The Chakra System: Your roadmap/guide to optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health
Updated: Aug 13, 2022
If you’ve ever taken a yoga or meditation class, had an energy healing session, or watched videos about those subjects, you’ve most likely heard about chakras and the role they play in the flow of energy in your body. Tori Hartman, author of the book Chakras: Using the Chakras for Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Well-Being" states that "The chakras are not a road but our map, which we all have, and one needs only to learn how to use it to find that elusive personal evolution and spiritual transformation we all crave.” Now that we know that, how do go about using our map??? First, we need to learn about the chakras and what happens when they are out of balance.
Chakras are energy centers in the body. In Sanskrit, the word chakra translates to wheel or disk. There are seven core chakras, which are aligned to the spine extending from the base of the spine up to the crown of the head. A chakra can be visualized as a swirling wheel of energy. These energy centers correspond to large collections of nerves in the body and are associated with major organs, as well as psychological, emotional and spiritual states of being. You can visualize the human body as a column of light, vibrating at the frequency of color. Each of the seven main chakras—crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral and root— vibrate at a different frequency and therefore are seen as different colors. These vibrations correspond with various emotions and feelings, when the vibrations are interrupted due to disease, stress, or tensions, it can deplete the energy you have available to live your daily life. When we are in balance, energy flows freely through our chakras. When there is blockage, energy cannot flow. When a chakra becomes blocked or imbalanced, it is necessary to open the chakra again. Awareness is the key. Our body, mind, soul and spirit are deeply connected.
First Chakra: Root Chakra
The root chakra, sometimes called base chakra, has to do with being grounded and stable. Located at the base of the spine. It is associated with energy, survival, stability, comfort and safety. It is what roots you to the earth, and when it is out of balance, you can feel insecure. When working to heal and balance your chakras, this is where you'll want to start. Think of them as a tower of blocks: without a sable foundation, the whole thing with topple over. If the root chakra is in balance, you'll feel supported, connected, grounded, and safe in your own body.
Sanskrit: Muladhara
Affirmation: “I am a divine being of light. I am peaceful, protected, and secure.”
Purpose: Survival, security, stability
Location: Base of spine
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Crystals: Bloodstone, garnet, ruby, jasper
Essential Oils: Basil, cedarwood, myrrh, patchouli, vetiver, white fir
Second Chakra: Sacral Chakra
The second chakra, also known as the sacral chakra, is located at the pelvis and is usually pictured as being orange in color. It is associated with sensuality, sexuality, pleasure, sociability and emotions. No matter what stage of life you are at, this chakra can be thrown off by trauma or illness. Some people ar uncomfortable with their own sexuality, and that can throw this chakra out of whack too. If it's in balance, you'll feel empowered to take creative risks, embrace your sexuality, and be outgoing.
Sanskrit: Svadhistana
Affirmation: “I am authentically creating a life free of stress and full of bliss.”
Purpose: Authentic creation, creator, soul fire, sexuality
Location: Slightly below the navel
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Crystals: Carnelian, citrine, orange calcite, orange carneline, fire opal
Essential Oils: Black pepper, cinnamon, cypress, tangerine, orange
Third Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra
The third chakra is considered to be the center of the body, the place from which energy is generated. Located in the navel area. It is associated with strength, personality, power, determination and self-esteem. The third chakra is usually visualized as yellow in color. If it is out of balance, that can show up as a lack of energy flow. This chakra is associated with self-esteem and self-confidence. If it's in balance, you'll feel self-respect and self-compassion.
Sanskrit: Manipura
Affirmation: “I am powerful, confident and successful in all my ventures.”
Purpose: Power, self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem
Location: Slightly above the navel
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Crystals: Amber, golden topaz, sunstone, citrine, yellow calcite
Essential Oils: Bergamot, cassia, clove, coriander, fennel, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, wintergreen
Fourth Chakra: Heart Chakra
The heart chakra is the fourth chakra and is located in the middle of the chest, over the sternum. It is associated with love, acceptance, compassion and sincerity. It is associated with the emotions, especially the ability to give and receive love. If it is closed off, you will probably have a tough time with relationships of every kind, so it's a good idea to check in on this one from time to time. If it's in balance, you'll feel joy, gratitude, love, and compassion for those around you. It will also be easy for you to forgive.
Sanskrit: Anahata
Affirmation: “I am giving and receiving love effortlessly and unconditionally.”
Purpose: Love, joy, inner peace
Location: Heart region
Color: Green
Element: Air
Crystals: Amazonite, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, emerald rose quartz, green aventurine
Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, geranium, lime, marjoram, melaleuca, peppermint, rose, thyme, ylang ylang
Fifth Chakra: Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra, the throat chakra, is located in the throat/neck area. It is associated with communication, expression, creativity and inspiration. It rules speech, creativity, the arts, and speaking your own truth. If you've ever felt powerless or unable to speak your mind your throat chakra might be out of balance. Many people store anger in this chakra so learning techniques for letting go of that anger can lead you to positive change and transformation. If it's in balance, you'll feel articulate, honest, and truthful yet firm.
Sanskrit: Vishuddha
Affirmation: “I am speaking clearly and truthfully with grace and ease.”
Purpose: Communication/self-expression of feelings, speaking the truth, holding secrets
Location: Center of throat/neck
Color: Blue
Element: Ether/sound
Crystals: Angelite, apatite, aquamarine, celestine, blue lace agate, sodalite, lapis lazuli, turquoise
Essential Oils: Birch, lavender, oregano
Sixth Chakra: Third Eye Chakra
The sixth chakra, the third eye chakra, is located in the middle of the forehead. It is associated with intuition, lucidity, meditation, trust, the mind, perception, and visualization. If it is blocked, you may be unable to access those things, and you thinking in general might be muddled. If you have attempted divination and failed, it is a good idea to check in on your third eye chakra. If it's in balance, you'll feel focused and determined but also open to receiving advice from others.
Sanskrit: Ajna
Affirmation: “I am tuned into the Divine to follow the path towards my purpose.”
Purpose: Intuition/imagination/wisdom/ability to think and make decisions
Location: Middle of forehead: between the eyes, above the base of the nose, slightly higher than brow line
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Crystals: Amethyst, blue quartz, charoite, lepidolite, purple flourite, sodalite, sugilite, lapis lazuli
Essential Oils: Clary sage, lemongrass
Seventh Chakra: Crown Chakra
The seventh chakra, the crown chakra, is located at the top of the head. It is associated with knowledge, consciousness, fulfilment and spirituality.The highest chakra opens you up to the universe, to the energy from above you, to intuition and spirit. Some people see it as violet in color and others see it as a bright, shining white. Either way, it is the chakra that represents enlightenment and the connection to deity.
Sanskrit: Sahasrara
Affirmation: “I am one with my higher self and one with the Divine.”
Purpose: Cognition, our connection and to spirituality and higher self/life/purpose
Location: Top/center of the head
Color: Violet/white
Element: Thought
Crystals: Clear quartz, diamond, Herkimer diamond, lepidolite, moonstone, sugilite, amethyst, sapphire
Essential Oils: Frankincense, helichrysum, lemon, lemon balm, chamomile, rosemary, sandalwood
The human body system thrives when the chakras are balanced and prana, or life force, is allowed to move throughout the system with ease. Any kind of disturbance or disease in the body, mind, or spirit can cause blockage and imbalance. The goal is harmony. So if you’ve been feeling out of sorts, take a closer look at your chakras (your map ) to investigate what’s going on and begin to find balance. For example, if you find yourself overly fearful, anxious, or emotionally disconnected, your root chakra may be imbalanced. Once we know where the block or imbalance is, we can go straight for them. My favorite way to balance the chakras is through energy healing. As an energy healer, balancing your chakras, is part of each of my energy healing sessions. After sessions, my clients often ask how they can maintain their raised frequency and newly balanced chakras. I teach them to use powerful tools such as meditation, visualization, crystal healing and/or aromatherapy. There are so many guided meditations on YouTube that you can try. You can find a meditation that focuses on one chakra or you can listen to one that includes all of them. I am also a firm believer in using crystals and essential oils to maintain the energy flow of each chakra. I listed specific crystals and essential oils under the description/meaning of each chakra. Wearing crystals, meditating with them or simply putting them under your pillow are simple ways to utilize the healing energy of the crystals. Finally, essential oils not only smell great, but help balance your chakras. Diffusing them in your space is a wonderful way to use them. I hope that I have helped you understand the chakras and the importance of keeping them balanced.
Are you interested in balancing your chakras? I would love to help!
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.