Chakra Energy Centres

A person can collect energy from several different levels of vibrations –including colour – that are utilized in various parts of the body. Throughout our body we have main energy centres, which are connected to major organs or glands that govern other body parts. Each of these main energy centres are referred to as CHAKRA – chakra is a Sanskrit word which means "wheel". A chakra is a wheel-like spinning vortex that whirls in a circular motion forming a vacuum in the center that draws in anything it encounters on its particular vibratory level.

It is said that our body contains hundred of chakras that are the key to the operation of our being. These “spinning wheels” draw-in coded information from our surroundings. Coded information can be anything from a colour vibration to ultra-violet ray to a radio or micro-wave to another person’s aura. In essence our chakras receive the health of our environment, including the people we are in contact with (that’s why other people’s moods have an affect on us!). In addition, our chakras also radiate an energy of vibration.

It is also believed that we have seven main chakra centres and that each main centre is connected to our being on several different levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. On the physical level each chakra governs a main organ or gland, which is then connected to other body parts that resonate the same frequency.

Every organ, gland and body system is connected to a chakra and each chakra is connected to a colour vibrational frequency. For example, the heart chakra governs the thymus gland and it is also in charge of the functioning of the heart organ, lungs, bronchia system, lymph glands, secondary circulatory system, immune system as well as the arm and hands. And the heart chakra resonates to the colour GREEN.

The seven main chakra centres are aligned along the spinal column. If there are disturbances on any level, this shows in the chakra’s vitality level. Also each of the seven main chakras is their own intelligence centre. This means that each chakra is not only associated with our physical health but also controls aspects connected to our emotional, mental and belief system.

To help balance a chakra – whether on an emotional, intellectual, physical or spiritual level – we need to bring in the chakra (colour) vibration, which resonates at the same frequency.

In the study of the anatomy of the aura it is important to understand the significance of the chakra system and the language of colours expressed in the aura.

When one part of a chakra centre is out of sync it may eventually effect its other parts and possibly its neighbouring chakra. When a chakra centre is out of balance it generally means that it is over-active or under-active, or possibly congested or blocked. If this happens it is usually felt on a mental, emotional or physical level.

What is Energy and Why Does It Affect Our Chakras?

Sunlight is our main source and provider of light, heat and energy. Not only does sunlight sustain all life on Earth, but also it sustains the Earth itself. It provides plants with the energy for photosynthesis, which in turn sustains the lives of all animals and humans. Sunlight consists of energies in the form of the electromagnetic waves and part of this electromagnetic energy includes cosmic rays, gamma rays, x-rays, visible light rays, infrared rays, micro waves and short and long waves (radio waves).

We utilize many of these energies in our daily lives; however, we seem not to put much emphasis on the visible light rays. We refer to them as the visible light rays because of all the energies mentioned above - we can see light rays visually. By holding a prism towards the sun, we can break down the visible spectrum of light rays into seven different beams of colour. Light consists of the seven colour energies: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. We can see these seven colors in a rainbow, drop of rain or dew and even in a snowflake.

Colour and light are inseparable. Each colour of the visible light rays has a different wavelength and vibrational frequency, which affects us differently. Red has the longest wavelength and the slowest vibrational frequency, which we innately recognize as warm and stimulating. Whereas, violet has the shortest wavelength and the fastest frequency that we recognize as a cool and calming energy.

We receive light and colour information through our eyes, which then stimulates the retina and its cells, rods and cones. These impulses, which travel through the optic nerve to the visual cortex of the brain via the pituitary, trigger other glands and their hormone secretion to various parts of the body. Many body functions are stimulated or retarded by light and the different colours of light and thus affect our chakra system.

Since light and its colours physically affect glands and hormones, they will also have a marked influence on our moods and feelings. Science has proven that certain colours can calm the mind while others stimulate mental activity. We need light energy for nourishing our brain, our emotions and our physical body as well as our light bodies and especially our chakras. Light can also enter through our skin and our breath. As well, we can receive additional colour energy through a balance of various coloured foods, herbs, vitamins, aromatherapy, sound, minerals, clothing, decor and colour bathing.

In reality little is known and understood about the human psyche and its intricate systems. However, medical science has proven that toxins and other impurities, which include negative thoughts, chemical enhancements in our food and other poor environmental factors, influence our body. Constant forms of “pollution” can cause chakra imbalances to manifest, which may eventually affect us on a physical level. Since traditional health care systems at this time are unable to naturally or totally alleviate symptoms or cure our problems, this means it is up to each individual to improve their health conditions. We also have to consider that we may be our own best doctor. So understanding the chakra system is more about how you can help improve your own state of health and all levels of your being.

The benefit of learning about your own chakra system is for you to understand on a whole (whole = body, mind and spirit in harmony) that when all parts of you (all of your seven chakra centers) are communicating equally and working in alliance with each other, you will have little or no energy disorders. For example, if the mental part of you is powerful and so are the physical, emotional and spiritual parts of you equally as strong, it is then that you feel at your optimum level.

Nowadays, we live in a fast world and often forget about our “whole.” We put too much emphasis on independence and very little on interdependence. Our chakras are interdependent on each other for harmony and balance. The emphasize of this lesson is to educate you on your complete chakra system so you can take control of your life and become the best you possibly can in this lifetime. No one else is totally responsible for you... except you! Your mind alone cannot nurture your whole being, nor can a proper food diet solve all your problems. It is important to understand that “all of you” has to be understood in order to keep “your house” in order.

If there is a disturbance on any level, this shows in a chakra’s vitality level. And each of the seven main chakras has its own innate intelligence and function. Similar to how your body functions automatically, your chakra centres also operate automatically. If you are to understand your chakra system then you must learn what each chakra’s function is and how it represents a part of your “whole.”

The First Chakra

Element: earth

Colours: red

Sense: smell

Mantra: LAM

Location: base of the spine between anus and genitals

Deals with: physical identity, survival, stability, instinctual nature, ambition, and self-sufficiency

Governs: bones, teeth, nails, anus, prostate, adrenals, kidneys, lower digestive functions, excretory functions, and sexual activity

Physical Dysfunctions: tiredness, poor sleep, lower back pain, sciatica, waste elimination problems like constipation, depression, immune related disorders, obesity and eating disorders

Psychological and Emotional Issues: ungrounded, afraid, rage and anger, self esteem, survival, security, obsessed with comfort, alienated, possessive

Balanced Chakra: feeling grounded, centered, committed and independent, having energy and vitality, strength and stillness, able to digest foods well

Postures that Balance Chakra: Grounding into feet poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Side-Angle Pose (Parsvakonasana), Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) and Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Related Gemstones: Agate, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Garnet, Obsidian, Ruby, Smoky Quartz

Related Essential Oils: Cedar, Clove, Cypress, Marjoram, Myrrh

The first chakra is also known as the Kundalini chakra, root chakra, or the base chakra. This chakra is situated at the tail end or base of the spine, just above the testicles in men and just inside the vagina in women. This bright red, expressive chakra (all even-numbered chakras are primarily receptive and all odd-numbered chakras are primarily expressive) is the chakra of basic survival, the bodily life energy and the primal sex drive.

It is associated with the colour red and the element of fire. Being the foundation of our physical body, the root chakra is the grounding force which connects us to the earth energies and empower our beings. When you lose your connection to the earth, you cut yourself off from the healing source of Mother Earth. It is the centre of physical energy, the energy to succeed in business or material possessions. Throughout the ancient world in historical and mythological stories, this chakra has been associated with snakes and dragons.

It influences our immune system, basic impulses, endurance, instincts, our energy and fight or flight reactions. If there are problems in the root chakra, the functioning of your chakra system as well as your endocrine-hormonal system may be adversely affected. The root chakra is connected to the chakras in the soles of the feet. When this connection is not healthy, grounding can also be very difficult. When root chakra is not working properly it can negatively influence your bones, legs, colon, spinal column, adrenal glands and kidneys. Area of body governed by the root chakra are legs, feet, rectum, kidneys, spinal column and immune system.

When this chakra is balanced, you will feel healthy, optimistic, happy, full of vitality and steady. But when this chakra has an excessive energy, it could cause selfishness, aggression, sadism, greed, an over powering manner and irritation. If there is too little energy flowing through this chakra, this can also cause problem; anxiety, lack of confidence, pessimistic, fear, insecure and a lack of ability to complete things.

Questions are for you to reflect on and to do a self-analysis.

1. Are you physically fit?

2. Was there or is there currently any abuse (physical or verbal) in your life?

3. Are you able to put your thoughts into action?

4. Do you accomplish most of your goals?

5. Are money and a home very important to you?

6. Have you had any recent thoughts of self-destruction?

Ways to bring in the RED energy and boost your Root chakra power are:

We can help to balance the root chakra by sitting on the ground, walking barefoot, stomping your feet upon the ground, cleaning in the home, cooking and dancing. Incorporate physical activities such as an exercise program or yoga.

Gemstones that stimulate, cleanse and energise the root chakra are Red Tiger’s Eye, ruby, bloodstone, garnet, red jasper, onyx, obsidian, smoky quartz, black tourmaline and hematite. These stones can be carried in our pocket, placed in the area of our root chakra or at the bottom of the feet.

Flower essences that stimulate, cleanse and energise the root chakra are rosemary, clematis and corn.

Use aromatherapy oils such as sandalwood, ylang ylang or juniper (consult a specially trained aromatherapist or aura counselor to find the right oils for your specific chakra needs). Note: Every therapeutic oil or essence has its own healing power that can help with specific issues relating to each chakra.

Stimulating music with deep beats such as drums or music that makes your body move like Latin American music. (Many metaphysical outlets have diversified selections of chakra music.)

Bathe in the red, colour in your clothing, decor, art, etc.

Eat red foods and consume red drinks.

The Second Chakra

Element: water

Colours: orange

Sense: taste

Mantra: VAM

Location: situated at the base of the pubis between the genitals and the sacral nerve plexus

Deals with: emotional identity, creativity, desire, pleasure and self-gratification, procreation, and personal relationships

Governs: sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine, auto immune system

Physical Dysfunctions: lower back pain, sciatica, decreased libido, pelvic pain, urinary problems, poor digestion, low resistance to infection and viruses, tiredness, hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems

Psychological and Emotional Issues: irritability, shyness, guilt, blame, sexual obsession, power, money, control, lack of creativity, morality

Balanced Chakra: feeling compassionate, friendly, intuitive, vital, sexual, satisfied, prosperous, having a sense of belonging and humour

Postures that Balance Chakra: Hip opening poses like Standing Wide Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana), Sitting Wide Forward Bend (Upavista Konasana), Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana), Supine Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Related Gemstones: Amber, Carnelian, Coral, Garnet, Moonstone, Orange Tourmaline

Related Essential Oils: Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood

The Third Chakra

Element: fire

Colours: yellow

Sense: sight, form and colour

Mantra: RAM

Location: situated at the level of the umbilicus corresponding to the gastric or solar plexus

Deals with: sense of belonging, mental understanding of emotions, defines self-esteem, personal power, stamina, thought, will, success, ego

Governs: upper abdomen, gallbladder, liver, middle spine, kidney, adrenals, small intestines, stomach

Physical Dysfunctions: diabetes, pancreatitis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, colon diseases, stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, anorexia/bulimia, low blood pressure

Psychological and Emotional Issues: lack of self-esteem, timid, depression, issues with self image and fear of rejection, inability to make decisions, judgmental, perfectionism, anger, rage, hostility

Balanced Chakra: energetic, confident, intelligent, decisive, productive, good digestion, mental focus

Postures that Balance Chakra: Heat building poses like Sun Salutation (Suryanamaskar) and Warrior (Virabhadrasana), backbends like Bow (Dhanurasana), twists like Half Twist (Ardha Matsyendhrasana), and abdominal strengtheners like Boat Pose (Navasana)

Related Gemstones: Amber, Citrine, Jasper, Golden Topaz, Yellow Tourmaline

Related Essential Oils: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender , Golden Yarrow, Peppermint, Rosemary

The Fourth Chakra

The fourth chakra is also called as the heart chakra. The Sanskrit name for the heart chakra is “Anahata” (means stillness or unstruck). This emerald-green, receptive energy center is situated in the center of our chest, around the area of the heart. It is associated with the color green or pink and is symbolized by four legged mammals. This is the place where people focus in bringing about a healing. Thus the popular words “Love Heals All” have great truth.

The heart chakra contains the ability to love and feel compassion. It resonates with universal love, a different kind of love than that of the sacral plexus (second chakra) relationship love – no possession or attachment here. It is an unconditional acceptance of people or things the way they are, and gratitude for our place in the universe. If you have a strongly developed heart energy, you are able to forgive injuries, release old grudges, and reach out with compassion from a place of harmony within yourself. Learning to love yourself is the very first step in securing a healthy heart chakra.

Awakening the fourth chakra is one of the most important steps that you can take on your spiritual journey through life. Being the transitional chakra of all seven-chakra system, the fourth chakra bridges the gap between the three spirit chakras above and the tree body chakras below. In a healthy system, the fourth chakra accepts the purely spiritual information of the upper chakras and translates it into a language of the lower chakras (the information is gathered by and sent directly from the throat chakra, or the fifth chakra).

The energy from the fourth chakra allows us to have meaningful or loving relationships with one another. The types of love expressed from this energy include romantic, parental and companionate love. True healing of old emotional wounds comes from here. If you have a strong healthy heart energy, you stop clinging to old hurts and pain and feel forgiveness. When your fourth chakra is working properly, you will be compassionate, humanitarian, empathetic , desire to nurture others and see the good side in everyone. People who have a balanced heart chakra will also begin to express and receive abundant love.

Area of body governed by this chakra are heart, circulatory system, lungs, blood, thymus, diaphragm, rib cage, breasts, arms, hands, shoulders and esophagus. Illness caused from damaged heart chakra include heart pain, negativity, fatigue, high blood pressure, heart attack, tension, insomnia, difficulty breathing, cancer, and paranoia. Hurtful situations that can badly effect your fourth chakra are separation or divorce, emotional abuse, grief through death, abandonment and adultery.

People who have an “over-active” fourth chakra will give of their resources beyond the point of all reason. Their “emotional bank account” would be withdrawn until these people have nothing left to give to anyone, including themselves. They also tend to be moody, possessive, demanding, melodramatic and overly critical.

In order to balance our chakra, we can give our free service to others, make a lot of good deed, love and forgive everyone (including yourself), listen to romantic soft music, feel compassion and patience, be grateful and satisfied with what you have in your life. Gemstones that stimulate, cleanse and energise this chakra are rose quartz, emerald, pink tourmaline, pink and green aventurine, green jade, chrysoprase and malachite. Flower essences that stimulate, cleanse and energise this chakra are California wild rose, poppy and holly.

The Fifth Chakra

The fifth chakra is called as the throat chakra. This sapphire-blue, expressive chakra is situated right above the hollow at the base of our neck. As we enter the fifth chakra, we are actually crossing deeper into the realms of mind and spirit. This is the first of the seven chakras that focuses primarily on the spiritual plane. It is associated with the colour sky blue and is symbolised by the human race. The Sanskrit word for the 5th chakra is “Vishuddha” meaning “purity”. It processes the communication from the body and the spirit, and transmits it to the world.

This is the centre of communication, when our fifth chakra is open, we will have a powerful desire to talk about what we are experiencing. This chakra is also our will centre. It is also the centre of our psychic ability of clairaudience – the ability to hear disembodied messages or voices from the spirit world. To successfully reach and open our throat chakra, our body must attain a certain level of purification.

This chakra can also help us with our meditation to connect us to our higher guidance. This chakra influences communication, artistic expression, dreaming, self belief, truthfulness, clairaudience and out of body experiences. Area of body governed by this chakra are mouth, gums, teeth, throat, trachea, thyroid, neck vertebrae, esophagus, hyperthalemus, and parathyroid.

Healthfulness of this chakra is in relation to how honestly we express ourselves. Lying violates the body and spirit. Even choosing not to make a choice such as not speaking out (repressing our anger) may manifest into laryngitis.

Excessive energy in the 5th chakra can cause excessive talking, overactive thyroid, inability to listen and hearing problems. It can also make us inflexible, egotistical, dominating, big headed, causing us to have a self righteous attitude. On the other hand, deficient energy in the 5th chakra can cause us to be nervous, tending to keep our thoughts to our self, frightened causing introversion and opposing any kind of change. It can also cause shoulder and neck problems, throat problems, jaw disorders, a fear of speaking, communication problems and an under active thyroid.

In order to balance the throat chakra, we can listen to good music or music that we like, sing, hum, chant, take a walk and look at the wonderful blue sky and breathe consciously. Gemstones that stimulate, cleanse and energise this throat chakra are aquamarine, turquoise, blue topaz, blue opal, lapis lazuli, chalcedony and chrysocola. Flower essences that stimulate, cleanse and energise this chakra are larch, trumpet vine and cosmos.