What are Chakras?

The word Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or turning. In the simplest terms, chakras are energy centers located in the subtle body of human beings. These centers transmit and receive life force energy and are responsible for the balance of a person's physical, mental, and spiritual well being. According to traditional writings, there are over 80,000 chakras in the human body. Of those, there are seven main chakras located along the spine at major branchings of the human nervous system beginning at the base of the spinal column and moving upward to the top of the skull.

When one or more of the major chakras is blocked and the energy does not flow harmoniously through, an imbalance will result that is manifested physically, mentally and/or spiritually. Each chakra is expressed on the physical body in one of the endocrine glands that regulate physical and emotional processes in the body. An imbalance in the chakra will be expressed in the endocrine gland linked to it.

According to Eastern understanding, the universal life force flows through the top of the head and down the chakras, nurturing our bodies with seven distinct kinds of energy, each essential to our physical and spiritual development. And the universal life force flows upward through the chakras, communicating individual insight and a conscious sense of universal interconnectedness.

What blocks a chakra? Childhood traumas, cultural conditioning, limited belief system, bad habits, physical and emotional injuries, or even just a lack of attention - to name a few.

What follows below is a listing of all seven major chakras along with information on each. The list includes information on how you can work to balance your own chakras outside of Reiki sessions.

Please know that while the information supplied here is detailed, it is certainly not comprehensive.

FIRST OR ROOT CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Muladhara (root)
Location: Base of spine, at the seat of Kundalini
Symbol: A circle surrounded by four lotus petals, with a square inside it.
Central issue: Survival, stability, acceptance, self-preservation, deep-rootedness, perception, grounding, fear and safety
Color: Red

Essential oils: Patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood
Crystals and Stones: Garnet, Ruby, Agate, Onyx, Haematite, Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Bloodstone, Red Coral;
Stars and Astrological signs: Planets Mars, Pluto, and Saturn; Signs of Aries, Taurus, Scorpio, and Capricorn;
Sound or mantra: "Lam"
Sense: Smell
Body: The physical body
Orientation to self: Self-preservation
Goals: Stability, grounding, physical health, prosperity, trust
Rights: To be here, to have
Developmental stage: Womb to 12 months
Identity: Physical identity
Level of relationship: Tribal
Demon: Fear
Element: Earth
Hormonal glands: Sexual and adrenal
Organs: Immune system, base of spine, legs, bones and bone marrow, feet, rectum, physical body support
Excessive: Sluggish, lazy, tired, monotony, obesity, overeating, hoarding, materialism, greed, Fear of change, addiction to security
Deficient: Fearful, anxious, restless, lack of discipline, underweight, financial difficulty Chronic disorganization
Balanced: Good health, vitality, well grounded, sense of trust in the world, feeling safe and secure, stability, prosperity, ability to relax
Physical Dysfunctions: Frequent illness, disorders of the bowel, large intestine, bones, teeth, problems with legs, feet , base of spine(chronic lower back pain, sciatica); eating disorders; depression; immune-related disorders; skin problems; lack of energy;
Addictions: Food, gambling, shopping, work
Traumas and Abuses: Birth trauma, abandonment, physical neglect, poor physical bonding with the mother, malnourishment, feeding difficulty, major illnes or surgery, physical abuse, inherited traumas (eg. war, poverty, etc.)
Spiritual challenge: How well we manage our physical world;
HEALING STRATEGY: Physical activity, lots of touch, massage, reconnect with the body, grounding, Hatha yoga, look at earliest childhood relationship to mother, reclaim your right to be here;
AFFIRMATIONS:

It is safe to me to be here.

The earth supports me and meets my needs.

I love my body and trust its wisdom.

I am interested in abundance.

I am here and I am real.

I trust my Higher Self fulfills all mu needs. My life is full of prosperity.

Affirmations:

SECOND OR SACRAL CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Svadhisthana (sweetness)
Location: Lower abdomen
Symbol: A circle surrounded by five or six lotus petals.
Central issue: Sexuality, emotions, financial, creativity, codes of honour and ethics
Color: Orange

Essential Oils: Rosemary, juniper, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang
Crystals and Stones: Amber, Citrine, Topaz, Moonstone, Fire Agate, Orange Spinel, Fire Opal;
Stars and Astrological Signs: Moon, Planets Venus and Pluto, and the signs of Libra, Cancer, and Scorpio;
Sound or mantra: Vam
Sense: Touch and taste
Body: Ethereal body
Orientation to self: Self-gratification
Goals: Pleasure, healthy sexuality, feeling
Rights: To feel, to want
Developmental stage: 6 to 24 months
Identity: Emotional identity
Level of relationship: One-on-one
Demon: Guilt
Element: Water
Hormonal gland: Pancreas
Organs: Sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, the kidneys, appendix, bladder, prostate, hip area, the lymphatic system, all the body fluids;
Excessive: Sexual, pleasure addiction; excessively sensitive and strong emotions; invasion of others, seductive manipulation; obsessive attachment; emotional dependency.
Deficient: Poor social skills; frigidity, fear of sex, lack of desire, passion, excitement, denial of pleasure; fear of change; rigidity in attitudes
Balanced: Graceful movements; emotional intelligence; ability to experience pleasure; nurture of self and others; ability to change; healthy boundaries
Physical Dysfunctions: Sexual dysfunctions; ob/gyn. problems; Dysfunctions of reproductive organs, spleen, urinary system; loss of appetite for food, sex, life; chronic lower back pain, sciatica;
Addictions: Alcohol, sex, heroin
Traumas and Abuses: Sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, rejection, emotional manipulation, physical abuse, alcoholic families, denial of child's feelings, inherited (untreated incest, sexual issues)
Spiritual challenges: Negative one-to-one control patterns need to be confronted
HEALING STRATEGY: Movement therapy, emotional release, inner childe work, boundary work, assign healthy pleasures, develop sensate intelligence
AFFIRMATIONS:

I accept and acknowledge my sexuality. My physical health is strong and pure.

I deserve pleasure in my life.

I absorb information from my feelings.

Life is pleasurable.

I move easily and effortlessly.

THIRD OR SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Manipura ( lustrous gem )
Location: Solar plexus, below the diaphragm
Symbol: A circle surrounded by ten lotus petals, and inside it a triangle
Central issue: Power, self-esteem, self-image, energy, will, responsibility
Color: Yellow

Essential Oils: Juniper, lavender, bergamot, rosemary
Crystals and Stones: Citrine, amber, tiger's eye, peridot,, yellow tourmaline, yellow topaz
Stars and Astrological Signs: Sun, the planets Mercury, Jupiter, Mars and the signs of Leo, Sagittarius and Virgo
Sound or mantra: Ram
Sense: Sight
Body: The astral body
Orientation to self: Self definition
Goals: Vitality, purpose, strength of will, vitality, spontaneity
Rights: To act and be an individual
Developmental stage: 18 months to 4 years
Identity: Ego identity
Level of relationship: Basic relationship with inner self
Demon: Shame
Element: Fire
Hormonal glands: The pancreas and the adrenal
Organs: The respiratory system and diaphragm, the digestive system, stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, the small intestine, the lower back, the sympathetic nervous system
Excessive: Overly aggressive, dominating, controlling, blaming, arrogance, manipulative, power hungry, stubbornness, hyperactivity, excessively ambitious and competitive
Deficient: Low energy, weak will, poor self-esteem, passive, sluggish, fearful, poor self-discipline, emotionally and physically cold, victim mentality, blaming of others, unreliable, poor digestion
Balanced: Feeling of tranquillity and inner harmony, self-acceptance, respect for the nature and emotions of others, feeling of unity with the rest of humanity, responsible, reliable, confidence, spontaneity, sens of humour, able to meet challenges
Physical Dysfunctions: Arthritis, digestive disorders, ulcers, colon and intestinal problems, anorexia or bulimia, pancreatitis, diabetes, gallstone, allergies, problems with the stomach and liver
Addictions: Amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, work, anger
Traumas and abuses: Shaming, authoritarianism, physical abuse, fear of punishment, dangerous environment, age inappropriate responsibilities, inherited shame from parents
Spiritual challenges: Maturation of the ego
HEALING STRATEGY: Risk taking, grounding, emotional contact, deep relaxation, stress control, vigorous exercise, sit-ups, psychotherapy (release or contain anger, build ego strength, work on shame issues, strengthen will)
AFFIRMATIONS:

I can do whatever I will to do.

I honour the power within me. I accomplish tasks easily and effortlessly.

In a smooth and healthy way, I release all unresolved emotions. I claim my personal power.

FOURTH OR THE HEART CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Anahatra (unstruck)
Location: Chest, hart, cardiac plexus
Symbol: A circle surrounded by 12 lotus petals, and inside it a six-pointed star
Central issues: Love, unconditional love, self-love, forgiveness, relationships, intimacy, devotion, depression and loneliness
Color: Green and pink

Essential Oils: Sandalwood, rose, cedarwood
Crystals and Stones: Rose quartz, emerald, jade, aventurine, malachite, rhodonite
Stars and Astrological Signs: Planets Venus, Saturn, Sun and the signs Libra, Leo and Sagittarius
Sound or mantra: Yam
Sense: Touch
Body: The feeling body
Orientation to self: Self-acceptance
Goals: Stability, trust, physical health, prosperity, grounding
Rights: To love and be loved
Developmental stage: 4 to 7 years
Identity: Social identity
Level of relationship: Loving relationships with significant others, with oneself and with all life
Demon: Grief Element: Air
Hormonal glands: The thymus gland
Organs: Heart and circulatory system, lungs, bronchial tubes, shoulders and arms, diaphragm, thymus gland, the immune system, the skin, the upper back
Excessive: Demanding, jealousy, co-dependency, poor boundaries, overly sacrificing, possessive
Deficient: Antisocial, withdrawn, cold, shy, critical, judgmental, intolerant, loneliness, depression, fear of intimacy and relationships, lack of empathy, narcissism, bitter
Balanced: Compassionate, loving, self-loving, empathetic, peaceful, balanced, good immune system
Physical Dysfunctions: Disorders of the heart, lungs, thymus, breast, arms, asthma, allergy, circulation problems, immune system deficiency, tension between shoulder blades
Addictions: Tobacco (smoking), sugar, love, marijuana
Traumas and Addictions: rejection, abandonment, loss, shaming, constant criticism, abuses to lower chakras, unacknowledged grief, divorce, death, conditional love, loveless environment, sexual and physical abuse, betrayal
Spiritual challenges: To learn compassion, the value of forgiveness, unconditional love
HEALING STRATEGY: Self-discovery, codependency work, forgiveness, inner child work, work with arms, reaching out, taking in, breathing exercise
AFFIRMATIONS:

I freely and easily give and receive love. Totally forgive others and myself for all past errors and judgements.

I am worthy of love.

I am loving to myself and others.

There is an infinite supply of love.

I live in balance with others.

FIFTH OR THROAT CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Vissudha (purification)

Location: Throat

Symbol: A circle surrounded by 16 lotus petals, and inside it a circle, or a circle containing a triangle

Central issue: Communication, self-expression, self-discipline, speaking one's truth

Color: Blue, light blue, turquoise

Essential Oils: Lavender, patchouli
Crystals and Stones: Lapis lazuli, aquamarine, sodalite, turquoise, sapphire, blue lace agate, blue tourmaline, blue quartz
Stars and Astrological Signs: Planets Venus, Mercury, Uranus and Mars and the signs of Taurus, Gemini and Aquarius
Sound or mantra: Ham
Sense: Hearing
Body: The mental body
Orientation to self: Self-expression
Goals: Clear communication, creativity
Rights: To speak and to hear the truth
Developmental stage: 7 to 12 years
Identity: Creative identity
Level of relationship: Relationship with our personal truths
Demon: Lies
Element: Ether - Akasa
Hormonal glands: The thyroid and parathyroid gland
Organs: Throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands, the neck, vocal cords and organs, mouth, teeth and gums, jaw, ears, muscles
Excessive: Too much talking, talking as a defence, inability to listen, gossiping, interruptions, over-extended, stuttering
Deficient: Fear of speaking, small, weak voice, difficulty putting feelings into words, shyness, tone deaf, poor rhythm
Balanced: Good listener, resonant voice, good sense of timing and rhythm, clear communication, lives creatively
Physical Dysfunctions: Raspy throat, chronic soar throat, mouth ulcers, gum difficulties, scoliosis, laryngitis, swollen glands, thyroid problems, headaches, pain in the neck and shoulders, ear infections and problems
Addictions: Opiates, marijuana
Traumas and Abuses: Lies, secrets, verbal abuse, constant yelling, excessive criticism (blocks creativity), authoritarian parents, alcoholic, chemical dependent family
Spiritual challenges: To recognize that your strength of will is measured not by how well you exert your will over others, but how well you control yourself. Conscious self-control and discipline means living according to the truth that every thought you have is either a potential act of grace or a potential weapon. Right thought leads to right speech leads to right acting.
HEALING STRATEGY: Learn communication skills, letter writing, inner child communication, practice silence (excessive), story telling, singing, chanting, toning, release voice, loosen neck and shoulders
AFFIRMATIONS:

I easily and gracefully express my deepest feelings and emotions.

I hear and speak the truth.

I express myself with clear intent.

Creativity flows in and through me.

My voice is necessary.

SIXTH OR THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Ajna (to perceive)
Location: The centre of the forehead, brow
Symbol: A circle surrounded on each side by two large lotus petals ( or a lotus with 96 petals ), and inside it a triangle
Central issue: Intuition, imagination, ability to see one's life clearly, use of the mind/intellect
Color: Indigo

Essential Oils: Geranium, lavender, rosemary, spearmint
Crystals and Stones: Amethyst, azurite, fluorite, lapidolite
Stars and Astrological Signs: The planets Jupiter, Uranus, Mercury, Neptune and signs Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces
Sound or mantra: Ham-ksham
Sense: Intuition (the sixth sense)
Body: The high mental body
Orientation to self: Self-reflection
Goals: Psychic perception, imagination, clear seeing, accurate interpretation
Rights: To see
Developmental stage: Adolescence
Identity: Archetypal identity
Level of relationship: Our relationship to knowledge, wisdom and vision
Demon: Illusion
Element: Light
Hormonal glands: The pituitary and the pineal gland
Organs: The brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, face, the pineal and pituitary gland
Excessive: Hallucination, nightmares, obsessions, delusions, difficulty concentrating, headaches
Deficient: Poor vision and memory, insensitivity, lack of imagination, difficulty visualizing, difficulty seeing the future, can't remember dreams, denial
Balanced: Intuitive, perceptive, imaginative, good memory, able to visualize, able to think symbolically, able to remember dreams
Physical Dysfunctions: Headaches, eye and ear disease, nose and sinus problems, facial nerve problems, nightmares, brain tumour, stroke, neurological disturbances, seizures, full spinal difficulty, learning disabilities
Addictions: Hallucinogens, marijuana
Traumas and Abuses: Frightening environment (war, violence), what you see does not go with what you are told, invalidation of intuition and psychic occurrences
Spiritual challenges: Pride and the ability to make judgements. The spiritual lessons relate to insight and intuition, to seeing beyond the visible.
HEALING STRATEGY: Meditation, visual stimulation, create visual art, coloring and drawing, working with memory, dream work, hypnosis, guided visualization, past life regression therapy
AFFIRMATIONS:

My inner vision is clear and strong. I trust my intuition and inner vision.

I see all things in clarity.

I am open to the wisdom within.

I can manifest my vision.

SEVENTH OR CROWN CHAKRA

Sanscrit name: Sahasrara (thousand-fold)

Location: The crown of the skull

Symbol: A lotus with thousand petals

Central issue: Awareness, spiritual search for meaning, issues of karma and grace, grace bank account, spiritual awakening, divine discontent

Color: Purple, white, gold, silver

Essential Oils: Jasmine, frankincense
Crystals and Stones: Diamond, clear quartz, moldavite, selenite, pyrite
Stars and Astrological Signs: The planets Saturn and Neptune, the signs Capricorn and Pisces
Sound or mantra: Om
Body: The soul, the karmic, causal body
Orientation to self: Self-knowledge
Goals: Wisdom, knowledge, spiritual connection, consciousness
Rights: To know
Developmental stage: Throughout life
Identity: Universal identity
Level of relationship: Relationship to our life's true purpose, relationship between the ego and the higher self, relationship to God and spirit
Demon: Attachment
Element: Thought
Organs: The muscular and skeletal system, skin, central nervous system
Excessive: Over-intellectualization, spiritual addiction, confusion, dissociation from body
Deficient: Spiritual cynicism, learning difficulties, rigid belief systems, apathy, materialism, greed, domination of others
Balanced: Sense of spiritual connection, open-minded, wisdom and mastery, broad understanding, intelligent, thoughtful, aware, ability to perceive, analyse and assimilate information
Physical Dysfunctions: Energetic disorders, mystical depression, coma, migraines, brain tumours, amnesia, chronic exhaustion not linked to physical disorder, sensitivity to light, sound and other environmental factors
Addictions: Religion, spiritual practices
Traumas and Addictions: Spiritual abuse, forced religiosity, blind obedience, misinformation, lies, withheld information, invalidation of one's beliefs
Spiritual challenges: Hope and faith, spiritual conscience. Spiritual quests and questions of your life: For what purpose was I born? What is truth? What is the deeper meaning of life? Can I find that? Failure to hear and respond to these questions can lead to anxiety and depression.
HEALING STRATEGY: Reestablish physical, emotional, spirit connection, spiritual discipline, meditation, examine belief systems, goal setting
AFFIRMATIONS:

I accept and acknowledge my spirituality.

Divinity resides within.

I am open to new ideas.

Information I need comes to me.

I am guided by higher power.

I am guided by inner wisdom.

The world is my teacher.