Chakras are energy points that run from the crown of the head down the spine. Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel, each signifies a rotating vortex of subtle energy translated to seven basic centres in the body. Chakras simultaneously draw a parallel to major nerve ganglia which branch forth from the spinal column and correlate to various organs & body functions. 1-12 Additionally Chakras represent senses, colours and emotional levels.
Chakras originate in many Eastern traditions and have been absorbed into various areas of healing and wellbeing. Chakras also thought to correlate to levels of consciousness, elements of personal characteristics, developmental stages of life and are thought to reflect a spiritual journey. Chakras are associated with specific healing techniques such as acupuncture and acupressure key points (See Hot Stones Massage), and are believed to correspond with chronic and acute conditions physically, mentally and emotionally.1-12
Mind: Enlightenment, self-knowledge, wisdom, spirit, higher self
Body: Brain/Cerebral Cortex and central nervous system. Pituitary: produces 8 hormones regulating growth, blood pressure, pregnancy and childbirth, energy and water balance
Spirit/Sahasrara: Crown relates to consciousness, as pure awareness, connection to divine. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, space-less place of all-knowing. When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, and bliss.
Violet/Purple: Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz Crystal, Sugilite
Mind: Intuition, psychic abilities, self-reflection, knowing, telepathy
Body: Hypothalamus and pineal gland, which is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin/serotonin, which regulates patterns of sleep and awakening, and influences mood (SAD). Also the eyes, ears, Eustachian tubes, dizziness, vertigo. dementia, neuritis and migraine
Spirit/Ajna: associated to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively, opens our psychic faculties, raises our awareness, allows us to “see the bigger picture”
Indigo: Lapiz Lazuli, Sapphire, Sodalite
Mind: Communication, speech, listening, self-expression, singing
Body: Cervical ganglia, bronchi, vocal apparatus, alimentary canal, thyroid and parathyroids, regulates metabolism, growth and maturation
Spirit/Vishuddha: silence, shyness, introverted. When to speak the truth, and when to listen, finding the words to apologise and soothe. Shock and grief. Peace and calm. “shoulder responsibility”
Pale Blue: Blue Lace Agate, Celestite, Turquoise, Blue Topaz
Mind: Devotion, love, compassion, healing, self-acceptance, balanced emotion
Body: Heart, blood, circulation system and cardiac conditions & respiratory system, lungs, diaphragm, breathlessness. Immunity, for fighting off disease, adversely affected by stress and emotions
Spirit/Anahata: balance and well-being, mind and body, male and female, ego and unity. Balanced heart chakra allows us to self-love, give and receive love, feel compassion and centeredness. Surrender fears, bitterness and resentment. Overcoming loss, depression and bereavement.
Green : Jade, Aventurine, Emerald, Malachite, Rose Quartz
Mind: Ego, self- control, identity, will power, action, freedom, career
Body: Digestive system, stomach, duodenum, gall bladder, liver and pancreas, and conversion of food into energy. Diabetes. Skin conditions like eczema, Anxiety, Phobias, Nervousness, Worry, and stomach ulcers
Spirit/ Manipura: power-centre, vitality, personal power and strength, energy-drive aspirations and spontaneity . Effectiveness, conquer lack of confidence, build self esteem and courage to overcome shyness, “Lion from Wizard of Oz”
Yellow : Yellow Amber, Tigers Eye, Calcite, Gold
Mind: sexuality, self-gratification, passion, creativity, reproduction, change
Body: lower abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, gonads, hormone and reproductive cycle, which can cause dramatic mood swings. Fluid balance Lymphatic’s, oedema, kidneys, and bladder. Pelvic problems and Sciatic nerve can cause lower back pain and issues with your gait. Jealousy, envy, negativity, greed and spite. Warmth and drive
Spirit/Swadhisthanna: allied to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality, bodily fluids. It connects us to others through feeling of pleasure, desire, sensation, and movement. Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, generosity depth of feeling, sexual fulfilment, and the ability to accept change
Orange: Carnelian, Topaz, Amber
Mind: Basic instinct, survival, protection, self-preservation, security, grounding and strength
Body: Spinal column, bones, Legs, feet, low energy levels and no enthusiasm for life. Stimulates the skin and muscles of perineum. Mental illness and insecurity, when balanced it is beneficial for enhancing leadership skills
Base chakra/ Muludhara: sacrococcyx, this chakra forms our foundation. It represents our connection to the element earth, and our survival instincts, security, also to basic human potential, rooting our bodies … taking us “back to the bone”
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Red Gasper, Sayronyx, Ruby