The Chakra System

 What is a chakra?

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means ‘wheel’ or ‘vortex’ and it refers to each of the seven energy centres of which our consciousness, or our ‘energy system’ is composed.

The functioning of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to respond to conditions in our life. 

They interact with the physical body through two major vehicles: the endocrine system and the nervous system. Each of the seven chakras is associated with one of the seven endocrine glands, and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Each chakra can be associated with particular parts of the body and particular functions within the body controlled by that plexus or that endocrine gland associated with the chakra.

All of your senses, all of your perceptions, all of your possible states of awareness, everything it is possible for you to experience, can be divided into seven categories. Each category can be associated with a particular chakra. Thus, the chakras represent not only particular parts of your physical body, but also particular parts of your consciousness.

Understanding the chakras allows you to understand the relationship between your consciousness and your body, and to see your body as a map of your consciousness. It gives you a better understanding of yourself and those around you.

The 7 Chakra’s

1.    Root/Base Chakra

Location= Base of the spine

Colour= Red

Meaning= This chakra is related to physical vitality and the fundamental urge to survive. It deals with tasks related to the material and physical world. This chakra is linked to the ability to stand up for oneself and any security issues.

Good for this chakra= Physical exercise, restful sleep, gardening, pottery and clay. red food and drink, red gemstones, red clothing, bathing in red, using red oils such as ylang ylang or sandalwood essential oils.

 

2.    Spleen/Sacral Chakra

Location= Slightly below the navel

Colour= Orange

Meaning= This chakra is where we develop an inward sense of self and an outward awareness of others, ego and sexuality.  The feelings of other people are directly perceived through this chakra and it is linked to the ability to be social and any intimacy issues we may have.

Good for this chakra= Hot aromatic baths, water aerobics, massage, embracing sensation (such as different food tastes), orange food and drink, orange gemstones, orange clothing, using orange oils such as melissa or orange essential oils.

 

3.    Solar Plexus Chakra

Location= Slightly above the navel

Colour= Yellow

Meaning= This chakra is the place where physical energy is distributed. It is the centre for unrefined emotions and personal power; it gives us the sense of complete satisfaction and contentment. This chakra is linked to our ability to have self-control and humour.

Good for this chakra= Taking classes, reading informative books, doing mind puzzles, sunshine, detoxification programs, yellow food and drink, yellow gemstones, yellow clothing and using yellow oils such as lemon or rosemary essential oils.

 

4.    Heart Chakra

Location= Centre of the chest

Colour= Green

Meaning= The centre of unconditional affection, spiritual growth, compassion, devotion and love. It is the bridge connecting the lower and higher energies of our being and is the place where Spirit resides, our true self, free and independent. This chakra is also linked to the ability to have self-control and acceptance of oneself.

Good for this chakra= Nature walks, time spent with family or friends, green food and drink, green gemstones and green clothing. Using green oils such as eucalyptus or pine essential oils.

 

5.    Throat Chakra

Location= Throat

Colour= Light blue

Meaning= This chakra is the centre for communication, self-expression and creativity. This is where one’s inner voice of truth is expressed.  It is the chakra of diplomacy, pure relationships with others, and of playful detachment and speaking with knowledge of our interconnectivity. This chakra is also linked to trust and loyalty.

Good for this chakra= Singing, poetry, stamp or art collecting, meaningful conversations, blue food and drink, blue gemstones, blue clothing and using blue oils such as chamomile or geranium essential oils.

 

6.    Brow/Third eye Chakra

Location= Forehead, in between the eyes

Colour= Indigo

Meaning= Trusting ones intuition, insights and spiritual vision; it is here that we visualise things through our “third eye” of intuitive knowledge.  The opening of the third-eye corresponds with spiritual awakening. It is the chakra of forgiveness and compassion.

Good for this chakra= Star gazing, meditation, indigo food and drink, indigo gemstones, indigo clothing, using indigo oils such as patchouli or frankincense essential oils.

 

7.    Crown Chakra

Location= Top of the head

Colour= Violet

Meaning= This chakra represents the highest level of consciousness and enlightenment, trusting the universe, learning about one’s spirituality. Integrating one’s consciousness and subconsciousness into the superconsciousness. This chakra also integrates all the chakras with their respective qualities.

Good for this chakra= Focusing on dreams, writing down visions and inventions, violet food and drink, violet gemstones, violet clothing, using violet oils such as lavender or jasmine essential oils.