What are the chakras and their functions? According to the book, A Handbook of Chakra Healing Spiritual Practice for Health, Harmony, and Inner Peace written by Kalashatra Govinda, here is her overview:
Chakras are centres of awareness in the human body. These energy centres are neither physical nor anatomical. They are found in the subtle energy system, although their radiant energy does correspond to positions within the body.
The chakras influence cells, organs, and the entire hormone system and affect one’s thoughts and feelings. They are also centres of psychic energy.
The term chakra comes from Sanskrit, the sacred language of ancient India. It literally means “wheel” or “turning.” In fact, the chakras revolve continuously. Through their rotation, they absorb energies from without and convert them into the subtle material of the astral body. Through the chakras, we take in energy from our surroundings.
It is said that there are up to 88,000 chakras but I want to focus on the 7 main chakras, their purpose and attributes associated with these chakras.
THE SEVEN MAIN CHAKRAS
CROWN CHAKRA
Colour – Violet
Planet – Neptune
Crystal – Diamond, Rock Crystal
Oils – Rosewood
Healing Foods – Plums and Black Grapes
Position In Body – The top of the head.
Theme – Spirituality, experience of higher planes, knowledge of God, enlightenment, self-realization.
THIRD EYE CHAKRA
Colour – Indigo
Planet – Uranus
Crystal – Blue Sapphire, Opal, Blue Tourmaline
Oils – Lemongrass, Violet
Healing Foods – Blackberries, Blueberries, Purple Grapes
Position In Body – Middle of the forehead.
Theme – Intuition, wisdom, realization, awareness, fantasy, power of the imagination, self-knowledge.
THROAT CHAKRA
Colour – Blue
Planet – Saturn
Crystal – Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Topaz
Oils – Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Camphor
Healing Foods – Blueberries, Blue Plums, Sea Plants, Soups
Position In Body – Near the larynx.
Theme – Communication, verbal ability, inspiration, truthfulness, intelligence, synthesis, creativity, musical talent.
HEART CHAKRA
Colour – Green
Planet – Jupiter
Crystal – Emerald, Chrysoprase, Jade, Rose Quartz
Oils – Cloves, Rose, Jasmine, Tarragon
Healing Foods – Kale, Spinach, Kiwis, Limes, Green Beans, Peas, Sprouts, Green Grapes, Honeydew
Position In Body – Center of the chest at heart level.
Theme – Love, compassion, humanity, empathy, tolerance, openness, warm-heartedness.
SOLAR PLEXUS/NAVEL CHAKRA
Colour – Yellow/Gold
Planet – Mars
Crystal – Citrine, Chrysoberyl, Amber, Tigers-eye, Yellow Jasper
Oils – Lavender, Chammomile, Lemon, Anise
Healing Foods – Yellow Squash, Corn, Lemons, Whole Grains, Legumes.
Position In Body – Stomach area between the loins and breastbone.
Theme – Willpower, self-confidence, personality, self-development, self-control, feelings, sensitivity, power, forcefulness.
SACRAL CHAKRA
Colour – Orange
Planet – Venus
Crystal – Gold Topaz, Aventurine, Coral, Fire Opal
Oils – Sandalwood, Myrrh, Bitter Orange, Pepper, Vanilla
Healing Foods – Carrots, Papaya, Oranges, Cantaloupes, Nuts, Seeds, Peaches, Apricots.
Position In Body – Above the sexual organs.
Theme – Sexuality, sensuality, fertility, creative life energy.
ROOT CHAKRA
Colour – Red
Planet – Mercury
Crystal – Ruby, Garnet, Hematite
Oils – Clove, Rosemary, Cypress, Cedar
Healing Foods – Beets, Red Cabbage, Root Vegetables, Red Grapes, Cherries.
Position In Body – Between anus and the perineum.
Theme – Stability, the will to live, self-preservation, sense of trust and security, groundedness.
Based on the information above about each chakra, you can possibly get a better understanding of which chakra you need balanced and which chakra you are tuned into to. You may not be completely aware that you are in tune with any given chakra based on what colour of clothing you wear most. You can do energy work to balance your chakras through massage, aromatherapy, diet and nutrition, reiki and gemstone work.
To take a more in-depth look at the chakras, their functions, possible ailments and healing energy work, I recommend the following:
- The Chakra Bible: The Definitive Guide to Working with the Chakras, Patricia Mercier
- A Handbook of Chakra Healing Spiritual Practice for Health, Harmony, and Inner Peace, Kalashatra Govinda
- Enroll in certification courses in Spiritual Psychotherapy/Holistic Health/Reiki
It is not only important to exercise your body and feeding it the proper nutrients, it is also vital to invest time to exercise the mind in order to have inner-peace and harmony for you and for everyone around you.
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 