One of my favorite areas of research is healing. What techniques and ways of looking at things exist and how can they help us on our lifetime challenge of feeling complete and whole regardless of our individual circumstances?  I was drawn to learning about the chakras and how understanding and working with these energy portals can help provide more balance in our lives.

Although there is a lot of in-depth information on chakras and chakra healing, I will only provide a brief introduction. As with all forms of healing, if this particular way of looking at things resonates with you personally, I encourage you to explore it further.

Chakras are energy centers within the body that support the functioning of our physical and spiritual bodies. They not only influence our cells, organs and hormone system, they also affect our thoughts and feelings.[1] Although there are many chakras in the body, the 7 principal ones that are studied in yoga and other healing methods are located along the spine from the base to the crown. Each has a different vibrational frequency and as a whole can be thought of as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment as you harmonize and clear away energy blockages throughout your life within each center of awareness.

As you read through the descriptions of the different chakras, it will be quite easy to see where energy is not flowing within yourself. Blockages can lead to sickness both physically and mentally (anxiety, stress, depression). The idea is that when you activate the chakra that is stuck, you promote harmony in that center of awareness, which can improve your health and wellbeing substantially. Many yoga poses are designed to activate and open the chakras, which contributes to the many benefits of a consistent yoga practice. Gemstones, when held or placed on the chakra, and aromatic oils (aromatherapy), which activate the chakra through smell, can also have healing results.

First Chakra

The root chakra, located at the base of the spinal column, is where our deepest connection to the earth stems from. It is said that Kundalini energy resides here (known to be a serpent goddess) and when it’s awakened, it moves up the body piercing and opening the other chakras with healing force. The primary objective of Kundalini yoga is to awaken the full potential of human awareness. Issues that reside in the first chakra relate to fulfilling our most basic needs and saying yes to life. Feeling secure and safe is a central theme and imbalances can lead to insecurity and a lack of trust in life.  Gemstones: Ruby, garnet. Essential Oils: Cedarwood, angelica root. Yoga asana: Crow pose.[1][2][3]

Second Chakra

The sacral chakra, located in the pelvis area, relates to our search for pleasure and enjoyment beyond survival. Sexuality and creative energy lie here and the sexual organs, reproductive system, kidneys and bladder are all impacted by this energy center. Addictions, jealousy, attachment, guilt, lack of interest or loss of self in sex, and infertility can all signal imbalances. Gemstones: Carnelian, moonstone. Essential oils: Sandalwood, cardamom. Yoga asana: Frog pose.[1][2][3]