Chakras are energy centers in the body that spin like wheels, opening and closing to manage the flow of energy in response to our emotional state. We have many chakras within us (physical body) as well as just outside of it (metaphysical). This article will concentrate on what are called “The Seven Major Chakras” to help you gain a better understanding of their history, what they are for and what they do.
History and Overview
The first mention of Chakras comes to us from Hindu and Buddhist traditions that date as far back as the 1st millennium BCE. Breath channels or “Nadis” used in Yoga practice are mentioned in the Upanishads of Hinduism and are the earliest. Buddhist tradition does not mention Chakras or Energy Systems until the 8th century BCE. Buddhist tradition mentions only 5 Chakras while Hindu mentions 7. Both traditions agree these energy centers (Chakras) are located along the spine and are connected by “Nadis” (channels that flow energy similar to arteries).
There are 3 main Nadi channels that flow energy and feed the Chakras. Ida Nadi is left of spine, Pingala Nadi right of spine and Sushumna Nadi runs along the spinal cord and connects the 7 Major Chakras. There are also many meridian pathways (smaller channels) similar to our blood vessels that nourish the whole body. The chart below shows the position of the 7 Major Chakras. Without exception, every Energy Healing modality recognizes and initiates healing through these 7 Major Chakras.
Each Chakra’s Mind/Body/Spirit Connections:
Root Chakra (Muladhara or 1st)
This chakra is our connection to Earth (Gaia) energy and resonates to the color of RED. It holds our spirit in the physical and announces us (“I am”) in the world through this Earth connection. When this chakra is operating without issue we feel safe and grounded to our place on Gaia. When we are angry or wish to stand our ground we connect strongly to earth energies through this chakra. When we are afraid we stop the energy flow from Gaia and pull our energy up, basically uprooting ourselves. This is where energetically that whole fight or flight response resides. Root Chakra is associated with and supports the spine, bladder, blood, kidneys, exterior reproductive organs, legs and feet.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana or 2nd)
This Chakra is our connection to creativity, joy, sensuality and the feeling of being supported in the physical world (“I create”). It resonates to the color of ORANGE. When this Chakra is operating without issue we feel happy in our lives knowing we will draw to us and be gifted with all we need and more. When we feel as if we will never have enough we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and begin to create that within our reality. This is also where our guilt resides.
Sacral Chakra is associated with and supports the lymphatic system, kidneys, adrenals, skin and interior reproductive organs.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Nabhi-Manipura or 3rd)
This Chakra is our connection to self-confidence (“I do”) and resonates to the colors of YELLOW and BROWN. When this Chakra is operating without issue we feel as if we can accomplish anything we want. When we feel fear and allow it to rule us we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and lose our focus. This in turn creates stagnation and encourages procrastination. Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with and supports the nervous system, stomach, gall bladder, large intestine, liver and pancreas.
Heart Chakra (Anahata or 4th)
This Chakra is our connection to love, forgiveness, healing (“I love”) and resonates to the color of GREEN. When this Chakra is operating without issue we feel love and acceptance. When we feel hurt or jealous and blame others we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and begin to feel unloved and unworthy. This makes it difficult to forgive ourselves and others creating division. Energetically speaking, “Us versus them” beliefs are created in this way. Heart Chakra is associated with and supports the circulatory system (heart), respiratory system, arms, hands shoulders, ribs, breasts, diaphragm and thymus gland.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddhi or 5th)
This Chakra is our connection to clear communication, personal truth (“I speak”) and resonates to the color of BLUE. When this Chakra is operating without issue we feel empowered to speak our truth as we see it without judgement. When we feel doubtful of our beliefs for whatever reason we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and become less inclined to speak. Words are like currency, we use/spend them to get what we want. This makes it difficult to have our basic emotional needs met by others, creates isolation and contributes to depression. Throat Chakra is associated with and supports the thyroid, larynx, trachea (throat), mouth and carotid arteries.
Third Eye/Brow Chakra (Ajna or 6th)
This Chakra is our connection to intuition, knowing and “instant knowledge”. It resonates to the colors PURPLE AND INDIGO. When this Chakra is operating without issue we are able to gain knowledge without actual proof or conscience thought. We just “know” that information is correct. Everyone has this ability to varying degrees. With practice and trust in the intuitive process those degrees can be enhanced and expanded. When we question our ability to receive accurate information intuitively we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and become doubtful of our own mind. This makes it easier for others to interject their thoughts/ideas into our minds and possibly control our actions. Energetically speaking this is the pathway to cultism. Third Eye/Brow Chakra is associated with and supports the pineal gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara or 7th)
This Chakra is our connection to Source Energy or “The Divine” however we name it. Everyone’s path to Source is their own and Everyone’s is correct. It resonates to the colors of WHITE, PINK, VIOLET and GOLD. When this Chakra
is operating without issue we feel connected to all that is while still acknowledging our individuality. We know we are not alone or left completely to our own devices which brings us joy and compassion for everything. When we question our own Source Energy/Divinity within we stop the flow of energy to this Chakra and disconnect from Source. This same process can also be triggered by unreconciled grief or anger. Feeling disconnected in this way makes us feel isolated and alone, like no one can or ever will
love and understand us. Energetically speaking this is the pathway to depression. Crown Chakra is associated with and supports the brain, nervous system and pituitary gland.
Self-Healing & Working With a Healer
Now that you have more knowledge and understanding of the Chakras and their connection to you it may be easier to know when one or more is out of balance or has a blockage.
You can work on yourself by using some of the Chakra meditations HERE.
If you are so far out of balance with large blockages that will not move when you work on them, it may be time to get some help.
Working with an Energy Healer who has knowledge of the Chakras and various other Energy Systems will clear blocks, balance flow and help make you feel better. Feeling better is always the pathway to Healing on all levels (Mind/Body/Spirit). It helps you see and feel “the light at the end of the tunnel” and know it’s not another freight train.
Energetic intervention of this nature can help with all major life changes. This makes the emotional transitions through grief/anger/acceptance to forward movement a bit easier to navigate with less baggage.
With any one you choose to work with, getting referrals is a good idea. Ask to inspect their healing space/office. Ask about their experience, certifications and knowledge of Energy Healing. Ask for referrals or look at their testimonials. Above all, make sure you feel comfortable with them and they have a plan for treatment that includes eventually not needing their help. Healers that are able to empower your healing in this way ensure your continued success along this path. And yes, it’s a life-long path. We are all here to learn and you can’t do that in a vacuum.
Healing With Mo 