Chakra Healing


What is a Chakra?

The chakra system has its origins in India; its concepts are incorporated into Hinduism and Buddhism. Chakra is a Sanskrit work which means ‘wheel of light’. While the word "chakra" has Hindu (Sanskrit) roots, the energy involved is not partial to any particular religion. It is a universal energy, and all people inhabiting physical bodies on this earth have them.

The chakras and other smaller energy vortexes (such as acupuncture points) are openings and channels for universal energy to flow into and out of the aura. These energy vortexes are the channels through which spiritual energy flows through to manifest in the physical. (Matter is merely slowed down or crystallized energy, hence, our bodies are energy!) They spin at great speed and in a deeply spiritual person they become spheres of radiant energy.

There are approx. seventy eight thousand chakras in the human body. There are seven ‘major’ chakras and these are the energy centres of the etheric body. There are twenty-one minor chakras, forty nine tiny chakras, and the remainder are nano-chakras.

The chakras lie along the nave of the spine, and through them a person’s spirit and soul become receptive and communicate with cosmic energies. 

Seven main chakras and their placement along the spine

Each chakra has its own purpose, association and connection.

The following is a general summary of my current understanding of the physical locations and elements associated with each chakra. Over the years I have noticed some discrepancies between how different people "define" each chakra, (particularly the second and third chakras), but the differences have only been minor. Certainly the colors and locations of the chakras are generally consistent. The base chakra extends down and the crown chakra extends up, while the chakras in between have vortexes both to the front of the body and to the back.

1# Root or Base Chakra



Purpose: Links the individual with the physical world. Defines the concept of ‘Being’ and ‘Accepting being’. Serves as the foundation to evolve and build the personality. Embraces aspects such as energy, self-expression, ambition, consistency, desire for security and the survival of self and species.

Essential Oils: Cedar, Clove, Oak Moss, Cypress, Patchouli, Vetiver, Marjoram, Myrrh

Crystals/Gemstones: Black Onyx, Hematite, Jasper, Pyrite, Agate, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Flint, Iron

Symbol: Lotus with 4 petals

Principle: Physical Entity

Direction: Pointing downwards

Associated Body Parts: The dense, solid parts of the body; bones, teeth, nails, legs, arms, intestines, anus, prostate.

Color: Bright Red

Location: Base of spin and goes through the body at the bottom of the trunk.

Element: Earth

Sense: Smell

Balance: Yang, masculine, positive

Effect: Calms, dissolves tension

Zodiac: Aries, Scorpio

Planet: Mars

Mantra: LAM

Music: Drumming

Tone (note): C

In Harmony: Profound connection to nature. Trust in nature’s law, and a deep understanding of its even ebb and flow.

Out Of Harmony: Inability to trust nature. Focus on material possessions. Need to satisfy own desires and wishes.

2# Sacral or Lower Abdomen Chakra



Purpose: Centre for sexual energy, creativity and pure emotions. Here the male sexual drive combines with the female sexual response. Feelings and emotions flow freely through regulating the relationship between lovers and friends. Balances the free giving and receiving of feelings and emotions.

Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Petit grain, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Citrus

Crystals/Gemstones: Moonstone, Amber, Jasper, Aventurine, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Coral, Carnelian, Tourmaline, Fire Opal, Topaz, Silver

Symbol: Lotus with 6 petals

Principle: Reproduction of being

Direction: Pointing forward

Associated Body Parts: Reproductive organs, kidney, bladder, pelvic area, sperm, all liquids and fluids of the body.

Color: Orange

Location: Slightly above genital area

Element: Water

Sense: Taste

Balance: Yin, feminine, negative

Effect: Stimulates desire, rejuvenates

Zodiac: Cancer

Planet: Moon

Mantra: VAM

Music: Strings

Tone (note): D

In Harmony: A considerate, open, friendly, kind person, has no trouble sharing emotions, feelings with others. Happily connected to life.

Out Of Harmony: Unsure and unstable in sexual and emotional matters. Cannot express feelings. Suppresses natural needs.

3# Solar Plexus or Navel Chakra



Purpose: Position in the centre of the body gives this Chakra its significance. Impulses such as desire, wishes blend with impulses coming from above. This is where the personality is formed. ‘Feeling’ and ‘Being’ are integrated here. This is the melting pot of spiritual and earthy aspects.

Essential Oils: Chamomile, Bergamot, Lemon, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, lemon, Thyme, Ylang Ylang, Peppermint, Rosemary

Crystals/Gemstones: Amber, Tiger’s eye, Citrine, Yellow Topaz, Agate, Amethyst, Calcite, Sodalite, Gold

Symbol: Lotus with 10 petals

Principle: Formation of being

Direction: Pointing forward

Associated Body Parts: Abdomen, lower back, stomach, liver, spleen, digestive system, gall bladder, nervous system.

Color: Gold, Yellow

Location: Slightly down from navel

Element: Fire

Sense: Sight

Balance: Yang, masculine, positive

Effect: Eases aggression, brings peace

Zodiac: Leo

Planet: Sun

Mantra: RAM

Music: Reeds, horns

Tone (note): E

In Harmony: Feeling of wholeness, inner calm and peace. Inner tolerance and acceptance of others. A balance of spiritual and material worlds.

Out Of Harmony: No trust in natural flow. Need to dominate. Emphasis on the material. Great need for material security.

4# Heart Chakra



Purpose: The centre of the Chakra system. Here aesthetic impulses (art of music) are processed into feelings and emotions. The ability to love freely, without fear or self-consciousness is generated here. Negative feelings and emotions are neutralized. Healing by acceptance of suffering.

Essential Oils: Geranium, Bergamot, Lemongrass, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Clary Sage

Crystals/Gemstones: Emerald, Green Jade, Rose Quartz, Kunzite, Aventurine, Chrysocolla, Agate, Peridot, Malachite, Moonstone, Pink and Green Tourmaline, Copper

Symbol: Lotus with 12 petals

Principle: Loving beyond the self

Direction: Pointing forward

Associated Body Parts: Heart, upper back, rib cage, chest, skin, lower lungs, circulatory system, abdominal cavity.

Color: Green

Location: Centre of chest

Element: Air

Sense: Touch

Balance: Yin, feminine, negative

Effect: Brings peace, Understanding

Zodiac: Libra, Taurus

Planet: Venus

Mantra: YAM

Music: Flute, woodwinds

Tone (note): F

In Harmony: Exudes a feeling of wholeness. Tolerance and acceptance of life and relationships. Balance of the material and spiritual.

Out Of Harmony: The love you give is not sincere. You look for rewards. You cannot accept love given by others.

5# Throat Chakra



Purpose: Here feelings and emotions are transformed into expressions such as laughter or crying. Deals with everything related to sound on both the physical and the metaphysical level. Communicates and mediates all emotions and feelings. Provides space from ‘self’ to enable ‘inner’ reflection.

Essential Oils: Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Neroli, Sage, Geranium

Crystals/Gemstones: Aquamarine, Sodalite, Amazonite, Turquoise, Chalcedony, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Celestine, Fluorite, Sapphire, Cinnabar

Symbol: Lotus with 16 petals

Principle: Expression of being

Direction: Pointing forward.

Associated Body Parts: Lungs, vocal cords, bronchials, throat, thyroid, voice, jaw, nape of neck.

Color: Light blue, cyan

Location: Between inner collarbone

Element: Ether

Sense: Hearing

Balance: Yang, masculine, positive

Effect: Brings harmony to speech and voice

Zodiac: Gemini, Virgo

Planet: Mercury

Mantra: HAM

Music: Singing

Tone (note): G

In Harmony: Knows balance of expression; silence and speech. Knows how to listen to the ‘inner voice’, trusts intuition.

Out Of Harmony: Despite much talking, cannot find expression. Fearful of being judged and rejected. Afraid of silence.

6# Third Eye or Brow Chakra



Purpose: This chakra enables the recognition of ‘being’. Connects to the part of creation which is beyond science and physical manifestation. Through this Chakra the ‘knowing’ of spiritual matters is passed down and so influences all other parts of an individual.

Essential Oils: Jasmine, Vetiver, Lavender, Hyacinth, Geranium, Pine, Sage, Rose, Basil, Patchouli, Rosemary

Crystals/Gemstones: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Azurite, Indigo Sapphire, Opal, Calcite, Fluorite, Tin

Symbol: Lotus with 96 petals

Principle: Knowing of being

Direction: Pointing forward

Associated Body Parts: Face, eyes, nose, sinus, pituitary gland, cerebellum

Color: Indigo

Location: Between the eyes (third eye)

Element: All elements

Sense: Sight

Balance: Yang, Masculine, positive

Effect: Understanding, harmony

Zodiac: Sagittarius, Pisces

Planet: Jupiter

Mantra: AUM

Music: Sacred songs and music

Tone (note): A

In Harmony: Awareness of spiritual side of being. Invites intuition and inner awareness, into everyday life. Connects to the universe.

Out Of Harmony: Rejects spiritual aspects. Focus on intellect and science. Only sees obvious, surface meaning. Afraid of intuition.

7# Crown Chakra



Purpose: Here the human being connects with the universe. The totality of a person, as combined from the other Chakras, offers itself to the divine forces of the universe. The individual experiences knowledge beyond words or intellect. Interfacing with cosmic energies and pure consciousness.

Essential Oils: Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Valerian, Olibanum, Oak moss, Lotus, Jasmine, Bay, Lavender

Crystals/Gemstones: Amethyst, Clear and Rose Quartz, Topaz, Alexandrite, Sapphire, Diamond, Zircon, Pearl, Lead

Symbol: Lotus with 1000 petals

Principle: Pure being

Direction: Pointing upward

Associated Body Parts: Brain, cerebellum, skull

Color: Violet, White, Gold

Location: Top and centre of head

Element: All elements

Sense: Oneness with the universe

Balance: Ying/Yang, masculine and feminine

Effect: Cosmic aspects, overcome self-limitations

Zodiac: Capricorn, Aquarius

Planet: Saturn

Mantra: NNN

Music: Silence

Tone (note): OM

In Harmony: Living with the knowledge of unity. Knowing that the self reflects the divine. Abandon individual ego for universal ego.

Out Of Harmony: Unable to let go of anxiety and fear. Unable to imagine cosmic unity. Depressed and unsatisfied.

):( Aura Sprays are great for cleansing and harmonising the Chakras. ):(