Chakra Balancing and Alignment
The word “chakra” from Sanskrit translates to “wheel” or “disk,” but references a spiritual energy centre within the human body, of which there are seven along the spine, and through the neck and the crown of your head. They each correspond to specific organs as well as physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual states of being and influence all areas of your life. “Within these chakras is ‘prana,’ or the ultimate pure healing energy, that’s all around us and within us, to keep us healthy, happy and vibrant.” The study of the seven chakras and chakra alignment is rooted in the belief that “when the chakras are open and aligned, our energy is constantly free-flowing, allowing prana to flow through them. Hence, healing us from our problems.
The root Chakra
Location: The root chakra is associated with the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae.
When it’s blocked: A variety of ailments can occur from blockages, including anxiety disorders, fears, or nightmares, adherents say. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, with the bladder, with elimination, or with lower back, leg, or feet issues.
The root Chakra
Location: The root chakra is associated with the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae.
When it’s blocked: A variety of ailments can occur from blockages, including anxiety disorders, fears, or nightmares, adherents say. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, with the bladder, with elimination, or with lower back, leg, or feet issues.
The sacral Chakra
Location: Above the pubic bone and below the navel
When it’s blocked: When you’re feeling uninspired creatively or have some emotional instability, your sacral chakra may be misaligned. Likewise, this can also be associated with physical sexual disfunction, while also potentially experiencing fear of change, depression, or addiction-like behaviors.
solar plexus Chakra
Location: From the navel to about the ribcage, it reportedly governs all things metabolic, digestive, and stomach-related.
When it’s blocked: You can suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty making decisions, and may have anger or control issues. It’s not just feeling badly about yourself, but also may lead you to outwardly express apathy, procrastination, or that you’re able to be taken advantage of easily. Likewise, you’ll also possibly have a tummy ache of some kind such as digestive issues or gas. (Ugh.)
solar plexus Chakra
Location: From the navel to about the ribcage, it reportedly governs all things metabolic, digestive, and stomach-related.
When it’s blocked: You can suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty making decisions, and may have anger or control issues. It’s not just feeling badly about yourself, but also may lead you to outwardly express apathy, procrastination, or that you’re able to be taken advantage of easily. Likewise, you’ll also possibly have a tummy ache of some kind such as digestive issues or gas. (Ugh.)
The Heart Chakra
Location: The centre of the chest, encapsulating the heart, the thymus gland (which plays a vital role in your endocrine and lymphatic system), the lungs, and the breasts.
When it’s blocked: A closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others. When underactive, we may be emotionally closed off, and find it difficult to get over past hurts and forgive. As a result, it could become hard to give and receive love, which will have a knock on effect on our relationships.
The throat Chakra
Location: The name says it all—anatomically; the throat chakra is associated with the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.
When it’s blocked: In the case of an underactive throat chakra a person may find it hard to truly express themselves. “They may literally swallow their words, and in doing so, swallow their true feelings.” In addition to having trouble speaking your truth, you find it hard to pay attention and stay focused, or fear judgment from others—which can further hinder your ability to keep it real. Physically, this blockage can manifest itself as a sore throat, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder stiffness, or tension headaches.
Signs of an overactive throat chakra include talking too much, being overly domineering in conversations, and being overly critical or judgmental of others
The throat Chakra
Location: The name says it all—anatomically; the throat chakra is associated with the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.
When it’s blocked: In the case of an underactive throat chakra a person may find it hard to truly express themselves. “They may literally swallow their words, and in doing so, swallow their true feelings.” In addition to having trouble speaking your truth, you find it hard to pay attention and stay focused, or fear judgment from others—which can further hinder your ability to keep it real. Physically, this blockage can manifest itself as a sore throat, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder stiffness, or tension headaches.
Signs of an overactive throat chakra include talking too much, being overly domineering in conversations, and being overly critical or judgmental of others
The Third-eye Chakra
Location: Physically located between the eyebrows, the third eye is said to rule organs including the pituitary gland, eyes, head, and lower part of the brain.
When it’s blocked: You may have trouble accessing your intuition, trusting your inner voice, recalling important facts, or learning new skills. And if your lower chakras—AKA the root, sacral, solar plexus, and heart chakras—and are unbalanced, your third eye will likely be as well, which may cause you to act more judgmental, dismissive, and introverted. With an underactive brow chakra we may overly intellectualize things and try to ‘work things out’ which can result in feeling both overwhelmed and exhausted, and disconnects us from the power of our own intuition. As a result we may be quite fearful and distrustful of the process of life and have anxiety over the future. A third-eye blockage is associated with a broad range of issues, including depression, anxiety, and a more judgmental attitude—while physically, it’s said to cause headaches, dizziness, and a slew of other brain-health issues. Meanwhile, having a wide-open third eye can lead to an overactive imagination and a mind that runs away with us
The crown Chakra
Location: The crown of the head
When it’s blocked: With an underactive crown chakra we may feel apathetic and listless, almost energetically numb and feel a sense of disconnection which results in a lack of direction and purpose in life. Or, you might feel like your regular self—just not in an exalted state of spiritual connection and enlightenment, which is totally okay and seriously normal.
The crown Chakra
Location: The crown of the head
When it’s blocked: With an underactive crown chakra we may feel apathetic and listless, almost energetically numb and feel a sense of disconnection which results in a lack of direction and purpose in life. Or, you might feel like your regular self—just not in an exalted state of spiritual connection and enlightenment, which is totally okay and seriously normal.