What Are Chakras And How Are They Related To Your Wellbeing?

So, you have probably heard the word “chakra” before - am I right? It's definitely a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what are they, and what are they connected to exactly?

The word chakra (pronounced cha-kra) in Sanskrit means a “disk” or “orb,” and refers to the seven energy centers that are found in the human body, along the spine and up through the top of the head. These energy centers not only correspond to emotional aspects of our lives, to organs and certain areas of the body, but are also closely intertwined with our nervous systems. Chakras are essentially points at which human bodies have large networks of nerve bundles. 

Even though the concept of chakras was derived from Vedic teachings dating back to 50 B.C. and from historical Ayurvedic practice, it actually blends perfectly with what modern, Western medicine knows today to be true. Vedic teachings illustrate the way in which chakras, when open, create a healthy flow of energy that creates balance, overall wellness, and vitality in a person. These areas of chakra placement are actually correlated to key points in your nervous system. Cool, I know!

Now that you know how they are related to an intrinsic part of your body - the nervous system - let’s cover where and what the seven chakras actually are...

Root Chakra

Also known as the Muladhara (moo-lah-dar-ah) or the first chakra, it can be thought of as “rooting” you to safety and security, and is found in the area around the lowest part of your spine, near your bladder, and colon. Like roots that hold a tree in the ground, the root chakra is all about standing tall and proud as we exist in the world. When this chakra is open, you may feel brave, safe, secure, and more ready for new things. 

Sacral Chakra

Found below your navel, but above your pubic bone the Svadhisthana (swa-dhi-shtah-na), or second chakra, is the center of your sexual and creative energies. When this chakra is open, you may feel extra passionate and possess a strong willingness or drive to express yourself in creative forms. 

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Manipura (ma-ni-poo-rah), third chakra is found in your core, between your navel and your breastbone. The word Manipura in Sanskrit translates to “luminous gem” and is believed to ignite your personal source of power. This makes sense, as when we think about core strength we think about the part of our body that gives us the most power, as well as the ability to stand strong and tall. When this chakra is open you may feel confident and strong in all you do!

Heart Chakra

Located in the center of your chest, nearly in the middle of your spine is the fourth chakra, anahata (ah-na-ha-tah). This fourth chakra connects the emotional, physical, mindful, and spiritual qualities of a person. It also acts as a source of connection between what are thought of as the three “lower” energies, chakras 1-3, and the “higher” energies, chakras 5-7. When your heart chakra is open you may feel very connected to others, open to love, and more drawn toward compassion. 

Throat Chakra

The Vishuddha (vi-shoo-dah) chakra is the fifth chakra, and encompasses the area around your throat. This chakra is associated with communication and vocal expression. This chakra also includes the thyroid, mouth, jaw, and tongue. When your throat chakra is open you may feel more empowered to share opinions, communicate openly, and speak your truth more freely.

Third Eye Chakra

The sixth chakra, Ajna (ah-jnah), is between the eyebrows, in the space between your eyes. Ajna is the energy center that guides your intuition, or your power to know and perceive things in and about the world. When this chakra is open you may be more inclined to listen to your intuition and allow your internal knowledge to guide you through the world. 

Crown Chakra 

The seventh chakra, Sahaswara (sa-ha-srA-ra), can be found at the crown, or very top of your head. This is the chakra of spiritual thought and connection with ourselves, the world around us, and divinity or higher spirituality. When this chakra is open - which can be difficult to maintain all the time - you may feel at your most creative capacity, capable of feeling your highest level of understanding and spirituality.

Speaking of chakras...

I created an entire course that helps you reset your entire nervous system with essential oils and yoga practices specific to each chakra or nerve bundle in your body.

It's called the 7 DAY CHAKRA CLEANSE.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL GET IN THIS COURSE:

• 7 chakra-based, full-length yoga and wellness practices to rebalance, strengthen, and reset your entire nervous system— each less than 30 minutes in length.
• Key Meditations and Mantras for self-love, healing, and busting through mental and physical blocks.
• Inner Self Deep Dive into how energetic imbalance can affect all aspects of your life.
• Learn to use specific Essential Oils to balance over-active or under-active chakras. (This really works!)
• Even when you’ve completed this course, you can revisit it anytime you need an energetic reset – it’s yours for life!
• Bonus 7 Day Chakra Cleanse E-book for quick reference.

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER MORE

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