Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning spinning wheel. These are a system of seven energy centers located along the spine. Each chakra corresponds to an area of the body, a set of behavioral characteristics and stages of spiritual growth.
Blockages in any of the chakras can lead to physical or emotional problems. Balancing and healing the chakras can help resolve these issues. Practicing yoga and focusing your energies during different postures can help you to align your chakras and get all the wheels spinning in the same direction and speed.
Understanding how to fine tune and control your chakras through the use of crystals and meditation can help bring balance and peace to your mind, body and spirit.
There are seven chakras, each associated with a different part of the body along the spine from the perineum to the crown of your head. Each chakra is associated with a particular body location, a color, a central emotional/behavioral issue, as well as many other personal aspects including identity, goals, rights, etc.
The seven chakras are:
Muladhara– base of the spine
Svadhisthana– abdomen, genitals, lower back/hip
Manipura– solar plexus
Anahata– heart area
Vishuddha– throat
Ajna– brow
Sahasrara– top of head, cerebral cortex.
Using Crystals for Energy Work
Certain crystals are thought to help balance and heal the chakras.
If you are interested in using crystals to help balance your chakras, it is a good idea to purchase a variety of different crystals and experiment with them. You can place the crystals on or around the chakra they are meant to help heal, or you can carry them with you.
When all of the chakras are in balance, we experience feelings of wholeness, integration, and oneness. We are able to live more authentically and creatively, and we are better able to connect with others. We are also more in tune with our own spiritual nature.
Focusing on your chakras can help you to resolve many physical and emotional issues. By learning to balance and heal your chakras, you can bring greater peace and harmony into your life.
1st Chakra: Muladhara
The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It is associated with feelings of safety and security, grounding, and being rooted in reality. The Root Chakra is responsible for our physical survival and our basic needs.
Affected by: Red Jasper, Hematite, Smoky Quartz
2nd Chakra: Svadhisthana
The Sacral Chakra is located in the lower abdomen. It is associated with emotions such as pleasure, joy, and creativity. It is responsible for our ability to connect with others and feel intimacy.
Affected by: Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Sunstone
3rd Chakra: Manipura
The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the upper abdomen. It is associated with our sense of personal power, will, and self-esteem. The Solar Plexus Chakra is responsible for how we interact with the world.
Affected by: Citrine, Golden Topaz, Tiger’s Eye
4th Chakra: Anahata
The Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest. It is associated with love, compassion, and empathy. The Heart Chakra is responsible for our ability to connect with others emotionally.
Affected by: Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Thulite
5th Chakra: Vishuddha
The Throat Chakra is located in the throat. It is associated with communication, self-expression, and truth. The Throat Chakra is responsible for our ability to express ourselves verbally.
Affected by: Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite, Larimar
6th Chakra: Ajna
The Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead. It is associated with intuition, insight, and imagination. The Third Eye Chakra is responsible for our ability to see beyond the physical world.
Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Howlite
7th Chakra: Sahasrara
The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head. It is associated with enlightenment, understanding, and unity. The Crown Chakra is responsible for our connection to the divine.
Affected by: Clear Quartz, Selenite, White Calcite
Using Yoga and Meditation for Energy Work
Through the movements and postures of yoga, you can learn to focus your concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in your body. This can allow you to compensate for areas that may be out of sync with the rest of your body or not active at all. By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras, balance can be achieved.
This spiritual energy is known as Kundalini energy. In its dormant state, it can be visualized as a coiled up snake resting at the base of your spine, the Muladhara chakra.
Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through your system, controlled and purposeful movements such as yoga can be extremely beneficial in realigning your chakras in a way that can cause great benefits to you in your physical and emotional wellbeing.
More to come: Combining the strength of crystals and body work such as yoga, meditation and massage.