Chakras
The Basics Of Chakra Balancing
Did you know that we have two bodies? Not only do we have a physical body, but we also have a light body.
Our physical body is our visible and tangible form, made up of bones, muscles, organs and other tissues. It is our physical manifestation in this earthly realm and is subject to the laws of physics and biology.
Our light body, on the other hand, is the subtle energy system underlying to the physical body. It is the energetic bridge between our physical body and our higher, soul existence beyond the physical body. The light body is invisible to the naked eye and is subject to metaphysical or universal laws.
The concept of the ‘body of light‘ or ‘luminous body’ is found in various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings and is also known as the aura, human energy field, astral body, subtle body, spirit body, radiant body, sidereal body, or celestial body.
The main feature of the light body are the chakras, an intricate network of energy centers or vortices that play a vital role in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. According to some teachings there are as many as 114 to 88,000 chakras, but this is not a commonly accepted understanding in the fields of yoga and energy healing.
Aligning The Anja Chakra
The ajna chakra, also known as the ‘third eye’ chakra, is the sixth primary chakra in the human body. In Sanskrit, anja means ‘to anoint’. This chakra is the energy center of our inner vision, where we perceive the interweaving of memory, fantasy, intuition and imagination.
Located between the eyebrows in the center of the forehead, the anja chakra is associated with intuition, enlightenment, spiritual awareness and higher consciousness. It is the “seat of the soul” and connects us to our higher self. The third eye chakra is also where we access our intuitive abilities, use our gut instincts, and connect with our inner guidance.
It also governs several organs in the human body, including the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus in the brain, as well as the eyes.
The anja chakra is symbolized by two lotus petals, a downward facing triangle, and the mantra “Ohm” in the center. The circle represents infinity and wholeness, the lotus petals represent purity and enlightenment, and the triangle represents the element of air. It represents our potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment, the power of the mind, and the connection between the individual and the divine.
When the anja chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to perceive the subtle energies around us with greater clarity and are more attuned to our intuitive inner guidance.
Aligning The Vishuddha Chakra
The Vishuddha chakra, also known as the ‘throat chakra,’ is the fifth of the seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word vishuddha means ‘pure’ or ‘purification’.
The vishuddha chakra is located in the centre of the neck, near the spine, and is associated with the element of sound. The throat chakra governs self-expression, communication and the ability to speak our personal truth. Think of it as the energetic epicentre of your voice and authentic self.
It is also associated with the health of the thyroid, parathyroid, tonsils, vocal cords, oesophagus, trachea and larynx.
The vishuddha chakra is traditionally depicted as a sixteen-petalled lotus flower with an inverted triangle, symbolising spiritual growth and expansion. Its colour is bright blue, representing wisdom, truth and purity.
When the vishuddha chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to communicate clearly and express ourselves with confidence. We are also more able to speak our truth without fear and we become better listeners.
On the other hand, if this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty expressing our thoughts and emotions and speaking our truth. We may find it physically difficult to speak clearly and may even stutter when we try to speak. It can also manifest in physical symptoms such as asthma, coughing, hearing problems and ear infections, loss of voice, tight shoulder muscles or neck pain.
Aligning The Anahata Chakra
Anahata chakra, also known as the heart chakra or heart center, is the fourth of seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word anahata means ‘unstruck’ or ‘unbeaten.’ It is the subtle sound produced ‘without touching two parts.’
The anahata chakra is located in the center of the chest, near the heart, and is associated with empathy, love, compassion, and forgiveness. It also governs our heart, lungs, thymus gland, and circulatory system and plays an important role in our immune system, emotions, and relationships.
It is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower with an intersection of two triangles representing the mystical union of the male and female, the metaphysical and physical. The anahata chakra serves as the bridge between the lower three physical chakras and the higher spiritual chakras, connecting the earthly and divine energies within us.
When the anahata chakra is open, aligned, and balanced, we feel a sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are also able to let go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and fear to rather give and receive love, foster compassion and empathy, and extend forgiveness towards ourselves and others. When the heart chakra is in balance, we experience a profound sense of love, tolerance, harmony, and emotional well-being.
On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty in expressing love and compassion. We are also more likely to be unkind and intolerant and experience negative emotions such as anger, resentment, fear, and even hatred.
The Modern Practice Of Spiritual Healing
In a world driven by science and technology, the value of our spiritual health is rarely recognized or appreciated these days, yet it is an essential aspect of our holistic health and well-being.
The truth is that spiritual healing has been practiced since the beginning of time to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Our ancestors were much wiser in this regard. They had a holistic view of health and wellness that not only focused on the physical and mental, but also honored the spiritual or metaphysical aspects of our existence.
In ancient Egypt, for example, illness was treated as a battle between good and evil, and magical remedies were used in addition to herbal medicines. In ancient Greece, holism underpinned everything, and the soul, mind, and body were considered one.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a holistic system practiced for at least 23 centuries, healing is achieved by balancing the yin-yang life force energies that permeate everything in the universe. In the indigenous healing traditions of Native America, holistic health is represented by the four quadrants of the ‘medicine wheel’ or ‘sacred circle,’ namely the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states of being.
In Christianity, spiritual healing is documented with many references to the healing power of faith and prayer. The Bible also refers to the spiritual gift of healing, and there are several accounts of Jesus performing miraculous healings. In Hinduism, Ayurveda is a five-thousand-year-old Vedic system of medicine that seeks to restore the balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Aligning The Manipura Chakra
Manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra or the navel chakra, is the third of seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word manipura means ‘gleaming jewel’ or ‘radiant gem.’
The solar plexus chakra is located in the area of the upper abdomen, above the navel, and is associated with personal power and identity, self-confidence, sense of purpose, individual will, and personal transformation. It also governs our digestive system and metabolism.
When the manipura chakra is open, aligned, and balanced, we are able to assert and believe in ourselves, make choices and decisions with conviction, and take responsibility.
On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may experience a lack of self-confidence, uncertainty, indecisiveness, and feelings of powerlessness.
In contrast, when the manipura chakra is overactive, we may become temperamental, aggressive, arrogant, domineering, controlling, and even manic.
An open, aligned, and balanced solar plexus chakra offers the following benefits:
Increased confidence and self-esteem. A balanced manipura chakra instills a deep sense of self-confidence, helping us to assert our opinions, make decisions, and act with conviction. It enhances our self-belief and allows us to overcome obstacles with resilience.
Crown Chakra Meditation For Mental Health
These days, many people face mental health challenges. In a world where so many demands are placed upon our time and energy, there never seems to be enough time for relaxation and proper self-care. One way to improve one’s mental health and gain greater clarity is to regularly do some energy work focusing on the crown chakra.
The chakras are a system of energy centers that regulate our physical health, mental acuity, and emotional well-being. Chakra (cakra in ancient Sanskrit) means ‘wheel’ and it is essentially a ‘spinning disk’ or vortex of energy. The chakras represent the flow of life force or pranic energy through the mind-body.
There are seven primary or major chakras in the subtle or light body, spanning from the base of the spine up to the crown of the head. Each chakra has its own frequency, symbolism, color, and function. For optimal health and well-being, the chakras should be kept activated, open, balanced and aligned.
The seventh chakra at the crown of the head, also known as sahasrara padma, is the highest of the primary chakras. It is depicted as a 1000-petal lotus flower and represented by the color violet. This chakra is the energy center of our spiritual connection to the divine, from which all the other chakras emanate. The crown chakra is where we connect to God, Goddess, Source, Spirit, the Divine. It is also my experience that it is at the crown where we engage with our guardian angels and spirit guides.
