Let’s learn about the chakras first. The seven chakras are the centers in our bodies in which energy flows through.
The Sanskrit word Chakra literally translates to wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head. To visualize a chakra in the body, imagine a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.
The Astral Spine
These swirling wheels of energy correspond to massive nerve centers in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow. Chakras are each thought to govern a unique emotional and spiritual state. How energy flows through these centers greatly affects us. Balanced chakras allow energy to flow freely, promoting health, vitality, and harmony. But life experiences such as illness, trauma, and stress can cause imbalances which block the flow of energy. These imbalances produce a wide array of ailments & disturbances and can result in chronic illness, disease, and habitual patterns of thinking, feeling, & behaving.
Blocked energy in our seven chakras can often lead to illness, so it’s important to understand what each chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely. Fortunately, chakras can be cleared, rebalanced, and energized through yoga, Pranayama (breathing), meditation, and essential oils.
Root Chakra: Muladhara
Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded. It is the chakra of stability, security, and our basic needs. When this chakra is open, we feel safe and fearless. Location: Base of spine in tailbone area. It encompasses the first three vertebrae, the bladder, and the colon. Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money and food. The color associated with this Chakra is Red. The corresponding oil is cypress.
Sacral Chakra : Svadhisthana
Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. This chakra is the center of our creativity and sexuality and is responsible for our creative expression. Location: Lower abdomen, above pubic bone, about two inches below the navel and two inches in. Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality. The color associated with this Chakra is Orange. The corresponding oil is cistus.
Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura
Our ability to be confident and in control of our lives. This Chakra is our source of personal power. Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area between navel and breastbone. Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem. The color associated with this Chakra is Yellow. The corresponding oil is basil.
Heart Chakra: Anahata
Our ability to love. This chakra is our source of love and connection. Location: Center of chest just above the heart. Emotional issues: Love, joy and inner peace. The color associated with this Chakra is green. The corresponding oil is geranium.
Throat Chakra: Visuddha
Our ability to communicate. This is our source of verbal expression and the ability to speak our highest truth. Location: Throat. Includes the neck, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, jaw, mouth, and tongue. Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth. The color associated with this Chakra is blue. The corresponding oil is juniper.
Third Eye Chakra: Ajna
Our ability to focus on and see the big picture. This chakra is the center of intuition. We all have a sense of intuition but we may not listen to it or heed its warnings. Focusing on opening the sixth chakra will help you hone this ability. Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra). Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions. The color associated with this Chakra is Indigo. The corresponding oil is vetiver.
Crown Chakra: Sahasrara
The highest chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. This is the chakra of enlightenment and spiritual connection to our higher selves, others, and ultimately, to the divine. Location: The very top/crown of the head. Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality and pure bliss. The color associated with this Chakra is purple. The corresponding oil is frankincense.
How to Use Essential Oils to Balance the Chakras
There are many types of “tools” that help guide us to a deeper awareness of our higher consciousness. Essential oils are one, of many, that can facilitate activation of our higher selves. When experienced first hand one realizes the magical mysticism essential oils possess. They are much more than a beautiful scent. Essential oils are powerful gifts meant to be cherished. They bring peace, love and light everywhere they are sensed. These incredible earth essences elevate and enlighten one’s consciousness. Each one is a precious guide to a deeper awareness of life, energy and spirituality. Consider using the suggested oils topically (diluted per label instruction) on the area of the body corresponding with each chakra. Anoint yourself.
