Chakras Part I
Welcome to a three-part series on chakras. I have been reading about Ayurveda, which is a healthy-lifestyle system that people in the East (India, China, Persia, Arabia, Egypt and Europe) have used for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies. The Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda by Sahara Rose Ketabi offers a deep dive into the history of Ayurveda, mind-body types, best foods for your type, best practices, rituals and routines for your type, ayurvedic nutrition, chakras, and ayurvedic healing. It is a fabulous resource for the basics of Ayurveda.
To begin to understand chakras, know the Sanskrit word chakra means “to wheel” and refers to the wheels of energy in our bodies. In Ayurveda, which is based on mind-body balance, we are taught the seven chakras are energy centers in our bodies which can present as symptomatic when these chakras are out of balance. Here you will find the chakras, what feelings connect to each chakra, the symptoms of imbalance, and how to holistically restore balance.
The seven chakras: muladhara (root chakra), svadhistana (sacral chakra), manipura (solar plexus chakra), anahata (heart chakra), vishuddha (throat chakra), ajna (third eye chakra), and sahasrara (crown chakra).
This series of three posts will present 2 to 3 chakras, what issues may relate to their imbalance, and some tips for holistically restoring balance within that chakra. Let’s dive in!
Root Chakra (Color: Red)
The root chakra is at the base of your spine. It is linked with basic needs, stability, survival, family and security. When someone tells you to “stay grounded” this is in reference to this root chakra. It also relates to how we carry our ancestors’ histories and trauma in our bodies and where they are stored.
If you are lacking balance in your root chakra, you may feel sluggish, insecure, anxious or unsteady. These imbalances could bring on physical pain in your lower body parts from the hips down. Too much energy here may present as anger or defensiveness, greed, or a fixation on security and routine, or obsession with achievements.
To restore balance in the root chakra:
Spend time outside
Walk around in bare feet
Try patchouli or ginger oil
Eat root vegetables
Hold the crystals red agate and hematite
Sacral Chakra (Color: Orange)
The sacral chakra is just below your naval. It is the source of sensuality, creativity, fertility and sexuality. That “butterflies in your tummy” feeling comes from this chakra. It enables connection, joy and pleasure when in balance. Relationships, movement and dance, and feeling your emotions arise from the sacral chakra.
If you are out of balance in the sacral chakra, you cannot fully feel your emotions, you may have trouble connecting with others and do not feel pleasure. The imbalance could present with reproductive issues, pain in the pelvic area, abnormal menstruation, back pain, and shallow relationships. Too much sacral energy may present as overly or uncontrolably emotional. Overly-energized sacral chakra may present as binging, mood swings or substance abuse, as well as sexual or emotional abuse.
To restore balance in the sacral chakra:
Find creative outlets
Explore movement through dance, exercise, yoga
Learn to/practice feeling your emotions fully
Seek counseling
Try ylang or sandalwood oil
Spend time in the ocean
Hold rubies, garnets or snowflake obsidian
* Take a few minutes to sit and meditate on your root and sacral chakras, at separate times if possible.
As you do, ask: What is your body telling you about the energy you hold in these spaces? Which of these holistic healing modalities feels like it could bring you closer to restoring balance in these chakras?
Next week we will look at three more chakras: solar plexus, heart, and throat.
