Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of India that has been practiced for 5,000 years, aims for the rejuvenation of body systems. Chakras are energy centers that align along the spine, from the root chakra at the base of the spine to the crown chakra at the top of the head. Each chakra relates to a specific body system, such as the circulatory system, and a psychological response, such as humor or fear.
Chakras
According to ayurveda, there are seven chakras in the body, located as follows: the root chakra at the base of the spine, the sacral chakra just below the navel, the solar plexus chakra between the breastbone and the center of the stomach, the heart chakra aligned with the shoulder blades, the throat chakra in the v of the collarbone, the third eye chakra above the physical eye, and the crown chakra located at the top of the head.
Balance
Because chakras are energy centers in the body, energy is believed to flow freely among the chakras when they are in balance. When energy does not move freely, or is blocked, chakras are no longer balanced, which can result in pain or disease.
Joint Pain
In ayurveda, the location of joint pain corresponds with specific chakras. Pain in the sacral joint, or hips, can be associated with imbalance in the root chakra. Lower back pain can be caused by an imbalance in the second chakra, or the navel chakra. The fifth chakra, or throat chakra, can be associated with neck and shoulder joint pain.
Meditation
Sound vibrations, such as humming specific primordial sounds, help unblock energy and balance the chakras. In a seated position with your eyes closed, repeat the word or sound "lam," pronounced la-um, seven times while focusing on the first, or root chakra. Follow by repeating "vam," pronounced vah-um, seven times while visualizing the second chakra, or navel chakra. Continue, working your way up the spine focusing on each chakra while repeating the words "ram," "yam," "ham" and "om" respectively. As you become proficient with chakra meditation, you should be able to feel the chakra's location in the body. Releasing energy using chakra meditation heals the physical body and promotes peace and sense of well-being.
Considerations
Relieving stress and inducing healing are primary goals of chakra meditation. Balancing afflicted chakras brings healing to specific areas of the body. Understanding each chakra and using a chakra's sound vibration to heal the energy center relieves joint pain and increases mobility of the joint. Wellness associated with balanced chakras supports a body free of pain that functions and moves better.
