a higher spiritual consciousness. In many spiritual practices fasting is used as a spiritual tool, or practices such as lent (abstaining from certain pleasurable foods etc). It is thought that sexual energy can be used in the same way (under carefully considered healthy conditions).
Physically:
The sacral Chakra is connected with the kidneys, urinary system, the hips and reproductive organs. Importantly this Chakra is also related to the Adrenal glands. One function of the adrenal glands is to balance salt, sugar and water in the body. Another crucial function is the production, amongst others, of adrenaline and the steroid hormone cortisol. Adrenaline prepares the body for “flight or fight”. However if the stress is constant, the related adrenalin is not healthy. Likewise Cortisol is released to support our physical and mental ability to cope during stressful situations. Over production of cortisol can suppress the immune system, contribute to obesity, increase blood pressure and sugar, decrease libido, cause acne and more. Stress weight gain can commonly be seen as a “spare tyre” or weight around the abdomen (the sacral chakra). In energetic terms the Sacral Chakra is central to successfully managing stress on a hormonal and chemical level. (crucial for joy and health. )
Emotionally
The association with joy and pleasure and also the stress hormones mean this chakra is central to our relationship with food and addictions in general. A vibrant sacral chakra means we enjoy sensual pleasures without addiction. The sacral chakra is central in forming relationships with good chemistry, healthy boundaries and enjoyable, sexual relationships. (where sex is sacred)
Healthful activities for the sacral chakra: Healing past trauma, guilt and shame. Reiki, particularly on the adrenal glands, the sacral chakra, and over the kidneys. Swimming, and being near water, healthy pleasures, healthful comforting foods such as soup. Creativity. Yoga in general.
Specific Yoga poses for the Sacral Chakra: Hip openers like half pigeon & Baddha Konasana, Malasana, Mermaid pose, Crescent moon pose, Low Lunges and poses which stretch the psoas, flowing sequences and poses that feel graceful and sensuous. Yoga for stress relief if the Adrenal glands are effected.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura). “I do”
Location: Behind the stomach Colour: Yellow Element: Fire
The solar plexus is connected with the sun, and the element fire. It is seen as the energy hub of the body, drawing in energy. Metaphysically speaking it is “the fire in our bellies”. It is the seat of personal power, self-esteem, the energy of transformation and “warrior energy”. It is also an area where we can feel fear or anxiety. The solar plexus represents our ability to “digest life”. It is the core of our identity, personality and ego. When we are balanced in this area we are empowered and confident in our ability to manifest our dreams in the world. We radiate warmth and a “sunny” disposition.
Physically:
The Manipura Chakra is primarily linked to the digestive system including the liver, gallbladder, stomach and spleen. Digestion is central to wellness. A healthy digestive system creates physical health which in turn greatly assists with emotional wellbeing. The solar plexus Chakra is associated with the Islets of Langerhans and the pancreas. The Islets of Langerhans produce insulin to lower blood sugar levels and glucagon to raise them. Diabetes and hypoglycaemia stem from malfunctions in this gland. The pancreas regulates metabolism. Other issues: food allergies & ulcers.
Emotionally:
Balance in this chakra allows our light to shine as a manifestation of self-esteem. Inbalance may lead to unhappiness with life and the appearance of arrogance. Imbalances might also appear as low self-worth and worry about how we are perceived by others. Courage is associated with this chakra. Fear, anger , pessimism, sarcasim and negativity are the shadow side of this Chakra.
Healthful activities for the Solar plexus Chakra:
Allowing sunlight on this area. (with respect for the skin of course) Watching the sun set & Rise. Sitting by the fire. Being around supportive people who value us, and nurture our self-confidence. Laughter. Trying new things successfully. Acknowledging shadow emotions, such as anger, rather than pretending we don’t feel them. Yoga in general. Reiki Energy healing, as the name would imply is fantastic on the Chakras in general and also more specifically on the area of the Third Chakra, on both sides of the body.
Yoga for the Solar Plexus Chakra:
Yoga Sun salutations, particularly facing and greeting the sun as they are intended. Goddess Pose, Ustrasana, all twists, core work ( such as Plank, Navasana, Supine Leg Raises) Abdominal lock.
The Heart Chakra: Anahata “I love”
Location: Centre of chest Colour: Green Element: Air
The Heart Chakra is the centre of love, compassion and empathy. It is the source of feelings of kindness and respect for ourselves and other beings. The heart Chakra is the gateway between the lower and upper Chakras. The 4th Chakra has an important function in all of our relationships, not “just” romantic relations. This Chakra is a healing centre. Those with strong healing skills tend to be extremely open around the heart centre. (Developing healthy personal boundaries can be an important heart Chakra lesson for such individuals initially.) When this Chakra is balanced we are able to give and receive effortlessly.
Physically:
The Heart Chakra is primarily associated with the heart, the circulatory system and the lungs. The Anahata Chakra is closely linked to the Thymus gland, the control centre of our immune system. For those with recurring chest infections, it can be interesting to observe the connection between physical lung problems and emotional issues. Green foods such as broccoli, spinach and kale can be very good for healing the lungs. Rounding of the upper back and upper back issues can also be associated with the heart Chakra. With the latter issues we might investigate if we are trying to protect ourselves from emotions or feelings in general, particularly other peoples’ suffering.
Emotionally:
Unconditional, universal love is the highest function of the heart Chakra. To love others unconditionally we must first learn and give unconditional love towards ourselves. Truly loving ourselves rather than egotism or self-deception are significant heart Chakra lessons. Giving and receiving in equal measure is the balance we hope to achieve. When we are balanced around the heart Chakra we can live our lives from our hearts and sail smoothly! Heart break, too much sadness, unhealed grief, sorrow and loss can result in the heart closing in. This results in the inability emotionally to sustain lasting relationships or friendships or live a “whole” life. A strong, energetic healing must take place. Past sorrows must be acknowledged, accepted and resolved before moving on in any meaningful way. Most people need outside assistance to do this.
Healthful activities for the Heart Chakra:
Reiki Energy Healing. I often try to use alternative words for “healing”, with the Heart Chakra however, the word is valid. The heart Chakra often needs healing, no less. Being around art or creating art; to seek questions for what cannot be simply stated or understood. The unconditional affection and love of animals. The uncomplicated company of kind people. The friendship of children. Places of inspiring natural beauty. Hikes. Being outdoors. Music (non-verbal often better). Meditation. Yoga. Dance. Connecting to a higher spiritual source. Wearing the colour green around the area of the heart.
Yoga poses for the Heart Chakra:
Backbends, backbends backbends! Baby backbends such as sphinx pose or baby cobra or poses such as Urdhva Dhanurasana. Wild Thing is a beautiful pose to practice for heart healing and grace! Easy supported backbends such as supported fish pose with the back of the head resting. These poses simply lift and energetically open the heart centre with a prop such as a pillow behind the heart. The rest of the body rests. These poses will most likely bring tears to someone sorrowful when practiced in concession. Tears should be allowed to pass unchecked.
The Throat Chakra (vishudda) – I speak
Location: where the collarbones meet Colour: sky blue Element: ether
This chakra is associated with communication and authenticity. The Throat Chakra acts as a gateway between the heart and the head. It is the Chakra associated with seeking and sharing the truth and inspired creativity. A person with a healthy throat chakra is a good listener. In order to fully tap into the power of the visuddha chakra you need to have done a certain amount of work in the other energy centres. The visuddha chakra bridges the heart and the mind. When that space is clear, it integrates the wisdom of both, allowing profound spiritual truths to flow freely.
Physically:
The throat chakra is associated with the throat, thyroid, neck, shoulders, mouth, ears and jaw. It is connected with the Thyroid and parathyroid gland. The Oesophagus, Trachea, cervical vertebra and the vocal chord are also connected with this chakra.
Emotionally
The throat chakra is associated with expressing our truth or not. An imbalanced throat chakra might manifest as critical, over-opinionated behaviour towards others. Verbal abuse and shouting when it is not necessary are also signs of an over-active throat chakra. Telling lies is an issue related to the throat chakra. An under-active throat chakra might express itself as timidity and failing to “speak up” for oneself. A person with an under-active throat chakra may be perceived as flaky, or as a people pleaser. Their external reality may be entirely at odds with their internal reality.
Healthful activates for the throat chakra:
Singing, humming, chanting, whistling. Yoga for the face (such as Lion’s pose) and Pranayama (breathing), creative expression, silent meditation and listening to your inner truth emotionally (especially if your words have not been expressing truth) and of course Reiki Energy healing on and around the Throat Chakra.
The Brow/Third Eye Chakra (ajna): I see
Location: Between the eyes above the eyebrows Colour: Indigo Element: Ether
Like the Throat, this chakra is associated with the element ether. It is the chakra associated with the mind and in particular with intuition and psychic abilities. It is also the Chaka we draw on when we meditate.
Physically:
The eyes, base of skull and brow is associated with the Third Eye Chakra. This chakra is related to the two hemispheres of the brain, and balance between both. It is associated with the Pineal gland, and the hypothalamus and regulating circadian rhythms (in part related to healthy sleep patterns). Headaches and migraines can be associated with the Brow Chakra in people who have shut themselves off to insight.
Emotionally:
When this chakra is balanced, thoughts are clear and spiritual insight and self-reflection heightened. There is a clarity of thought and a calmness in mind. Positively speaking this chakra allows us to cut through illusion and see the deeper truth.
Healthful activities for the Third Eye Chakra: Anything done with a soft focus: Meditation, walking in nature, healthy productive solitude, removing other obstacles and distractions by getting to know your body and understand your emotions, keeping a journal of dreams and intuitive thoughts and feelings, vision boards. Yoga breathing techniques, Yoga balances & Inversions, visualisation. Reiki on that area and related areas.
The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): I know
Location: The crown of the head Colour: Violet or white Element:
The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) opens upwards towards the heavens. The crown chakra connects us to everything that transcends our earthly state. It keeps us connected to universal conciousness. Through the crown chakra we can experience the state of pure being and transcendental conciousness.
Physically: The crown chakra relates to the cerebral cortex, the skull and the nervous system.
Emotionally: Positive attributes include awakening, enlightenment, a great sense of interconnectedness, self-realisation. When out of balance traits include grief, isolation, indecisiveness and self-limitation. On an emotional level, the crown chakra may be associated with deep grief and sadness within the joy of living. Accepting the journey of life on earth is the lesson for the Crown chakra.
Healthful activities for the crown chakra:
Prayer/meditation, spending time in nature; particularly “awesome”, scenic places, or elevated terrain with a view. Yoga; general practice naturally brings about a sense of spirituality and deeper consciousness, or at the very least a connection with the higher self. Particular poses include poses where we stretch the front of the body upwards as well as the hands (such as warrior 1), similar poses including a slight back-bend such as crescent moon pose. Bringing the hands together in Anjali Mudra and bring them up to the forehead, bring your gaze upwards in meditation. For an easier option try Reiki on this chakra. Reiki is generally always a spiritual experience at the very least.
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