Chakra
Chakra
Chakra
Chakra Centre®
People Crystals
Chakra's Guide
A Guide to Open and Balance
Each Energy Center
The word “chakra”—and its sometimes hard-to-grasp meaning—may feel
foreign or unapproachable to many of us. Though the history of chakras
spans centuries, the idea of balancing our seven main energy centers has
gained popularity in the hyper-connected smartphone era where work-life
balance and taking time to focus on the self are often rarities. In this book,
you’ll find a breakdown of each chakra, its corresponding colors, sounds, and
emotions, and ways to tap into the key functions. Because chakra history is
vast and there are varying beliefs about their complex nature (from origins to
legitimacy), we’re presenting this information as a broad overview—think of it
as a beginner’s guide to balancing the chakras.
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Table of Contents
Introduction — 3
Chakra History — 5
Root Chakra — 9
Sacral Chakra — 12
Solar Plexus Chakra — 15
Heart Chakra — 18
Throat Chakra — 21
Third Eye Chakra — 24
Crown Chakra — 27
Conclusion — 30
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Introduction
The name chakra comes from the Sanskrit word for wheel, in reference
to the chariot wheels of rulers called
cakravartins (the original “cakra” was
pronounced with a “ch,” but we usually
see it written now as “chakra”). Energy
from each these parallel points, called
chi, ki, or prana, is thought to flow in a
spiral fashion so long as each chakra is
open. Other ancient eastern traditions,
including pranayama, qi gong, acupuncture,
and tai chi also focus on this flow called
pranic energy. Early mentions of chakras
deem them the facilitators to a stable,
more connected life (both to ourselves
and to others). By focusing on these
centers and paying attention to their
specific roles, it’s believed we can reach
our highest potential. There are seven
main chakras, each located at various
points along the spine. Some scriptural texts reference more, but we’ll
be addressing the core seven.
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are blocked, individuals can develop physical and mental illnesses. Though
chakras are rarely mentioned in Western medicine, many chakra pundits
believe in their physiological merit. While the chakras are invisible, each is
located at a major network of arteries, veins, and nerves along the spine.
Neurochemists have found a connection between the seven core chakras
and specific endocrine glands with nearly identical functions and descriptions
(such as the thyroid and the throat chakra). It’s pretty remarkable
humans had a confident sense of these points thousands of years ago
before knowledge about the central nervous system was fairly common.
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There are many interpretations of both the meaning and history of the
chakra system. Chakras are referenced in new age yoga classes on a regular
basis, but they’re nothing new. Spawning from ancient tradition, chakras were
likely spoken of far before they were scrawled on paper. It’s believed yoga
was created around the chakras with the goal of balancing both the mind
and body. Much like its circular namesake, countless people are circling
back to this ancient philosophy to manage demanding lives. Today, many
of us lead fast-paced lifestyles. With a changing outlook toward holistic
health, people continue to turn to alternative medicine for a less
invasive way to reduce stress, gain spirituality, and manage emotional and
physical imbalances.
Chakra Timeline
200 BC
Chakras described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
(a compilation of yoga teachings and philosophies).
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600 AD
Chakras described in the Yoga Upanishads (a collection
of texts with some of the first references of Hindu,
Buddhist, and Jain beliefs).
10th century
Padaka-Pancaka written with descriptions of the chakras and
their functions, Gorakshashatakam written with instructions
for meditating on the chakras.
1577
Sat-Cakra-Nirupana written with descriptions of the
chakras and their functions.
1919
Chakras introduced to the Western world by Englishman
Arthur Avalon in the book “The Serpent Power,” a
translation of Padaka-Pancaka and Sat-Cakra-Nirupana.
1960s
Interest in Eastern spirituality and healing gained steam in the
Western world, bringing with it a new, accepting attitude
toward the chakra system.
Today
Modern society continues to open up to alternative medicine.
The Chakras
It’s believed chakras are influenced by our thoughts and the environment,
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but also by the state of other individuals’ chakras. Each chakra then affects
different parts of the body. Just like our internal organs have specific
functions—such as the heart pumping blood through the body—the
chakras are thought to have physical functions. The lower six chakras
help enable cognition, respiration, circulation, digestion, reproduction, and
excretion. Channels, called meridians or nadis, connect the chakras to
one another and help the prana (or chi or ki) travel through the chakras.
Note It’s always a good idea to start out with a meditation or yoga instructor
for guidance before starting on your own.
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Chakra one
Effects of imbalances
The root chakra controls the adrenal gland
and excretion system and is connected to
the bones, nails, gonads, anus, rectum, colon,
prostate gland, and blood. A deficiency in or
blockage of this chakra can lead to anxiety, fear
of rejection, feeling run-down and sick, knee
pain, sciatica, and constipation.
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Color
Envision the color red glowing at the base of
the spine grounding you to the earth.
Affirmations
“I am peaceful, protected, and secure,” “I am
safe always, I am loved,” “I love my body.”
Crystals
Smoky quartz, ruby, onyx,
garnet, hematite
Essential oils
Cedarwood, patchouli
Healing foods
Red-colored foods including beets and apples, hot spices like cayenne pepper,
root vegetables, animal proteins
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Chakra two
Effects of imbalances
The sacral chakra controls the testes, ovaries,
and reproductive system and is connected to the
pelvis, kidneys, production of adrenaline, womb,
and bladder. A deficiency in or blockage of this
chakra can lead to fear of pleasure, resistance
to change, a block in creativity, a sense of
dryness or emptiness, sexual problems or
discomfort, hip, pelvic,
and low back pain,
urinary problems, and
reproductive issues.
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Color
Envision the color orange glowing below the
navel energizing your pleasure center.
Affirmations
“I am a sensual, creative being,” “I am radiant and
strong,” “I feel comfortable with my sexuality.”
Crystals
Golden topaz, citrine, carnelian
Essential oils
Rose, jasmine, sandalwood
Healing foods
Orange-colored foods including oranges and tangerines, nuts
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Chakra three
The solar plexus chakra (also known as the power or naval chakra) is related
to fire, ego, identity, transforming knowledge, solar/cosmic force, will, self-
definition, autonomy, metabolism, and masculine principle. It brings us energy,
effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.
Effects of imbalances
The solar plexus chakra controls the pancreas
and digestive system and is connected to the
lower back, liver, spleen, gall bladder, pancreas,
and the production of insulin. A deficiency in or
blockage of this chakra can lead to frustration,
powerlessness, low self-esteem, eating disorders,
digestive problems, stomach ulcers, pancreas and
gallbladder issues, high blood pressure, diabetes,
liver dysfunction, and
colon diseases.
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Color
Envision the color yellow glowing between the
navel and the rib cage, making you stronger and
more connected.
Affirmations
“I like my power and abilities,” “I am empowered
in everything I do,” “I trust my own guidance.”
Crystals
Sunstone, yellow citrine, aventurine quartz
Essential oils
Ylang ylang, bergamot
Healing foods
Yellow-colored foods including bananas and corn, grains, tea
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Chakra four
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Color
Envision the color green
glowing in the middle of your
chest allowing you to first love
yourself, then others.
Affirmations
“I completely love and accept myself,” “I understand my emotions,” “I give
and receive love unconditionally.”
Crystals
Green jade, green calcite, watermelon tourmaline, emerald, rose quartz
Essential oils
Rose, bergamot
Healing foods
Green-colored foods including leafy greens and vegetables, green tea
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Chakra five
Effects of imbalances
The throat chakra controls the thyroid glands
and is connected to the throat, neck, thyroid and
parathyroid glands, ears, windpipe, and the upper
part of the lungs. A deficiency in or blockage
of this chakra can lead to anxiety over others’
reactions to our views, self-censorship, a fear of
speaking, neck stiffness, teeth grinding, laryngitis,
ulcers, and an underactive thyroid.
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Color
Envision the color blue glowing in the middle of
the throat increasing your ability to communicate.
Affirmations
“My thoughts are positive and truthful,”
“I communicate with clarity and ease,”
“I improve my communication every day.”
Crystals
Turquoise, sodalite, celestite, aquamarine
Essential oils
Chamomile
Healing foods
Fresh juice, tea, all varieties of fruit
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Chakra six
The third eye chakra (also called the brow chakra) is related to light, identity,
insight, intuition, self-reflection, and the act of seeing–both physically and
intuitively. It allows us to see clearly, letting us observe the big picture.
Effects of imbalances
The third eye chakra controls the brain and the
pituitary gland and is connected to the face, nose,
sinuses, ears, eyes, and brain functions that include
the pituitary gland, cerebellum, and central nervous
system. A deficiency in or blockage of this chakra
can lead to self-doubt,
distrust, poor ability
to visualize, inability
to remember dreams,
decreased memory,
headaches, sinus issues,
seizures, hearing loss,
and eye problems.
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Color
Envision the color indigo glowing in the middle
of the forehead providing you focus and mental
clarity.
Affirmations
“I love my mind. It is strong and capable,” “I trust
my intuition,” “I am aware in every moment.”
Crystals
Fluorite, amethyst, azurite
Essential oils
Rose, geranium, hyacinth, violet
Healing foods
Purple-colored fruits including grapes and blueberries, chocolate, lavender
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Chakra seven
Effects of imbalances
The crown chakra controls the whole being and
is connected to the cerebrum and pineal gland. A
deficiency in or blockage of this chakra can lead
to depression, confusion, loss of faith, apathy,
materialism and skepticism of spirituality or
religion, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Color
Envision the color violet glowing on the top of the
head connecting you to the greater universe.
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Affirmations
“I connect with spirit,” “I am who I
am,” “I choose to live my life from a
place of love.”
Crystals
Amethyst, clear quartz, diamond
Essential oils
Lavender, rosewood, frankincense
Healing foods:
The crown chakra benefits more from clean, fresh air than foods.
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Conclusion
Sources:
Chakras: Balance Your Body’s Energy for Health and Harmony
yogajournal.com (and yogajournal.com)
sacredcenters.com
gaiam.com
wheelsoflight.org
kundaliniyoga.org
chopra.com
crystalinks.com
yogisource.com
auracacia.com
omicsonline.org
ayurveda.nz
coresynchronism.org
kate-allen.com
mindbodygreen.com
chakra-anatomy.com
suprapowers.com
psi-researchcentre.co.uk
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