What are chakras?
Chakras are an ancient model of the human energy field that extends beyond the physical body and creates your energetic body, also known as the aura. The aura itself is generated by the spinning of chakra vortices within the body. Chakras can be described as colorful vortexes of energy that constantly spin like wheels at different speeds. People who have the ability to see auras have often described seeing a luminous halo around a person, typically consisting of one or more colors.
These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. There are seven major chakras, each in a specific location along the spine.
Which organs or systems are chakras physically associated with?
Root chakra, or Muladhara, has physical associations with legs, feet, bones, and the large intestine. Imbalances can manifest as lower back pain, sciatica, varicose veins, or constipation.
Sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, has physical associations with reproductive organs, bladder, and the lower back. Imbalances may result in urinary tract infections, lower back pain, or fertility issues.
Solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, has physical associations with digestive system, pancreas, and the adrenal glands. Imbalances can lead to digestive issues, diabetes, or adrenal fatigue.
Heart chakra, or Anahata, has physical associations with heart, lungs, chest, arms, and hands. Imbalances may manifest as heart problems, asthma, or upper back pain.
Throat chakra, or Vishuddha, has physical associations with throat, thyroid, mouth, and the neck. Imbalances can result in thyroid problems, sore throats, or neck pain.
Third eye chakra, or Ajna, has physical associations with brain, eyes, sinuses, and the pituitary gland. Imbalances may lead to headaches, vision problems, or hormonal imbalances.
Crown chakra, or Sahasrara, has physical associations with central nervous system, and the cerebral cortex. Imbalances can manifest as depression, chronic fatigue, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Correcting imbalance in the root chakra
Possible symptoms of root chakra imbalance are anxiety, fear, nightmares, and eating disorders, as well as physical problems with the colon, bladder, problems with elimination, prostate, low back, and leg or feet issues. One of the best ways to reconnect with your root chakra is through grounding, also known as “earthing.”
Gemstones and crystals which can help establish balance in the root chakra are: black obsidian, black onyx, black tourmaline, bloodstone, garnet, hematite, jasper, red coral, red jasper, ruby, smoky quartz, and tourmaline.
Using grounding or earthy essential oils can also help. These oils can be rubbed onto the soles of the feet or diffused: palo santo, patchouli, sage, sandalwood, spruce, vetiver, and ylang ylang.
Correcting imbalance in the sacral chakra
Possible symptoms of sacral chakra imbalance are issues with intimacy, emotional instability, lack of emotion, stifled creativity, addictions, fear of change, depression, and reproductive or urinary issues. The sacral chakra is your creativity center and responds to anything that involves creativity — writing, drawing, dancing, etc.
Gemstones and crystals that are orange or remind us of water can help heal the sacral chakra: amber, aquamarine, citrine, coral, orange calcite, orange carnelian, spessartine garnet, stilbite, and tiger’s eye.
Essential oils for the sacral chakra include citrus scents that are uplifting, and floral scents that are used to enhance mood, such as: bergamot, clary sage, fennel, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, rose, and wild orange.
Correcting imbalance in the solar plexus chakra
Possible symptoms of an imbalance of the solar plexus chakra are trouble with digestion, narcissism or low self esteem, eating disorders, trouble making decisions, anger issues, and lack of purpose. Activities like making a dream board or vision board can help, as well as writing realistic to-do lists with items that you can check off each day.
Gemstones and crystals which can help establish balance in the solar plexus are: amber, carnelian, citrine, fire opal, fool’s gold, golden yellow labradorite, heliolite, pyrite, rutilated quartz, tiger’s eye, topaz, yellow jade, and yellow topaz.
Use energizing and uplifting essential oils, such as: bergamot, lemon, and lemongrass.
Correcting imbalance in the heart chakra
Possible symptoms of an imbalance of the heart chakra are jealousy, holding grudges, grief, hatred, feelings of unworthiness, fear of betrayal, and heart problems. Gratitude practices are healing for the heart chakra. Think of the things you are grateful for and keep a gratitude journal and record those things.
Certain crystals and gemstones can be healing for the heart chakra. Either place the crystal in your hand or lie down and rest the crystal on your heart. These crystals include: amazonite, aventurine, emerald, green agate, green fluorite, green jade, green opal, malachite, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, and rose quartz.
Diffusing essential oils or rubbing them onto your heart can also help the heart chakra: jasmine, lavender, melissa, rose, rosemary, and ylang ylang.
Correcting imbalance in the throat chakra
Possible signs of an imbalance of the throat chakra are misunderstanding dishonesty, inability to communicate openly, stifled voice, fear of not being accepted, sore throat, or problems with the throat. The throat chakra responds to communication and sound. Chanting, singing, listening to music, and even just talking things out help the throat chakra. The brain processes information differently when we hear something out loud, rather than just in our thoughts.
Gemstones and crystals which help the throat chakra include: amazonite, angelite, apatite, aquamarine, azurite, blue howlite, blue lace agate, chrysocolla, kyanite, lapis lazuli, sapphire, sodalite, and turquoise.
Essential oils for the throat chakra include: frankincense, jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.
Correcting imbalance in the third eye chakra
Possible symptoms of an imbalance of the third eye chakra are inability to focus, false perception, lack of imagination, inability to trust intuition, headaches, or sinus issues. When the third eye is blocked, we tend to see things through the lens of our past.
Gemstones and crystals which can help establish balance in the third eye are: amethyst, azurite, dumortierite, fluorite, iolite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, quartz, sapphire, and sodalite.
Diffuse essential oils, or rub them onto the third eye, being mindful of avoiding the eyes: angelic root, cypress, frankincense, helichrysium, rosemary, sandalwood, and vetiver.
Correcting imbalance in the crown chakra
If the crown chakra is out of balance, headaches, feelings of disconnect, confusion, and attachment to material may occur. The crown chakra responds best to silence. Think light, peaceful, spacious, meditative qualities. Safe fasting can be useful to balance the crown chakra. This chakra focuses primarily on purification & detoxing. A mild cleanse could include a day of only eating fruits.
Gemstones and crystals which help the throat chakra include: amethyst, amethyst quartz, ametrine, crystal quartz, howlite, labradorite, lepidolite, moonstone, selenite, and sugilite.
Use essential oils with a peaceful or spiritual quality, such as: cedarwood, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lavender, myrrh, and sage.
Additional Information
5 easy chakra balancing techniques you can start today | The Reiki Guide
7 chakras: How your chakras affect your health | Wellness in Harmony
Chakras and physical health: Understanding the mind-body-energy connection | The Reiki Guide
The power of gemstones | Energy Muse
What are the 7 chakras and how can you unblock them? | Healthline
What are chakras and how do they affect health? | Medical News Today
What chakras are and how yoga can help balance them | Cleveland Clinic
