The chakras are energy centers distributed in different points of our spine, from the coccyx to the crown of the head. Our vital energy flows through them. Maintaining the correct flow of energy through them is essential to maintain the balance of our physical, mental and spiritual body.
What are the chakras?
The chakras are energy centers located at different points of the human body. Through them circulates the universal vital energy, also known as Qi or Prana. Although there are many chakras, the main ones are seven and are located at different points of the spine.
When our chakras are open, balanced and in harmony, energy flows freely through them.
But it is common that the balance of any of them is disrupted or damaged, affecting the circulation of vital energy. This can cause various physical, emotional, mental or spiritual problems.
For this reason it is important to detect which chakras are blocked, in order to heal them and balance the flow of energy.
These are the seven main chakras
From here I will tell you the characteristics of the seven main chakras.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The Muladhara, or root chakra, is located at the base of the spine (in the coccyx area) and is the first piece of the puzzle of the chakra system.
It is related to our survival instincts (food, shelter and protection), as well as our identity and connection to the Earth.
It stimulates the need for us to take care of ourselves and defend ourselves in order to stay alive. It appeals to our sense of rootedness and connection with our body.
When the root chakra is open and in balance we feel safe and grounded.
When out of balance, there are fears around personal and financial security.
Signs that the root chakra is out of balance include:
- Problems in the legs, feet, rectum, coccyx, and immune system.
- Issues with male reproductive parts and the prostate.
- Degenerative arthritis, knee pain, sciatica, eating disorders, and constipation.
- Stress related to money and financial security.
What controls: Survival (financial independence, money and food).
Color: Red
Crystals that can be used to balance it: black tourmaline, red jasper, red jasper.
Essential oils that can be used to balance it: cedarwood or cypress wood.
Sacral chakra (Swadhisthana)
The Swadhisthana, or sacral chakra, is located in the lower abdomen, approximately 3 fingers below the navel.
It is linked to how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others.
It also governs creativity, pleasure, procreation and sexual energy.
When it is in balance we feel empowered to take creative risks, embrace our sexuality and be outgoing.
If we have the sacral chakra blocked we may feel a lack of control in our lives.
Signs that the sacral chakra is out of balance include:
- Sexual and reproductive health issues.
- Urinary problems, kidney dysfunctions.
- Inability to express emotions or desires.
- Constant fear of betrayal.
What controls: The sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality.
Color: Orange.
Crystals: Tiger eye, carnelian.
Essential oils: grapefruit, jasmine, orange or rose.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, is located in the upper abdomen, in the stomach area.
It is our power center, where we connect with our self-esteem and self-protection. It relates to our ability to be confident and in control of our life.
When the third chakra is in balance we have healthy self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth and are able to make decisions aligned with our essence.
On the other hand, if we have the solar plexus chakra blocked, we are likely to feel shame and self-doubt.
Signs that the solar plexus chakra is out of balance include:
- Digestive problems.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Pancreas and gallbladder issues.
- Excessive self-criticism.
- Constant fear of rejection.
What controls: Self-confidence and self-esteem.
Color: Yellow.
Crystals: Malachite, calcite, citrine.
Essential oils: lemon, ginger, mint or sandalwood.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The Anahata, or heart chakra, is located in the center of the chest, just above the heart.
This energy center relates to our capacity to give and receive love, whether from others or from ourselves.
The heart is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with materiality) and the higher chakras (associated with spirituality).
If we have the heart chakra open we can experience unconditional love. We feel joy, gratitude, love and compassion for those around us and find it easy to forgive.
On the other hand, if we have the heart chakra blocked, we may feel lonely, disconnected from ourselves and others. In addition, we will have difficulty opening up completely to the people in our lives. Pain is one of the central energies that affect the heart chakra.
Signs that the heart chakra is out of balance include:
- Asthma.
- Upper back and shoulder problems.
- Arm and wrist pain.
- Loving too much to the point of suffocation, jealousy, and bitterness.
- Constant fear of being alone.
What controls: Love, joy and inner peace.
Color: Green.
Crystals: Rose quartz, green calcite.
Essential oils: jasmine, lavender, marjoram or rose.
Throat chakra (Vishuddha)
The Vishuddha, or throat chakra, gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power.
When it is functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly.
When we have this chakra in balance we feel eloquent, honest and truthful.
In case of having this chakra blocked we will have difficulties to manifest what we need, believe, desire and feel.
Signs that the throat chakra is out of balance include:
- Thyroid problems.
- Sore throat.
- Ear infections.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
- Difficulty expressing oneself.
- Constant fear of being out of control.
What it controls: Communication, self-expression and truth.
Color: Light blue / Turquoise.
Crystals: Aquamarine, lapis lazuli, amazonite.
Essential oils: frankincense, lavender or peppermint.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
As we ascend through the body, we come closer to communion with the divine. The Anja, or third eye chakra, is located in the central part of the forehead and controls our ability to connect with intuition.
This energetic center represents the eye of the soul and as such, opens our psychic and spiritual faculties of consciousness. Its main function is to register information beyond the superficial level.
When the third eye is in balance it allows us to have insight and knowledge. Visions and intuitive hits are frequent if we have the third eye open.
Conversely, if we have an imbalanced third eye chakra, we may find it difficult to trust our intuition.
Signs that the third eye chakra is out of balance include:
- Headaches.
- Blurred vision and eye fatigue.
- Sinus problems.
- Bad mood and stubbornness.
Controls: Intuition, imagination and wisdom.
Color: Dark blue / Indigo.
Crystals: Amethyst.
Essential oils: frankincense, geranium or sandalwood.
Crown chakra (Sahasrara)
The Sahasrara, or crown chakra, is the highest chakra. It is located at the crown of the head and represents our connection to the Universe, our spirituality and divine guidance.
If we have the crown chakra completely open (something that few people achieve), we can access a higher consciousness.
This energy center awakens us to the fact that we are divine beings and helps us to experience being ‘one with the whole’.
It also gives us unwavering confidence in our inner guidance.
One of the energies that affect the crown chakra the worst is that of attachment.
Signs that the crown chakra is out of balance include:
- Rigid thinking.
- Constant fear of alienation.
What controls: spiritual connection.
Color: White.
Crystals: White quartz, selenite.
Essential oils: frankincense, lavender or vetiver.
How to balance the chakras?
The chakras are energy centers found throughout the human body, and keeping them in balance is essential for our physical, mental and emotional well-being. To achieve this balance, it is necessary to work on each chakra individually and consciously. Here is a list of 7 ways to balance the chakras, which will help you maintain an optimal energetic flow in your body:
- Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool for balancing the chakras. Spend time meditating, focusing on each chakra, visualizing its color and feeling its energy.
- Yoga: Practicing yoga is another effective way to balance the chakras. Be sure to include postures that open and strengthen each chakra, as each posture focuses on a particular chakra.
- Aromatherapy: Use essential oils to balance the chakras, choosing those that are associated with the chakra you wish to work with. For example, lavender essential oil can be used to balance the crown chakra, while frankincense essential oil is suitable for the third eye chakra.
- Crystal therapy: Each crystal is associated with a particular chakra, so select and use the appropriate crystals for each chakra you wish to balance.
- Reiki: Reiki is an energy healing technique that helps balance the chakras. A reiki therapist channels energy and balances the chakras through the laying on of hands. However, it is crucial to address the underlying cause of the imbalance in order to effectively and lastingly heal it.
- Nutrition: Food can also influence chakra balancing. Eat foods associated with the chakras you wish to balance, such as red foods for the root chakra or green foods for the heart chakra.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help balance the chakras. By increasing blood circulation and releasing blocked energy in the chakras, exercise helps maintain a healthy energy flow in the body.
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