Natural therapies generally lean towards the whole self – as opposed to treating isolated problems, holistic treatments investigate the entirety of the person involved. Body, mind, and spirit includes physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. In our society this concept still doesn’t have a majority following but the west is showing clear signs of a shift towards this train of thought.
The chakra system is gaining far more attention in recent years since people are becoming more and more intent on caring for their health and wellbeing. We are all becoming far more aware that each of these elements of our entire make up need to be balanced and are equally as important. The chakra system helps us to understand this concept in that it incorporates all of us and explains the intersection of the four quadrants of health.
The concept of energy as an important part of our health is also still quite under the radar in modern medicine, but all ancient traditions focus heavily on the energy flow within our body and so the chakra system has been a staple go to when trying to keep that balance of health or to release any blockages and solve any issues. The lack of western attention probably stems from the idea that energy is not visible and the flow of it isn’t something easily recognised or measured scientifically. But it can be felt. And scientifically we are full of vibrations, our cells are moving, everything inside of us moves and so these vibrations and movements have effects.
The problem is that we generally had no way of explaining the feeling of “vibes” – now a generic term for the ‘feeling in the air’ – and may not know how to use it to understand ourselves and what is going on with us. This is where the chakra system can step in, to help us connect consciously to the inner flows and vibrations within our body, mind and spirit, in order to positively impact our growth and healing. If our energy is flowing freely and smoothly within us and everything is balanced we are generally healthy and feeling good, if we experience blockages these can present themselves as physical ailments. We can prevent these blockages as well as clear them by maintaining our chakra system and treating it as importantly as we do our skeletal, digestive and cardiovascular systems.
There are seven main chakras, each represented by a colour and each representing a system within our make up. Once we begin to understand the subtle sensations of our energetic body we can then understand our own needs and prevent a disturbance from becoming a physical problem. It is something we can learn and develop with time and attention, to really know the connections between all our systems and listen to our bodies. Each chakra responds to the next, take a look at the following outline and the exercises you can do to balance yours.
The Root Chakra
This relates to our rooting to this earth, it is our survival, and also our fear and trust, our attachment versus authenticity. It is our stability, security, and our basic needs. When this chakra is functioning well we feel safe, confident and aware of who we are and what we want or need.
Colour: Red
Location: The perenium.
Physical signs it is off balance: we may experience anxiety, allergies and autoimmune problems.
Exercise: Locate your connection to the earth by grounding yourself, literally. Walk barefoot on various surfaces, preferably natural ones; sand, grass, rock. Recognise your place on the earth, imagine your roots stretching down under the ground. Meditation.
The Sacral Chakra
This is our emotional centre where we understand our self, where our being is established. It generally becomes blocked by fear.
Location: Pubic area.
Colour: Orange
Physical signs it is off balance: being oversensitive or emotional, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction. Problems with intimacy.
Exercise: Vipassana meditation is the best tool here; it is an observation-based, self-exploratory journey focussing on deep connections between the mind and body, achieved through disciplined attention to physical sensations.
The Solar Plexus Chakra
This concerns our ego and sense of identity and is primarily associated with self-esteem, confidence and willpower. It allows you to have control over your thoughts and emotional responses, set healthy boundaries, and be at peace with yourself.
Location: Navel and solar plexus.
Colour: Yellow
Physical signs it is off balance: Digestive issues; stomach ulcers, indigestion, diabetes, eating disorders and other illnesses.
Exercise: Release pent up negative energy through breathing exercises, or even shout or scream as loud as you can a few times. Hit a few golf balls at the driving range, hit a punchbag, whatever works for you.
Heart Chakra
The place where we exercise our love; giving it, receiving it, being compassionate, being rejected or accepted. This is known as our balance point, dealing with love and relationships and represents the energy centre for an individual’s happiness. A well-balanced Heart Chakra can also lead to disciplined living, stronger relationships and freedom from depending on others for peace and happiness.
Location: Centre of the chest or breastbone (heart!).
Colour: Green
Physical signs it is off balance: Circulation problems, skin diseases, sleep problems, heart palpitations, hypertension, immune system dysfunctions, back aches.
Exercise: A tricky one to pinpoint but the best way is to practice self-love. Meditate while focussing on the colour green or surrounded by nature. Practice yoga.
The Throat Chakra
Our communication and expression centre, is about the expression of yourself: your truth, purpose in life, creativity.
Location: Throat, near the spine.
Colour: Blue
Physical signs it is off balance: Hypothyroidism, inability to communicate effectively.
Exercise: This may not sound like an exercise but vocalising your feelings is the best way to keep a balanced throat chakra, whether it is to a person or just to yourself, say it all out loud. If this proves difficult, find a mantra that suits you, consider your feelings or emotions and repeat the mantra out loud, it represents what it is you want to say.
The Third Eye Chakra
This is our clarity, intuition, greater perspective, and the ability to see that identity is dynamic.
Location: Centre of forehead.
Colour: Indigo
Physical signs it is off balance: Hormone imbalance, headaches, nightmares. Indecision.
Exercise: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Inhale and exhale ten times, slowly and deeply. Focus your attention on the location of the third eye chakra, imagine a violet sphere of energy in the middle of your forehead.
The Crown Chakra
This relates to pure consciousness, and it is from this chakra that all the other chakras emanate. It is our connection to our universe and the biorhythms of the body.
Location: Crown of the head
Colour: Violet
Physical signs it is off balance: Depression. Social isolation and disconnection. Insomnia.
Exercise: Headstands, tree pose, singing om (eyes closed, seated close to lotus position, and sing the word ‘OM’ repeatedly) and yoga practices as well as meditation.
Online Courses in Aura & Chakra Energy Healing, Yoga and Meditation
Here at the School of Natural Health Sciences we offer a few courses that concern our chakras and healing energy:
Aura & Chakra Energy Healing – you will be introduced to the concepts of subtle energies and energy healing and to the interpretation and therapeutic application of the concepts of the energy field, frequency, and resonance.
Meditation – this course takes the student on a journey through both Eastern and Western meditation techniques from Chakra Balancing to Walking the Labyrinth.
Yoga – this course covers the basic principles of Yoga. You will be enlightened by the techniques, and postures, together with stretching exercises, that will tone the body and enhance the mind. The course is aimed at students who wish to obtain competence in practising and working with clients.
If you prefer other topics – visit our A-Z Course listing page where we have over 60 courses to choose from. Any questions? Please contact us, we’re here to help!
