Your Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are located in the astral body along the spine, starting at the base of the spine and running upwards to the crown of the head.
This is only a small example of the powerful message that is contained in GAIA Healing Meditation Course.
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At the central core of our body spin seven main wheel-like energy centers called Chakras. Chakras have the ability to receive, assimilate and transmit energy.
Each chakra is a vortex, spinning life-force energy into or out of the body. In fact, the word chakra is from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel of light”.
There are 7 major chakras connected to and a part of the physical body. All are located on the torso and head. Each chakra transmits and receives life-force energy often called “qi” (pronounced “chee”, sometimes spelled “chi”), “prana”, or “universal intelligence”. There are also 2 other important chakras: the Soul Star and the Earth Star chakras which are just above the head and below the feet respectively.
There are also many minor chakras, most of which are located at the joints of the physical body.
When we are in a state in ill health, the chakras may be distorted, out of alignment or even stagnant. When this happens, life force energy cannot flow in and out freely and the physical body may suffer. Stress, inability to express emotions, over emotional expression, beliefs incongruent with Truth, disconnection from a higher power, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, exposure to toxicity, etc. can cause the chakra system to close down.
Each chakra resonates with a particular frequency of vibration and are an integral part of Vibrational Medicine. Chakras are balanced by inviting them back to their natural state of vibration & frequency using color, light, sound, aroma, energywork, crystals & stones, and sacred geometry. By stimulating the senses in a favorable way, the nervous system and therefore, the chakras are balanced.
The physical body is a unit made of many different integral parts that are designed to be self-correcting. The body’s job is to maintain balance and the free-flow of energy. The chakras are an energetic gateway, feeding the body pranic energy and providing an outlet for the release and dispersal of spent energy.
In Hindu and yoga teachings Chakras have been recognised for thousands of years, although they have only recently been introduced to the West. Chakras are the main energy points of our life force or “subtle body” – sometimes referred to as Spiritual Energy, Prana or Ch’i.
The word Chakra comes from the ancient Sanskrit word for “wheel”, and Chakras are often perceived by healers as a spinning wheel of energy.
There are seven main Chakras linked to nerve centres along the spinal cord, as well as many minor Chakras throughout the rest of the body.
The Chakras coincide with a gland in the physical body and each radiate a specific color and energy. Since each chakra relates to specific spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical aspects of our being, it is said that the blockage or malfunction of the chakras can lead to physical, psychological and emotional disorders.
The History of Chakras
Chakras have only recently become more well-known, with the growth in popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies in general. They are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. There’s a lot one can study about them.
So what should you know about the chakras? Below is your crash course.
Chakra 101 – Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
Some say there are 114 different chakras, but there are seven main chakras that run along your spine. These are the chakras that most of us are referring to when we talk about them.
Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, color, specific area of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head, and health focus.
1. Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine between the anus and the genitals. It radiates the color red and represents the element earth.
It is characterized by the emotions of survival, stability, ambition and self sufficiency. When this chakra is out of balance, a person might feel unstable, ungrounded, lack of ambition, lack of purpose, fearful, insecure and frustrated. However when Muladhara Chakra is balanced a person might feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent and strong.
Practicing the following postures helps to balance Muladhara Chakra: Tree Pose (Vrkshasana) and Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
2. Swadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
The second chakra, Swadishthana Chakra, is located at the lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel. It radiates the color orange and represents the element water.
The attributes of Sacral Chakra are the basic needs for sexuality, desires, creativity and self-worth. When imbalanced, a person might feel emotionally explosive and irritable, lacking of energy and creativity, manipulative or obsessed with sexual thoughts. When Swadhishthana Chakra is balanced, a person might feel positive, vital, satisfied, compassionate, and intuitive.
You can work on balancing Swadhishthana Chakra by practicing balancing poses like Crow Pose (Kakasana) or standing poses like Triangle Pose (Trikonasana).
3. Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
Manipura Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra is located above the navel at the solar plexus (between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage). It represents the element fire and thus radiates yellow color.
This chakra is characterized by energy and emotions like ego, anger and aggression. An imbalance of Manipura Chakra can manifest itself physically by digestive problems, liver problems or diabetes. On an emotional level one might struggle with depression, lack of self-esteem, anger and perfectionism. By bringing the chakra into balance one might feel energetic, confident, productive and focussed.
Working on Manipura Chakra can be done in poses like Classical Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana), Classical Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and Bow Pose (Dhanurasana).
4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
Anahata Chakra, Heart Chakra, as the name implies, is located at the heart region. Its color is green and the element is air.
This fourth Chakra is the seat of balance within the body, characterized by emotions of love, attachment, compassion, trust and passion. When Anahata Chakra is out of balance a person might deal with emotional issues like anger, lack of trust, anxiety, jealousy, fear and moodiness. By harmonizing this chakra, you might feel compassionate, optimistic, friendly, motivated, understanding and caring.
Heart Chakra can be balanced by practicing poses like Half Bridge Pose (Ardha Setubandhasana), and Fish Pose (Matsyasana).
5. Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
The fifth Chakra, Throat Chakra, is located at the base of the throat, coinciding with the thyroid gland. Its color is bright blue and the element is space.
Vishuddha Chakra represents inspiration, expression, faith and the ability of communication. Imbalance of the Throat Chakra may lead to timidity, quietness, a feeling of weakness or the inability to express your thoughts. Balance of the Throat Chakra can manifest itself by creativity, positive self expression, constructive communication and satisfaction.
Throat Chakra is stimulated in poses like Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and Plough Pose (Halasana).
6. Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra
Ajna Chakra (pronounced as ‘Agya Chakra’) is located in between the eyebrows. It is free of element but does have a color: indigo blue.
Third Eye Chakra is often used as a focus point during asana practice to bring more concentration and awareness. It is said that meditation on Ajna Chakra destroys the karma of past lives and gives liberation and intuitional knowledge. Its attributes are intelligence, intuition, understanding, insight and self knowledge. When this chakra is out of balance, one might feel non-assertive, afraid of success, or on the contrary, be egoistical. Imbalance of Ajna Chakra can manifest itself on a physical level by headaches, blurry vision and eye strain. When Ajna Chakra is balanced, one is his own master without fear of death and free of attachment to material things.
Ajna Chakra is stimulated when practicing Headstand (Shirshasana).
7. Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra
The seventh Chakra, Sahastrara Chakra, is located at the crown of the head. Also this chakra doesn’t represent an element. It is violet and/or white in color.
Sahastrara Chakra is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness. When out of balance, one might suffer from a constant sense of frustration, no spark of joy and destructive feelings.
Balancing Sahasrara Chakra can be done by practicing Headstand (Shirshasana).
The conscious awareness and the balancing of these energy centers on the other hand is believed to lead to well-being and good health. That is one of the purposes of asana practice: to stimulate and balance the chakras or energies in the body.
Suggested Reading:
Wheels Of Life, Anodea Judith, Llewellyn Publications, 1989.
The Chakras, C. W. Leadbeater, The Theosophical Publishing House, 1927.
Wheels of Light, Rosalyn L. Bruyere, Bon Productions, 1989.
An Introduction to the Chakras, Debra Hurt, Richard Duree and Shanti Duree, Siskiyou Essence Company,1991.
Hands of Light, Barbara Ann Brennan, Bantam Books, 1987.
Subtle Body, David V. Tansley, Thames and Hudson, 1977.
The Raiment of Light, David V. Tansley, Arkana Paperpacks, 1987 or Routledge & Kegan Paul Inc., 1984.
Sacred Mirrors, Alex Grey, Inner Traditions International, 1990. ( a beautiful book of art showing the physical and energy bodies)
Meaning in the colours of the chakras
While the chakra colors reflect different frequencies of light and energy associated with each energy center, their meaning may be related to the function of its associated chakras and general symbolism. When you see or use the following colors, you could make the following associations:
Meaning of the red chakra color: Red is the color of the root chakra (first chakra); it symbolizes safety, survival, grounding, nourishment from the Earth energy. Note that in chakra healing practices, red may denote inflammation at the physical level.
Meaning of the orange chakra color: Orange is the color of the sacral chakra (second chakra); it carries meanings associated with emotions, creativity, sexuality, and is associated with water, flow.
Meaning of the yellow chakra color: is the color of the solar plexus chakra (third chakra); it symbolizes mental activities, intellect, personal power, will.
Meaning of the green chakra color: Green is the color of the heart chakra (fourth chakra); it is connected with love, relating, integration, compassion.
Meaning of the blue chakra color: Blue is the color of the throat chakra (fifth chakra); it symbolizes self expression, expression of truth, creative expression, communication, perfect form and patterns.
Meaning of the purple chakra color (or deep indigo blue): Purple (or deep indigo blue) is the color of the third eye chakra (sixth chakra); it evokes intuition, extrasensory perception, inner wisdom.
Meaning of the white chakra color (or purple): White is the color of the crown chakra (seventh chakra); it’s associated with the universal, connection with spirituality, consciousness.
You can look at symbolic associations and the chakra system chart to determine the meaning of a specific color. Yet, the color of someone’s energy field is likely associated with the activity of one or several chakras. When paying attention to the auric field, it’s important to remember that colors do not necessarily have a definite, set meaning, but rather reflect the activity of the energy centers and their frequency or vibration.
Crystal Chakra Healing
Crystals and stones that is used in Chakra Healing:
Base or Root Chakra
Colour: Red
Crystals: Garnet, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Black Onyx and Hematite.
Second or Navel Chakra (Sacral Centre)
Colour: Orange
Crystals: Red Jasper, Carnelian, Orange Quartz and Orange Calcite.
Third or Solar Plexus Chakra
Colour: Yellow
Crystals: Citrine, Amber, apatite, Imperial Topaz and Tiger’s Eye (gold).
Fourth or Heart Chakra
Crystals: Ruby, Kunzite, Rhodonite, Aventurine,, Moss Agate, Green Jade, Chinese Serpentine, Malachite and Chrysoprase
Fifth or Throat Chakra
Colour: Blue
Crystals: Sodalite, Blue Lace Agate,, Lapis Lazuli and Blue Calcite
Sixth, Brow or Third Eye Chakra
Colour: Purple or violet.
Crystals: Amethyst
Seventh or Crown Chakra
Colour: Clear or white
Crystals: Clear Quartz, Moonstone, Selenite and Natural Howlite
Crystal Chakra Healing
The most important aspect of the Chakra System is balance and flow. Most people have some Chakras that are weaker than others, or blocks that prevent the flow of energy through the entire system. One of the simplest forms of healing is Chakra Balancing.
You can start by lying on your back, as comfortably as possible, and laying the appropriately coloured crystal on its corresponding Chakra. This is also a good aid in remembering the Chakras and the crystals. Do this using one stone at a time, allowing yourself enough opportunity to feel the effect of the crystal on the Chakra point. It might be a good idea to make a note of any changes or effects you might feel. Later you can try the entire set, but start with the Root or Base Chakra and work your way up. When taking them off, start at the Crown and work your way down.
Chakra Meditation
Crystal meditation is also a good Chakra-balancing exercise. There are many methods for crystal meditation, but here are two simple ways to begin meditating with crystals:
Crystal Chakra Meditation Method 1
The simplest way to meditate with crystals is to lay appropriately coloured crystals on to the location of each Chakra. This will also help you remember the Chakras and their crystals. Start by lying down on your back. Make sure you are comfortable and lying straight, then take your crystal and place it on the relevant Chakra. Give yourself time to feel the effect of the crystal on the Chakra, then place your next crystal. This is usually done starting at the Root Chakra and working up to the Crown Chakra. When taking the crystals off, start at the Crown and work your way down.
Crystal Chakra Meditation Method 2
This method involves meditating on each crystal and Chakra at a time, hopefully opening and aligning each Chakra in the process. You will need one crystal for each Chakra. Start by sitting in a comfortable meditation position. If you are not used to meditating, either sit cross-legged on the floor or sit on a chair with your legs uncrossed and your feet flat. Your spine should be straight but relaxed.
Place your crystals in front of you in order of the Chakras, preferably at eye level. Place the Root Chakra crystal farthest to the left and the Crown Chakra crystal farthest to the right with the rest in between.
You will need to ground yourself before working with the crystals. Imagine roots extending down from you into the Earth, anchoring you there. Breathe slowly and deeply into your lower abdomen. As you start to relax, try to let go of any anxieties and bring your attention down through your body to the Navel Chakra.
Start by focusing on your Root Chakra crystal. Imagine the colour of the crystal radiating towards you and entering your body at the point of its corresponding Chakra. Allow the colour and to infuse your entire body. Sit with the crystal as long as it feels comfortable, then gently end the connection with the crystal. Repeat this with each of the crystals.
When you reach the Crown Chakra, allow a clear white light to enter the top of your head and permeate your entire body. Again, sit with the Crown Chakra crystal as long as you would like, until you feel ready to close your Chakras.
Start with the Crown Chakra and imagine the white light dimming until you feel the Chakra is closed. Then do this with each Chakra in turn. When you feel that all your Chakras are closed, draw in your roots while continuing to feel your connection with the earth beneath you and the weight of your body. When you feel ready, gently move your fingers and toes, bring your attention back into the room and look around you.
If it feels right to you, say “thank you” to the crystals and to whatever you hold sacred and divine for giving you this experience.
Bonus:
The endocrine system plays a major role for the body’s daily health. The glands release hormones directly into the blood stream and control all aspects of growth, development and daily activities.
The chakras change energy from one level to another by distributing Ki (also called Chi, or Prana, depending on belief system) to the physical body. This is partly done through the endocrine system that regulates other systems in the body.
Each chakra also corresponds to one of the major glands in the body:
- The root chakra is associated with the adrenal gland.
- The navel chakra relates to the ovaries or testicles.
- The solar plexus chakra is related to the pancreas.
- The heart chakra belongs with the thymus.
- The throat chakra corresponds to the thyroid gland.
- The third eye chakra has a connection to the pituitary gland.
- The crown chakra is usually connected to the pineal gland.
Physical problems are often the result of a blockage in the energy flow in the system made up of meridians and chakras causing the organs or glands to not function properly.
This is only a small example of the powerful message that is contained in GAIA Healing Meditation Course.
Click Here to book your seven week GAIA Deep Healing Meditation Course.
For more information see the list below:
- Root Chakra – at the base of the spine, represented by a red light – “LAM” Chants
- Sacral Chakra – at the reproductive organs, represented by an orange light- “VAM” Chants
- Solar Plexus Chakra – at the abdomen, represented by a yellow light – “RAM” Chants
- Heart Chakra – at the center of the chest – represented by a green light – “YAM” Chants
- Throat Chakra – at the base of the throat, represented by a blue light – “HAM” Chants
- Third Eye Chakra – between the eyebrows, represented by a violet light – “OM” Chants
- Crown Chakra – top of the head, represented by a white light – “AH” Chants
We offer you a Free one hour MP3 recording to help you with your Chakra Meditation Healing.
This MP3 recording should not be listened to while driving or operating machinery. Headphones are not needed for this recording.
If you need the link to the MP3 download file – please send an e-mail to info@hypnotherapycenter.co.za.
All honour goes to Meditative Mind that has put together this wonderful Chakra Meditation Chants.
Ref:. www.arhantayoga.org
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