The word "chakra" is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "vortex" that dates back to ancient Egypt and India. Chakras refer to the seven energy centers that are believed to control the flow of energy in our bodies and affect the way we receive energy from our environment. When energy flows through each chakra evenly, the body is said to be balanced and we reach optimal mental and physical health. However, when one or more of our chakras are blocked, we can experience emotional and physical problems.
The Seven Chakras
The seven chakras run up the body in a straight line, starting at the base of the spine and ending in the crown of the head. Going from the bottom to the top, the first chakra is the root chakra, located at the base of the spine; it grounds you in the present and connects you with the earth and your body. The second chakra, the sacral chakra, relates to your sexuality and relationships with others, both platonic and romantic. The third chakra is located in the naval and is called the solar plexus chakra. This chakra governs your willpower and creativity. Next comes the heart chakra, which as you might guess, pertains to your ability to give and accept love. The fifth chakra, the throat chakra, relates to your creative expression and communication. The third eye chakra, located in the forehead, is your center of inner consciousness, relating to awareness, intuition and psychic powers. Finally, the seventh chakra is the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. The crown chakra deals with self-realization and relates to your ability to feel at peace with yourself in the present.
Common Causes of Blockage
According to the "Chios Energy Healing" manual, a guide to aura and chakra healing that is used as a go-to handbook for energy healers, blockages happen when the upward flow of energy through the chakra system is restricted or stopped at one or more points. This can result from several psychological issues that a person may not be aware of. The most commonly blocked chakras are the heart, throat and third eye chakra. A blockage in the heart chakra may be caused by a lack of compassion or a fear of showing love, while alcohol or chemical dependency, lies and mistrust can create a blocked throat chakra. The third eye chakra, often thought to be the most underused energy center, is typically blocked by a lack of openness or self-awareness or by personal grief. Practitioners of Eastern medicine suggest that a restriction in the flow of energy through the body can increase the risk of common diseases, such as heart disease, thyroid imbalance, asthma and cancer.
How to Open Chakras
Unblocking or opening each chakra requires a slightly different method. You can practice certain exercises, eat certain foods or even repeat affirmations increase awareness and energy flow to specific chakras. According to Nancy Hausauer, an energy healer of 17 years who owns a practice in Tacoma, Washington, the heart chakra can be opened with activities such as letting go of grudges, playing with children or animals, focusing on gratitude and using the colors pink and green in clothing or décor. For those interested in opening the third eye to receive intuition and spiritual insight, meditating while focusing on your forehead between your eyes, keeping a dream journal and repeating affirmations such as "I am open to the wisdom within me" can help. Going about your day with awareness as to your purpose can help you stay focused on anything you may be doing to keep energy flowing freely through your chakras so that you can correct the problem.
Keeping Chakras Balanced
Exercises including yoga and meditation are important to keep chakras balanced by focusing on inner awareness and forming a connection with the universe. Yoga also helps with energy flow to keep energy moving evenly throughout the body. Eating a healthy, organic diet and avoiding alcohol and drugs, both prescription and recreational, can help keep chakras functioning properly.
References
- The Brofman Foundation for the Advancement of Healing; Brofman, Martin Ph.D.; The Chakras for Healing and Self-Knowledge
- Chios Energy Healing; Healing Level II; Barret, Stephen H.; 2011
- Eclectic Energies; Introduction to the Chakras; 2011
- The Energy Healing Site; Clearing Your Heart Chakra, Opening to Love; Nancy Hausauer; 2008
- The Energy Healing Site; The Third Eye Chakra: Expand Intellect, Intuition and Spiritual Insight Through Sixth-Chakra Exercisis; Nancy Hausauer; 2008
Member Comments