By Dr. R K S Rathore, Ph. D
What should we know about the seven chakra system? There are seven main energy centers of the yogic subtle body called Chakras, situated at fixed places parallel to our spine. Each chakra has certain qualities and associations. Just as the state of our physical health depends on our habits, so does the state of our chakra balance. If we are regular yoga practitioners our chakras are generally balanced, and the flow of cosmic energy through these chakras is smooth.
Since the imbalance in the chakras is caused by emotional stress, you can evaluate the state of your chakras by symptoms reflected by the individual chakra for its balance or imbalance. There are yoga postures that help us get these chakras in balance. Each chakra has its shape, color, element, Beejakshar, Beej-mantra, and decoration with petals. Let us describe these chakras one by one, from the base of the spine to the top of our head.
Mooladhara chakra (Root Chakra)
Located at the base of our spine in the coccyle region it is rectangular in shape and red in color. Its element is earth, beejakshara- LAM, Beejmantra- OUM BHU, and decorated with four petals. Someone with good balance will be healthy, grounded, centered, and strong. Its imbalance may reflect greed, carelessness, hyperactivity, obesity, etc. The yoga posture that helps to open and balance it is SETUBANDHASANA (Bridge pose). After attaining the posture of Setubandhasana, concentrate on Mooladhara, keeping in mind its shape, color, and element, and chant Beejakshara- LAM repeatedly without uttering any voice, for better results, repeat this asana 2 to 3 times.
Svadhisthana Chakra (Sexual chakra)
Located at the base of the genital organ in the sacrum region, its shape is like a crescent moon (Dwatiya-ka-chand) and orange in color. Its element is water, beejakshara- VAM, beejmantra- OUM BHUA, and decorated with six petals. Someone with a good balance of this chakra will be sexually well-adjusted and able to use creativity constructively.
Symptoms of its imbalance are sexual addiction or promiscuity, sexual repression infertility, etc. The yoga posture that helps to open and balance this chakra is BHUJANGASANA (Cobra pose). Attain the final posture of Bhujangasana pressing your thighs on the ground and both arms bent from the elbows, gaze towards the sky, and concentrate on Svadhisthana chakra remembering its shape, color, element, and chant beejakshara –VAM like that of Mooladhara chakra.
When Svadhisthana chakra is activated, the sadhaka (Yogi) becomes disease-free and acquires vibrant health. Feeling no fatigue, he becomes friendly and compassionate.
Manipura Chakra (Solar plexus)
Located at the lumber region of the spine, its shape is like a triangle and yellow. Its element is fire, beejakshar – RAM, and beejamantra- OUM SWAH decorated with ten petals. Someone with good balance will be productive, cooperative, flexible, focused, empowered, successful, and well-adjusted. Symptoms of imbalance are related to arrogance, indifference, complacency, passivity, disempowerment, indigestion, etc.
DHANURASANA (Bow pose) is recommended to open and balance the Manipura chakra.
Anahat Chakra (Heart chakra)
Located in the thoracic region of the spine corresponding to the heart, its shape has two triangles juxtaposed and a green color. Its element is air, beejakshara- YAM, beejamantra- OUM MAHA, and decorated with 12 petals.
Someone with a good balance of this chakra will be loving, warm, affectionate, accepting, and tolerant. Symptoms of imbalance are distrusting, reserved, uncompassionate, self-centered, weak immune system, etc.
USHTRASANA (Camel pose) is recommended to open and balance this chakra.
Vishudha chakra (throat chakra)
Vishudha means purification. It is located at the area of the throat (cervical region); its shape is like a circle, blue in color, the element is ether, beejakshara- HAM, beejamantra- OUM JANAH, and decorated with 16 petals.
Someone with a good balance of this chakra will be expressive, eloquent, a great communicator, and a good listener. Symptoms of imbalance are lack of confidence, inability to speak up, talking too much and not listening well, being argumentative with either overactive or underactive thyroid, asthmatic, etc.
MATSYASANA (Fish pose) is recommended to open and balance this chakra.
Ajyan chakra (Third eye chakra)
Ajyan means to command, this chakra is located at the junction of eyebrows where Hindus put “Tilak” before praying in the temples or meditating. This chakra governs our intellect. Its shape is round like a full moon, its color is indigo, the element- light, beejakshara- OUM, beejamantra- OUM TAPAH, and decorated with two petals only.
Someone with a good balance of this chakra will be intelligent, thoughtful, clear-headed, and with good memory. Symptoms of imbalance are ‘Matibhrum’ (hallucinations), acting without thinking, illogical, forgetfulness, etc.
SEATED YOGA MUDRA is recommended to open and balance this chakra.
Sahasrara chakra (Crown chakra)
Located at the top of the head this chakra has a dot-like shape, color violet or white, beyond all elements encompassing all beejakshara, beejamantra- OUM SATYAM and decorated with thousands of petals.
Someone with a good balance of this chakra will be enjoying complete bliss, love life but not dread death, and have a deep sense of connection to the Divine. Symptoms of imbalance are a lack of spiritual beliefs, ungrounded, out of touch with reality, etc.
HEADSTANDASANA for those capable of doing it. Otherwise, a variation of SEATED YOGAMUDRA is recommended to open and balance this chakra.
If you discover that you have too much energy flowing through some chakras, it is better to simply focus on developing the higher qualities of the underdeveloped chakras.
OUM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTIHI
Dr. R K S Rathore, Ph. D., Ex-Principal, Govt. College, Port Blair, is now working as Hon. Secretary in an NGO for Life Style Modifications and imparting lessons on Yoga at Ramlila Park, Jaipur House, Agra and 10, Govind nagar, Shahganj, Agra- 282 010 (India).
© Copyright – Dr. R K S Rathore, Ph. D., Ex-Principal, Govt. College, Port Blair
Understanding the Theory of the Seven Chakra System
By Amruta Kulkarni CYT 1000 and Gopi Rao
The Seven Chakra System is a concept derived from ancient Indian wisdom and has been embraced by various spiritual traditions worldwide. It revolves around believing that our bodies are physical entities and energetic beings with different energy centers or chakras along our spine. Each chakra is associated with specific qualities and functions, both physical and emotional.
Starting from the base of the spine, we have the Root Chakra, which represents stability, grounding, and our connection to the earth. Moving up, we encounter the Sacral Chakra governing creativity, sensuality, and passion. The Solar Plexus Chakra resides in our core area and influences confidence and personal power.
As we ascend to the Heart Chakra, it governs love, compassion, forgiveness – all matters of the heart. The Throat Chakra empowers communication skills while promoting self-expression. Our Third Eye Chakra sits between our eyebrows and enhances intuition and inner wisdom.
Lastly comes the Crown Chakra at the top of our head, connecting us to higher consciousness and spirituality. When these chakras are in balance- flowing freely without blockages- they contribute to overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Understanding this intricate system can empower you to recognize your imbalances, allowing you to take steps toward restoration. In subsequent sections, we will delve deeper into each chakra individually and explore techniques for harmoniously balancing them.
The Seven Chakra System
The seven chakras are an ancient system of energy centers within the body that play a crucial role in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Each chakra is associated with specific qualities and functions, allowing us to tap into different aspects of ourselves.
Starting at the base of the spine, we have the Root Chakra. This chakra represents our foundation and connection to the physical world. Moving up, we find the Sacral Chakra, which controls our emotions and creative expression. The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in our stomach area and relates to personal power and confidence.
Next comes the Heart Chakra, located in the center of our chest. It influences love, compassion, and relationships. Moving higher up is the Throat Chakra, which impacts communication and self-expression. The Third Eye Chakra resides between our eyebrows and governs intuition and inner wisdom. The Crown Chakra at the top of our heads connects us to higher consciousness.
Balancing these chakras can benefit overall health and well-being, including increased clarity, emotional stability, improved relationships, enhanced creativity, and spiritual growth.
How to Balance Chakras
So, how can you balance your chakras? There are various methods, such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga practices, reiki therapy, and using crystals or essential oils specifically attuned to each chakra.
Finding what works best for you may require exploration, but once you discover your preferred method, you can harness its transformative power.
One effective technique for balancing your chakras is through regular chakra healing meditation.
This practice involves visualizing each energy center individually, focusing on clearing blockages or imbalances while affirming positive intentions.
With consistent practice, this meditation can help restore harmony within yourself, tapping into your full potential.
Understanding the theory behind the seven-chakra system is just a starting point.
Experiencing it firsthand and actively working towards balancing these energy centers is where the transformation happens.
The Benefits of Balancing Your Chakras
Balancing your chakras can bring many benefits to your overall well-being. When the energy flow in our chakras is balanced, we experience improved physical, mental, and emotional health.
One of the critical benefits of balancing your chakras is increased vitality and energy levels. When all seven chakras align and function optimally, you feel more rejuvenated and alive.
Balanced chakras also promote better emotional stability. By releasing any blockages or imbalances in your energy centers, you can experience a greater sense of calmness, peace, and clarity in your emotions.
Another advantage of balancing your chakras is enhanced creativity and intuition. When the energy flows freely through these centers, it stimulates our creative potential and allows us to tap into our inner wisdom.
Furthermore, balanced chakras improve physical health by promoting proper organ function and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. It helps to alleviate ailments caused by energetic imbalances within specific body areas.
Last but not least, balanced chakras foster harmonious relationships with others as they promote empathy, compassion, and clear communication skills, allowing us to connect on a deeper level with ourselves and those around us.
Incorporating practices such as meditation or yoga that balance each chakra can help restore harmony within these vital energy centers—unlocking their incredible potential for personal growth and transformation!
Aligning and Clearing Energy Centers
Balancing your chakras is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. By aligning and clearing the energy centers in your body, you can achieve a greater sense of well-being and harmony. Here are some simple techniques to help you balance your chakras.
Firstly, meditation is an effective way to balance your chakras. Find a quiet space to sit comfortably and focus on each chakra. Visualize each one spinning and radiating with vibrant colors.
Secondly, another technique is through the use of affirmations. Repeat positive statements that correspond to each chakra’s qualities. For example, for the root chakra, say, “I am grounded and secure.”
Thirdly, physical activities such as yoga or tai chi can also aid in balancing the chakras. These practices incorporate movements that stimulate specific energy points in the body.
Fourthly, using crystals is another popular method for balancing chakras. Each crystal corresponds to a different energy center and can be placed on or near the corresponding area during meditation or healing sessions.
Finally, sound therapy utilizing singing bowls or tuning forks can help harmonize your chakras by emitting specific frequencies that resonate with each energy center.
Everyone’s journey toward balanced chakras may differ, so exploring various methods is crucial until you find what works best for you!
Chakra Healing Meditation
Chakra healing meditation is a powerful practice that focuses on balancing and aligning the energy centers in your body. You can clear blockages and promote overall well-being by bringing awareness to each chakra.
To begin this meditation, find a quiet space to sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and release any tension or stress.
Start by focusing on your root chakra at the base of your spine. Visualize a vibrant red energy spinning clockwise, grounding you to the earth. Feel a sense of stability and security as you connect with this energy center.
Move up to your sacral chakra, located just below your belly button. Imagine an orange glow radiating warmth and creativity. Allow yourself to embrace pleasure and passion as this chakra opens up.
Next is the solar plexus chakra, situated in the upper abdomen area. Picture a bright yellow light filling this space, igniting confidence and personal power within you. Embrace self-esteem as this chakra becomes balanced.
Continue upward to the heart chakra in the center of your chest. Envision emerald green light expanding from this area, fostering love and compassion for yourself and others around you.
Shift now to your throat chakra at the base of your neck. See it glowing with sky-blue energy, encouraging open communication and self-expression.
Next is the third-eye chakra between your eyebrows. Imagine an indigo light shining brightly here, enhancing intuition and inner wisdom.
Reach the crown chakra at the top of your head – visualize pure white light pouring down into it from above – connecting you with divine consciousness.
Conclusion
Understanding and working with the seven chakra system can profoundly affect our well-being and personal growth. By harnessing the energy of these centers, we can achieve balance, harmony, and alignment in our lives.
The seven chakras offer a roadmap to explore and address different aspects of ourselves – from physical vitality to emotional wellness, creativity to spirituality. When these energy centers are open and flowing freely, we experience a sense of wholeness and life.
Whether you work with a qualified practitioner or explore chakra healing practices independently, the benefits are worth it. Balancing your chakras can enhance physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, improved relationships, heightened intuition, and spiritual growth.
Remember that balancing your chakras is an ongoing process. It requires regular attention and nurturing. Consistency is key here. So, be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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Incorporating simple practices like meditation, yoga poses specific to each chakra center, affirmations, or visualization exercises into your daily routine can make a significant difference in maintaining a balanced energy flow within your body.