What are Chakras?

Along the Sushumna Nadi, the pranic {vital energy that sustains all life} channel along the spine, there are seven major energy centers, called chakras. Chakras can seem a little overwhelming at first. However, by simply bringing our awareness to our breath + body, we immediately begin to shift them toward a state of harmony. In short, this is what many yoginis call chakra balancing.

In the physical body, chakras have been studied to show a bundle of nerves in seven areas of the body. When certain physical sensations present themselves to us, they correspond to a chakra’s condition. If energy gets stuck in the physical body through an injury or such, then it can manifest in other aspects through our energy system.

Did you know, the quality of our breath is directly related to the quality of our mind? When more Prana {life-force} flows into our organs, cells, and tissues, we can literally feel a difference: your heart-rate slows down and you begin to notice subtle sensations.

This means, when you balance your chakras you can become more aware of your anger before it turns into rage. If you struggle with anxious feelings, try grounding your root chakra and opening your heart chakra before those emotions become debilitating. The more you bring awareness to yourself, you will be able to tune into deeper sensations, emotions and meanings.

How do I know what Chakra needs balancing?

When beginning a meditation, a yoga practice, or just as a daily practice, listening to your body is most important to understand how you feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. If you are unsure which chakra to focus on, ask yourself “how do I feel?”, then ask “where do I feel that in my body?” Chakra balancing is more about bringing ourselves back into a state of harmony within all the chakras together.

Sometimes injuries present themselves when we need to bring a chakra back into harmony. For instance, if you’re constantly stubbing you toes, you might be running around so much it’s time to slow down and ground your root chakra. Do you get a lump in your throat when you’re holding back from speaking? That’s your throat chakra closing up. How about that “gut feeling” you get when you just know something is right/wrong? That’s your solar plexus and your identity guiding you.

How to Balance my Chakras

Honestly, this is not an easy answer. So, here are a few suggestions to not overwhelm you. Ideally, make it a daily practice to pay attention.

Firstly, yoga is a great way to move prana and get out of feeling stuck (that’s why we feel so good after a class). {psssst. head over to asanaonline.life to practice with me. Many of my classes are chakra focused, too!}

Secondly, I am a firm believe in nature as medicine. I love using essential oils, crystals, and just being out in nature itself as a form of healing. Make sure you check out my Chakra Collection for a seriously amazing spray that not only brings your chakras toward balance, but also smells amazing. Not to mention, crystals + herbs + teas are a beautiful way to bring our energy back toward harmony.

Lastly, Reiki has been one of the most profound teachings and practices I have learned to support myself and others. Through this energy healing method, I channel love + prayers + white Light to bring your energy system back toward a state of harmony. When in combination with yoga, meditation, and essential oils is profound.

The Chakra Reference Guide

Although this is not an in-depth explanation for chakra balancing, use this {simple} Chakra Reference Guide to help you discover more about your chakras and how to support yourself. Each chakra has its own color, sound, element, location, chakra pair, crystals, essential oils, emotions, blocks, excess, depletion, etc. These are simply tools to guide us in our healing process, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, or spiritually.

7 : Crown Chakra : Sahasrara

Element: Consciousness
Sound: Silent Aum
Color: White (or light purple)
Location: Top of the head
Opens upward.
Pair: Root Chakra
Yoga Poses: most inversions
Crystal: Lepidolite
Essential Oil: Lime

The connection to the Divine {God, Universe, Source}, and trusting in the bigger picture. Oneness.

“I trust”
“I understand”
“I am you. You are me. We are One”

6 : Third Eye Chakra : Ajna

Element: Light
Sound: Om
Color: Indigo
Location: Between eyebrows.
Opens front + back.
Pair: Sacral Chakra
Yoga Poses: Meditation + child’s pose
Crystal: Girasol Opal
Essential Oil: Yarrow|Pom

Sees the inner and outer world clearly through intuitive + psychic awareness. Perception.

“I see”
“I know”

5 : Thoat Chakra : Visuddha

Element: Space
Sound: Ham
Color: Sky Blue
Location: neck
Opens front + back.
Pair: Solar Plexus
Yoga Poses: shoulderstand, fish, bridge, lion’s breath, chanting
Crystal: Apatite
Essential Oil: Lavender

Creatively expressing your Truth, inner listening, and receiving truth from others. Purification.

“I speak”
“I listen”
“I live an authentic life”