If you’re a follower of Yoga practices or have read about it, the concept of chakras is probably one that you’re familiar with. But for those who are curious about what these chakras might be, this article is for you!
Firstly, let’s breakdown the definition of it and how the awareness of this can benefit you. Chakra is a Sanskrit term that translates to “wheels” which defines energy points in our body that are responsible for its overall functioning. Each of these chakras are placed along our spine and are connected to specific organs of our body and control our physical, emotional and mental health. Quite fascinating that so much of our functioning comes back to how well these chakras or wheels are “spinning.” So if a specific chakra is blocked or overactive, the organs and bodily functions associated with that specific chakra will be affected and can cause certain illnesses.
We have over 100 chakras in our body but it can be narrowed down to 7 main chakras. Each chakra has a frequency of its own and is associated with a color which can unblock and heal a chakra that isn’t functioning well. Please see the image below to have a visual of what our chakras look like.
Now for a breakdown of what these 7 chakras are, what their functions are and also an aid for you to identify if any of your chakras need a bit of healing for an improved well-being
We start from the first chakra, known as the:
Root Chakra or Muladhara. Location: Base of the spine, between the anus and genitals Associated colors: Red Responsible for: Feeling grounded, sense of safety, security, stability. Keeps us rooted to ourselves and our identity. (For many of us with previous generations who spent most of their lives in unstable, fear-based environments due to displacement, poverty etc – this is the chakra that needs the most healing) An out of balance root chakra will make you feel: insecure, frustrated, fearful, lacking of ambition, unstable, feeling disconnected/isolated, hoarding of material items, overeating, and greed for money. A balanced root chakra will make you feel: stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent, and strong.
Associated organs: bones, muscles, kidney, legs, colon, lower back, bladder.
How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color red, yoga practices, spending time in nature (especially during the pandemic!), having nature based aromas (scents) such as cedarwood, cloves, frankincense, black pepper, sandalwood, patchouli.
Food associated with this chakra: Any red color food items such as red apples, beets, strawberries, root vegetables like potatoes, onion, garlic.
Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana
Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel.
Associated colors: Orange
Responsible for: Sexuality, creativity, self-worth, emotions, desires, letting go, accepting change.
An out of balance sacral chakra will make you feel: dissatisfaction, codependency, fear of losing control, obsession, emotionally and physically weak, chronic lower back pain, hip issues, anemia, low energy, arthritis, genital/sexual problems, kidney issues, premenstrual syndrome
A balanced sacral chakra will make you feel: healthy flow of emotions, having faith, self-confidence, intimacy in relationships, emotional satisfaction,
Associated organs: Reproductive organs, bladder, bowel, lower intestine.
How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color orange, yoga practices, connecting with water (the sounds of the ocean or taking a shower/bath), having nature based aromas (scents) such as ylang ylang, citrus (orange, tangerine etc), rose, and patchouli.
Food associated with this chakra: citrus fruits - oranges, carrots, apricots, peaches, sweet potatoes, Omega-3 rich food such as salmon
Solar plexus Chakra or Manipura
Location: Between the navel and bottom of the rib cage.
Associated colors: Yellow
Responsible for: Ego, power, self-confidence, digestion, self-esteem, decision making, control.
An out of balance solar plexus chakra will make you feel: Digestive issues, low self-esteem, doubt, mistrust, need for validation, control issues, fatigue, overeating, diabetes, hypoglycemia. Ulcers.
A balanced solar plexus chakra will make you feel: healthy sense of purpose, confidence. Energized, motivated, empowered, achieving success, self-worth from within rather than material things.
Associated organs: Reproductive organs, bladder, bowel, lower intestine.
How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color yellow, yoga practices, connecting with nature especially sunlight, having nature based aromas (scents) such as sandalwood, lemongrass, lavender, saffron, ginger, cinnamon
Food associated with this chakra: anything yellow – bananas, pineapple, corn, lemon, yellow curry, oats, brown rice, tumeric.
Heart Chakra or Anahata
Location: Pretty straightforward – the heart region.
Associated colors: Green
Responsible for: Emotions of love, balance, attachment, compassion, trust, passion
An out of balance heart chakra will make you feel: lack of trust, jealousy, moodiness, fear, anger, fear of rejection, over-dependent, distant, unemotional, heart related issues such as pain, poor blood circulation, asthma, shoulder pain.
A balanced heart chakra will make you feel: friendly, optimistic, compassionate, motivated, positive, understanding, balanced, calm
Associated organs: Heart, respiratory system, chest, arms, hands, shoulder blade
How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color green, yoga practices, connecting with nature, having nature based aromas (scents) such as rose oil, jasmine, lavender, frankincense, practicing forgiveness.
Food associated with this chakra: anything green – green tea, green apples, spinach, kale, broccoli, matcha, mint, avocados, kiwis, parsley, and celery.
Throat Chakra or Vishuddha Location: Base of the throat Associated colors: Blue Responsible for: Inspiration, faith, communication, self-expression An out of balance throat chakra will make you feel: hesitated, misunderstood, aggressive, negative, unable to express feelings, sore throat, hormone fluctuations, pain or stiffness in neck area A balanced throat chakra will make you feel: confident in communication, empowered, confident, clarity, positivity. Associated organs: Thyroid glands, throat How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color blue, yoga practices, breathing exercises, journaling, connecting with nature, having nature based aromas (scents) such as peppermint, sandalwood, basil, chamomile, rosemary, frankincense. Food associated with this chakra: whole grain food like brown rice, reduction in sugar, apples, oranges, salt, lemongrass, ginger, raw honey, coconut water, herbal tea, plums.
Third Eye Chakra or Ajna Location: Between the eyebrows Associated colors: Purple Responsible for: Intuition, intelligence. An out of balance third eye chakra will make you feel: afraid of success, imbalanced, indecisive, confused, depressed, self-doubt, have eye strain/blurry vision. A balanced third eye chakra will make you feel: vibrant, confident, free, conscious/aware, increased trust in your intuition Associated organs: The pituitary glands, pineal gland, skull, eyes, brain How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color purple, yoga practices, breathing exercises, connecting with nature, having nature based aromas (scents) such as sage, cypress, sandalwood, lavender. Food associated with this chakra: Berries (blueberries, blackberries), cacao, grapes, eggplant, Omega-3 rich food like salmon, walnuts, avocados, purple sweet potatoes.
Crown Chakra or Sahastrara
Location: Crown of the head
Associated colors: Violet & White
Responsible for: Spirituality, enlightenment
An out of balance crown chakra will make you feel: Frustration, boredom, restlessness, withdrawn, fixed mindset, apathy, overwhelmed, lack of inspiration, exhaustion, headaches.
A balanced crown chakra will make you feel: vibrant, confident, free, conscious/aware, increased trust in your intuition
Associated organs: The pituitary glands, pineal gland, skull, eyes, brain
How to heal this chakra: Wear or have items in the color purple, yoga practices, breathing exercises, connecting with nature, having nature based aromas (scents) such as pure frankincense, nerole, rose, sandalwood, cedarwood.
Food associated with this chakra: Natural whole foods – organic vegetables, fruits, brown rice, brown bread, eggplant, red grapes, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, onions, and herbal teas.
An understanding of chakras will help in learning more about the significance in yoga practices and breathing exercises. The benefits that Yoga has given to people over generations is phenomenal and the impact of it is now clearly evident from the tremendous growth it has in the western world. It’s important to remember that when one chakra is imbalanced it can lead to an imbalance in other chakras too. Hence why creating a practice of paying more awareness to how our body feels or what types of moods we experience can give us an insight into an imbalance we may have and find natural healing methods to balance our chakras again.
References:
Complete Guide to Seven Chakras & Their Effects: Arhanta yoga blog. Arhanta Yoga Ashram. (2022, January 24). Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/7-chakras-introduction-energy-centers-effect/