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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.  

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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:

Chakra-02.png
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. 

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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. 

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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. 

Chakra-05.png
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. 

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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. 

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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.

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