This might come as a surprise to some, but did you know that there are 9 different energy systems involved in energy medicine. The one that is the hottest right now is the chakra system. The others are the Auras, Meridians, Basic Grids, Celtic Weave, Five Rhythms, Triple Warmer, Radiant Circuits, and The Electrics. Donna Eden did a fantastic job of explaining this in her book Energy Medicine.
The Chakra (Sanskrit) system is not necessarily unique to the Hindu tradition. In fact, other cultures have been using something similar to the Chakra system as a way to access healing and wisdom. In the US, the Native American tribes referred to them as spiritual centers. The Greeks had something similar. Plato dove into the concept of (something similar to) the Kundalini, which we won’t really get into much here. The Celts had a similar system that went in spirals (from the center out). Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Shiatsu, and Korean traditional medicine all use a system similar to the chakras as well. Hermetic traditions (such as Freemasonry) incorporate the chakras as well.
Today we are going to focus on the most widely used understanding of the Chakras here.
The Chakra System
The energetic system version we typically hear about starts at the bottom of the spine and moves up toward the tippy top of the head. Envision energy swirling around in these centers. Each one is unique in that it corresponds with specific aspects of your personality, responds to unique colors and sounds, and you can even eat to balance them! They code your life’s experiences within them.
There is a wide range of information out there covering the Chakra System in great depth, and my intention is to simply give you a good overview with some tidbits that are sure to inform the novice and experienced practitioner alike.
Below you will find each Chakra is listed with the life stage it corresponds with, color, crystal, specific ailments pertaining to imbalances in that chakra, foods to help balance and feed the energy within it, movement exercises to stimulate and/or calm it, the energy healing modality that is associated with it, the sound, its element, a mudra, and body parts.
A few notes: The ages and stages only go up to 49. If a significant trauma or life event took place during any one of these stages, you will typically see ailments that are related to that chakra. The Root Chakra is a doozie, as many people have experienced trauma related to birth up to the first 7 years of life. From birth to 49 years, one is considered to be in their “spiritual childhood”. Then, once we reach 50 years of age, we begin the 7 year cycles again at the root, beginning our “spiritual adulthood”.
The reason it is so important to get to know your body is that you will learn to identify which body parts really do correspond to each chakra FOR YOU. We are all different, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.
One more trick: When you walk into a new place, you can start to use this energy system by paying attention to the sound that naturally comes out of you. This is your chakra system “pulling” you either toward or away from a situation.
Be sure to print out the free Tour of Your Chakra System Guide by clicking on the button below.
The Root Chakra (Muladhara) Profile
Grounding is the name of the game for this Chakra.
Ages/Stages: Birth-7 : We’re getting to know the world through our senses! First time we’ve experienced things during this lifetime.
Color: Red
Crystal: Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Hematite
Element: Earth
Sound: Uh (Thunder/Earthquake)
Body Parts: Sexual/reproductive organs, Perineum, Anus, Nose, Hamstrings, Calves, Feet
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Addiction, Eating disorders, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Depression, Diarrhea, Frequency of urination, Glaucoma, Hemorrhoids, Knee problems, Sciatica, Boils, Pimples, Anxiety
Energy Healing Modality: Body-centered, Western medicine; Picking the body apart and keeping it healthy; Allopathic medicine; Meridians and Chinese Medicine; Nutrition
Healing Foods: Root veggies like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, beets, onions, garlic, and protein-rich food like eggs, meats, beans, tofu, soy products, peanut butter, chives, paprika, and pepper. Think of comfort food.
The Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana) Profile
Need a quick pick-me-up for creativity and energy? Look no further than this well-spring! Remember that you are unique. This chakra has everything to do with relationships and self-love.
Ages/Stages: 8-14 : Experience
sexuality for the first time; First relationships; Explore what gender “means”
Color: Orange
Crystal: Orange Carnelian, Golden and Yellow Citrine, Tiger’s Eye
Element: Water/Ocean
Sound: Ooo (Ocean)
Body Parts: Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Reproductive System, Genitals
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Urinary tract infections, Cystitis, Endometriosis, Fertility, Fibroids
Energy Healing Modality: Shadow work, Higher self/Lower self work; Tapping; Emotion Code; Aromatherapy
Healing Foods: Nourish this chakra with strawberries, passion fruit, oranges, coconut, honey, and nuts. Spices include cinnamon, vanilla, and sesame seeds
Get the FREE Guide to Your Chakra System
Learn to understand what your body is trying to tell you by getting to know it’s energetic system.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) Profile
This is your power center. It aids you in following through and making decisions with confidence.
Ages/Stages: 15-21 This is when we look at who we are in relation with others; develop strong hopes and dreams; better understanding of what we want in life. Life purpose begins to take hold.
Color: Yellow
Crystal: Pyrite, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Agate
Element: Fire
Sound: Oh (Roaring Fire)
Body Parts: Pancreas, Liver, Lungs, Digestive System, Large Intestine, Stomach, Adrenal Glands
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Celiac’s Disease, Food Allergies, Digestive Problems, Diabetes, Gall Stones, Anxiety
Energy Healing Modality: Yoga, Tai-Chi, Qi-Gong, Hoola Hooping and Belly Dancing
Healing Foods: Grains like rices, flax seed, sunflower seeds and milk, cheeses, yogurt. Spices – ginger, mints, chamomile, turmeric, cumin, fennel
Want the guide? Get it HERE.
The Heart Chakra (Anahata) Profile
This is where the magic happens… love!!! Commonly, if we have been hurt in our hearts, there will be a build-up or even a “mound” that will form on the chest. This is the place to go to look for forgiveness, gratitude…and of course, LOOOOVE!
Ages/Stages: 22-28 : Many meet life partners; look inward and develop a greater love for self; how they want to
make their mark in the world; stronger appreciation for Earth
Color: Green
Crystal: Jade, Rose Quartz (if you’re in a service profession, you will want to wear these all the time!)
Element: Air
Sound: Aah (Wind)
Body Parts: Heart, Circulatory System, Lung
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Allergies, Blood Pressure Problems, Breast Cancer, Circulatory Issues, Fatigue, Heart Disease, Immune Disorders
Energy Healing Modality: Shamanism, Homeopathy, Reiki, Astroplane
Healing Foods: Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, dandelion greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery. Spices/teas: green teas and basil, thyme, and cilantro.
The Throat Chakra (Vishudha) Profile
This is a POWERFUL one for living your life OUT LOUD! Look to the Throat Chakra for help in seeking, expressing, and living your truth!
Ages/Stages: 29-35 : Finding life’s purpose; begin to refine it; able to communicate what you want
Color: Light Blue
Crystal: Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Sodalite
Element: Ether
Sound: Eye (Crickets)
Body Parts: Thyroid, Esophogus, Tooth, Mouth, Shoulder, Cervical Vertebrae, Trachea, Neck, Parathyroid Gland, Vocal Folds, Arm
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Asthma, Bronchitis, Ear Infections, Hearing Problems, Mouth Ulcers, Teeth and Gums, Thyroid Problems
Energy Healing Modality: Light Grid Therapies, Chanting, Sounding and Sound Healing, Music Therapy
Healing Foods: Water, Fruit Juices, Herbal Teas. More can be found in this post: 7 Detox Foods to Open the Throat Chakra.
The Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna) Profile
If you’re looking to develop your insight, intuition, and wisdom, this is your chakra.
Ages/Stages: 36-42 Intuition, wisdom, synthesizing information; Epiphanies; If one becomes too rigid during this time of life, there will be an imbalance in the 3rd Eye.
Color: Indigo
Crystal: Clear Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite, Amethyst, Moonstone, Sodalite
Element: All
Sound: Ay (Bells/space) Body Parts: Pituitary Gland
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Looking to others to think for you/make decisions for you/seeking approval; Overactive daydreaming; Cataracts, Brain Tumors; Dyslexia; Insomnia; Sinus Problems
Energy Healing Modality: Meditation, Archetypes, Buddhism, Psychology, Art Therapy
Healing Foods: Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, wine and grape juice. Spices: poppy seeds.
The Crown Chakra (Sahasara) Profile
This chakra is all about transcendence and connecting with the divine, higher power, God energy, the Universe (or whatever you would like to call it!).
Ages/Stages: 43-49 : Spiritual
awakenings; collective consciousness;
spiritual connection to all beings and
all things. Craving for knowledge and understanding of the universe.
Color: Violet
Crystal: Amethyst, Charoite, Clear Quartz, Howlite
Element: All
Sound: Eee (Om)
Body Parts: Pineal gland, Hair, Top of Head
Ailments Associated with Imbalances: Alzheimers, Depression, Dizziness, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Schitzophrenia, Parkinson’s
Energy Healing Modality: Mystical experiences, prayer, meditation, kundalini work
Healing Foods: Incense and smudging herbs like sage, copal, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper. Fasting and detoxifying are beneficial; Awakens highest form; Spiritual communication
In closing…
When you allow yourself to really dive in and explore your own chakra system, you will be surprised with how much insight each center will provide for you. For example, while working with the Root Chakra may bring up early childhood wounds, truly listening to what is trying to tell you will reveal the specific medicine that is needed for true healing. This system lays the foundation for mind-body understanding, and becoming fluent in interpreting your own body’s energetic system will allow you to discover so much more about the world around you, as well as your own inner potential.
To print out the full guide to your chakra system, be sure to click on the button below.
Get the FREE Guide to Your Chakra System
Learn to understand what your body is trying to tell you by getting to know it’s energetic system.
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