We all need physical, spiritual, or mental healing at some point. Learn how to enhance your healing system by activating the chakra energy centers of transformation.
A Chakra is What Exactly?
The term Chakra (1) comes from the ancient Indian Ayurvedic tradition. Their pioneer work gives us knowledge of 7 chakras, the seven physical and spiritual energy points that run down our spine. There is also evidence that other cultures discovered these energy points independently. However, the Ayurvedic tradition contains the most detailed collection of this information.
A chakra is also the Sanskrit word for wheel or disk. The knowledge about these energy centers comes from the Eastern traditions known as the eightfold path. Other Eastern traditions use this concept in Chinese medicine. Here they call it Chi.
The concept of Chakras came into popular Western culture in the 1800s following the book, The Serpent Power by Sir John Woodroffe (2). He is responsible for highlighting the rainbow of colors associated with each energy point explaining the seven energy centers that run from the base of the spine to an invisible crown above the head.
Activating, aligning, and healing these energy portals is the focal point of many Eastern health and wellness philosophies. Develop a yoga practice that’s right for you. You’ll be glad you did.
A chakra is an energy center or junction point. Many Eastern healing arts base their systems on these energy centers. The theoretical knowledge of these centers has been refined and proven effective with thousands of years of use.
Chakra Energy Centers of Transformation
Our health depends upon the smooth functioning of our body’s electrical system. When we have all 7 chakras open, healthy, and working in harmony, we can achieve our potential in every aspect of life. Many sages talk about aligning and healing these centers for optimal spiritual development.
Their alignment is key to the health of the spirit, mind, and body. There are several ways of opening, cleansing, and maintaining these centers. For example, the primary purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to open these seven Chakras. Both Chinese and Indonesian healing systems have similar processes.
When a chakra is blocked or not working correctly, it causes a cascade of problems throughout the system. Diagnosing and treating these issues is the focus of many Eastern health systems.
Many practitioners visualize these chakra energy centers as swirling spirals. Perhaps this is why we see the spiral symbol in so many cultures. It represents divine energy in many traditions. It is amazing how different cultures discovered these same energy centers. It means a chakra is a universal principle. They all agree that the more healthy, vibrant, and aligned, the more powerful and harmonious the energy flow.
Let’s learn about these energy portals and access or cleanse them. Working our way from the bottom up:
1st Chakra “Muladhara” The root or Base
“I am,” Muladhara, is the energy center located in the perineum. Red is the color accompanying this “base.” It all begins here. This one is the home of our self-preservation instinct. Basic survival and stability are its functions.
This center is our primary power source for our physical vitality and endurance. This center nurtures your most basic needs of self-preservation. It’s also known as the “root chakra” since it roots the body and draws its energy from the Earth.
Every spiritual technology begins with grounding and centering. Connecting with our power and rooting into the Earth are vital elements to any practice. Almost all healing starts with being grounded and centered. It’s the first step in the alignment of all the energy centers. Similarly, proper alignment is essential to healing the mind, body, and soul.
Healing and Aligning the 1st Chakra
The first Chakra is key to the energy flow. It starts here with this center being open and aligned—the chakra energy centers of transformation work in sequence. Always start your alignment practice beginning with the 1st Chakra.
When this Chakra is blocked or not activated, some symptoms are a lack of motivation and sluggishness. There are several ways we can do this. The result is what is known as “being grounded.” Here is a recommended sequence to activate the 1st Chakra.
1 Two-Step Seated Meditation
2 Mindfulness Meditation
3 Forest Bathing
4 Tree Grounding
5 Kundalini Yoga Activation
2nd Chakra “Svadhisthana” The Sacral
“I feel,” Svadhisthana; this center is about three fingers’ width beneath the navel. Its color reference is orange, the center of our larger-than-life passions, such as dreams, ambitions, and fantasies.
This energy portal is the soul’s emotional and sexual center, a fountain of universal energy. It’s your vital link to the world, which bonds you to your loved ones. It is our creative center. When people have a “gut feeling,” this is where it originates.
Healing and Aligning the 2nd Chakra
When you open the 1st Chakra, you send energy to the 2nd. Many Eastern practitioners use healing techniques like Reiki or other healing mantras to heal and realign this center. The signs of misalignment are depression and emotional instability, that is, emotions that change from high to low without any situational reason.
3rd Chakra “Manipurura” The Solar Plexus
“I do,” Manipura is the solar plexus. We associate this center with the color yellow. This one is located just above the navel and is the center of personal strength, learning, and comprehension—our social instinct and self-awareness.
It’s the home of our self-esteem, guiding us through life by creating a vibrant sense of self, awareness of others, setting personal boundaries, and building self-esteem and willpower. The ability to bring change into your life and the world is born within this center.
Healing and Aligning the 3rd Chakra
Lack of self-confidence is one of the main symptoms when this Chakra is blocked. To deal with this, the following are effective.
Chanting healing mantras is helpful. Identifying and preparing harmful thought scripts, then using positive affirmations. Use the methods listed under the 1st Chakra to stimulate energy to this center, and after sufficiently grounded, use the 3rd Eye activation technique.
One key to remember is a chakra is a part of an energy network of the nervous system, so when you affect one Chakra, it will have some effects on the others.
4th Chakra “Anahata” The Heart
“I love” is the energy portal that is the seat of emotion. It is best known for channeling love. But it is the source of all feelings. It conducts all feelings; anger, hate, vulnerability, anxiety, and dependency. At the same time, it can channel unconditional love, compassion, friendliness, and healthy self-love. If this center is not healthy, it sends ripples through our entire being. It all depends on the health of our hearts.
Many believe the heart is one of the main chakra energy centers of transformation. We associate it with the color green. It is in the middle of the chest, just above the heart. This point is in the center of our body mass and radiates energy throughout the body.
This center connects the mind, heart, soul, and body. It is the link to empathy and compassion. It helps us connect with other people, animals, and the environment. Many of the mantras for healing are for this center.
Healing and Aligning the 4th Chakra
Remember, this is our emotional center. The common symptoms of misalignment are feelings of inadequacy, insufficiency, and unworthiness.
One of the best ways to heal this blockage is by giving others what you need. It sounds strange, but it is true. Helping others in need is a powerful way to open your heart. Become a warrior of light showing kindness and compassion. You will feel great and make the world a better place.
The two techniques for achieving Oneness are also effective in revitalizing the heart.
5th Chakra “Visuddha” The Throat
“I Speak,” Visuddha is at the base of the throat. We associate this point with our Adam’s apple and the color blue. The throat is the gate to a truthful existence and the body’s communication center. It is the center that handles outgoing messages.
All speech, even internalized thoughts, filters through this center. We voice (think) our opinions, beliefs, and truths through the throat. When open and in alignment with the other chakras, our words can inspire others and add to the flow of mutual influence.
Healing and Aligning the 5th Chakra
It’s the first of the three spiritual chakras, along with 6 and 7. It handles everything physical, mental, and spiritual with communication. Some common symptoms of its blockage are physical problems with the throat and lack of creativity. People also find it difficult to express ideas and feelings. It’s as if their mind is blocked from finding the right words.
So, difficulties with this Chakra significantly affect our spiritual walk. Meditations that use mantras or sutras are ineffective, but it’s not a problem with the technique; it’s you.
Reiki and Pejut, the Indonesian healing art, are excellent ways to open and heal this Chakra. Pranaya breathing techniques are also a good remedy.
6th Chakra “Ajna” The Third Eye
“I See,” Ajna is the third eye. You can find this one in the center of the forehead. We associate the color indigo with this powerful center. It is responsible for what we refer to as “the sixth sense.” This portal connects our internal intuitions to mystical and logical mind centers. Therefore, it is the center through which all perception of this reality occurs, and it’s perhaps one of the most talked-about energy centers.
Caution for those interested in opening the third eye. Once it is open, it cannot be closed. These techniques alter perception – forever. And depending on your gifts, it might be more than you expect, so be sure you are ready.
Healing and Aligning the 6th Chakra
This Chakra is the home of the powerful 3rd eye. It is the link to higher levels of perception. If it is not activated, you lack fundamental intuitive wisdom and knowledge. But, the loss of these can be hard to recognize.
It manifests in poor decision-making, exacerbated by exposure to groupthink manipulation programming. This harmful propaganda comes from the three major Wester Semitic religions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Unhealthy magical thinking makes people believe in counterculture paranoia and conspiracy theories.
The path to repair this spiritual Chakra first requires the removal of the roadblocks. Don’t try to activate the 3rd eye to remedy unhealthy programming. It will simply further skew your perception.
7th Chakra “Sahasrara” The Crown
“I understand,” is Sahasrara, the crown. People associate the last energy point above the head with the color white. It’s the center we associate with pure consciousness, wisdom, sacredness, and wholeness.
This center is responsible for connecting our consciousness to the source of consciousness of the Universe. It’s the gateway that enables the expression of higher states of consciousness. It’s not surprising we often picture enlightened teachers in portraits with a “halo” of white light above their heads. It is the passageway to such experiences as Oneness.
Healing and Aligning the 7th Chakra
The highest spiritual center has a direct connection to our intellect. When it is blocked or out of balance, we reject new ideas and degenerate into other unhealthy thinking associated with mental illness, psychosis, and narcissism. We can see these traits in other people, but it’s difficult for people who exhibit this thinking to recognize it without professional assistance.
To clear minor issues with this Chakra, you must find the proper mantra or sutra and use it regularly. Use the spiritual technologies mentioned to heal and align the other chakras.
Learning How to Align and Heal a Chakra is Essential
If we apply the proper techniques, the 7 chakra energy centers of transformation are our source of natural healing. Using any of the spiritual technologies will positively affect your health and wellness. Many believe the key to better health and healing is finding the right balance of these techniques. It provides a way to access our source. They help to keep us in alignment and balance.
Learn to spot the symptoms of misalignment and take appropriate action. When a chakra is blocked or misaligned, it will harm our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
References
(1) Chakra.
(2) John Woodroffe.
