Therapy
Balancing the Body, Mind, and Spirit: Understanding the Power of Chakras for Physical, Emotional, and Energetic Alignment
Chakras are energetic centres located in the subtle body that are believed to regulate the flow of energy throughout the body. There are seven main chakras, each associated with a specific color, body position, emotion, and set of affirmations. They also relate specifically to the emotional body in human development, and can help us understand more about where we are at in self awareness in relation to our traumas and behaviour in life. In addition, it is believed that the Earth itself also has particular locations that serve as chakra points.
Chakras are an integral part of many practices that promote holistic health and wellbeing. They are used in energy healing to balance and harmonize the body’s energy systems. Energy healers work to clear blockages or imbalances in specific chakras using techniques such as Reiki or meditation. The function of chakras is to regulate the flow of energy throughout the body, and when they are blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical, emotional, or mental symptoms. By restoring balance to the chakras, energy healing can target specific issues or concerns in the body and mind. Each chakra is associated with different parts of the body, emotions, and thought patterns, making them a valuable tool for promoting overall health and wellbeing.
Chakras are also a significant part of yoga practice and psychosomatics. In yoga, various postures or asanas are used to activate or balance specific chakras. For instance, a forward bend may help to activate the root chakra, while a backbend may activate the heart chakra. Yogic breathing techniques or pranayama can also be used to stimulate or balance the chakras. Psychosomatics is the study of the mind-body connection, and the chakras play an essential role in understanding this connection. Imbalances or blockages in specific chakras may be associated with certain emotional or psychological issues, and addressing these imbalances through therapy or other methods can help alleviate physical symptoms. Overall, chakras are a valuable tool for promoting balance and harmony in the body and mind, making them an essential aspect of many practices that promote holistic health and wellbeing.
The seven main chakras are:
- Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Location: Base of the spine
Color: Red Body
Position: Seated or standing with feet firmly planted on the ground
Emotion: Safety and security
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “LAM” – Note C – 256 Hz
Affirmations: “I am grounded and stable”, “I am safe and secure” - Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Location: Lower abdomen
Color: Orange Body
Position: Sitting cross-legged or lying down
Emotion: Creativity and sexuality
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “VAM” – Note D – 288 Hz
Affirmations: “I honor my body and my sensuality”, “I am open to experiencing pleasure and joy” - Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Location: Upper abdomen
Color: Yellow
Body Position: Standing with arms raised or seated with hands on stomach
Emotion: Personal power and confidence
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “RAM” – Note E – 320 Hz
Affirmations: “I am confident and powerful”, “I am worthy of love and respect” - Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Location: Center of the chest
Color: Green
Body Position: Seated or standing with hands on the heart
Emotion: Love and compassion
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “YAM” – Note F – 341 Hz
Affirmations: “I give and receive love freely”, “I am open to healing and forgiveness” - Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Body Position: Standing or seated with chin slightly tucked
Emotion: Communication and self-expression
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “HAM” – Note G – 384 Hz
Affirmations: “I express myself authentically and with confidence”, “I listen deeply to others and to myself” - Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Location: Between the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Body Position: Seated or standing with eyes closed
Emotion: Intuition and clarity
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: “OM” or “AUM” – Note A – 426 Hz
Affirmations: “I trust my intuition and inner wisdom”, “I am open to receiving guidance from higher realms” - Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Location: Top of the head
Color: Violet or white
Body Position: Seated or standing with head lifted
Emotion: Spiritual connection and enlightenment
Associated sound vibration, musical note, and hertz frequency: Silence or “NG” – Note B – 480 Hz
Affirmations: “I am one with the universe and all beings”, “I am open to receiving divine guidance and wisdom”
You can see that each chakra has its own sound or vibration. These sound vibrations and notes are often used in meditation or chanting practices to activate or balance the chakras. It’s believed that each chakra vibrates at a specific frequency, and by using sound or music that corresponds to that frequency, the chakra can be stimulated or balanced. However, it’s important to note that not everyone subscribes to this idea, and there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of chakra-based sound healing. Nonetheless, for many people, incorporating sound and music into their chakra practices can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, focus, and balance.
It is believed that the development of the chakras corresponds to certain stages of human development or rites of passage. These stages are:
- Birth to 7 years old: During this time, the focus is on the root chakra, which is responsible for feelings of safety and security.
Affirmations such as “I am safe” and “I am loved” can help strengthen this chakra. - 8 to 14 years old: The focus shifts to the sacral chakra, which is associated with creativity and sexuality.
Affirmations such as “I honor my body” and “I express myself creatively” can support this chakra. - 15 to 21 years old: The solar plexus chakra becomes the focus, as it is associated with personal power and confidence.
Affirmations such as “I am confident in myself” and “I am worthy of love and respect” can help balance this chakra. - 22 to 28 years old: The focus shifts to the heart chakra, which is associated with love and compassion.
Affirmations such as “I give and receive love freely” and “I forgive myself