Understanding the Health Benefits of Chakras

The term Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk. While our body is made up of many energy centers, there are seven major Chakras - or "spinning wheels of energy" - that run from the base of our spine to the top of our head. Each of these corresponds with important nerve centers and glands, and each is correlated with aspects of our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Breathing, digestion, energy levels, creativity, sexuality, survival instincts, confidence and relationships are all tied in to specific Chakras within this energy system.

Chakras can be measured using modern, scientific instruments, which show that these seven energy centers are the locations where energy within the body's system is most concentrated.

Energy is the basis of life and flows through everything we come in contact with. For thousands of years different cultures have known this information and have understood the importance of maintaining healthy energy flow and balance. However, it was not until the time of Quantum Physics and Albert Einstein that modern Western cultures began to recognize that all things in the universe - and all life - are energy-based and are completely interconnected through this flowing, vibrating energy.

While Western physicists and scientists have established that matter (such as our physical body) is simply condensed, organized, low-vibration energy, Western medicine does not yet fully incorporate this into medical treatment. Because of this, modalities that work to heal the energy system of the body work well as a compliment to Western medicine's focus on the physical matter comprising our bodies.

It is widely recognized that stress, ailments and physical and emotional trauma all affect our body and its ability to heal itself. By working with our body's energy system, we are able to more fully address these issues and bring our bodies back to a place of health and greater healing.

Perhaps the simplest way to understand your Chakras is to see them as the points of entrance where this universal, interconnected energy enters your body and is transformed and disseminated to allow for proper functioning of organs, glands, nerves and systems. When these energy centers are blocked or out of alignment, the free flow of energy is thwarted, thus leading to less efficiency of necessary functions, lower rates of healing and physical and emotional dis-ease.

Balancing or re-aligning these energy centers allows for the free, unobstructed flow of energy, thus giving your body a necessary component for proper functioning, healing and overall well-being.

The names and stones* used for each Chakra vary slightly between traditions and practitioners. The list below is meant to offer a basic, easy to understand foundation for understanding your Chakras.

Root Chakra - Red
Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine
Importance: Groundedness, security, stability, physical energy, strength, loyalty, self-esteem
Physical: Adrenal glands, spinal column, kidneys, lymphatic system, colon, spleen
Indications: Anxiety, depression, joint issues, digestive/elimination issues, lack of stability or feeling grounded, insecurity, impatience, anger
Element: Earth
Stones: Bloodstone, hematite, obsidian, smoky quartz, onyx
Corresponding Resonance (Note): C

Sacral Chakra - Orange
Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana
Location: Lower Abdomen
Importance: Creativity, sexuality, healing, emotion, reproduction, acceptance of others, ability to accept change
Physical: Reproductive organs, bladder, spleen
Indications: Depression, apathy, hip problems, menstrual problems, guilt, urinary infections, lack of tolerance & acceptance of others, issues involving sexuality
Element: Water
Stones: Carnelian, red jasper
Corresponding Resonance (Note): D

Solar Plexus/Power Chakra - Yellow
Sanskrit name: Manipura
Location: Solar Plexus
Importance: Connection, ambition, intellect, personal power, will, self-respect
Physical: Nervous system, pancreas, digestive system, stomach, liver
Indications: Stress, chronic fatigue, inflammation, heartburn, hypo- or hyperglycemia, nausea, obesity, ulcers, hypertension, digestive issues, anger, fear, lack of connection, lack of self-assertiveness, lack of will
Element: Fire
Stones: Citrine, tiger's eye
Corresponding Resonance (Note): E

Heart Chakra - Green
Sanskrit name: Anahata
Location: Mid-chest (near heart)
Importance: Centeredness, emotional balance, acceptance, compassion, love, emotion, affection, integration of mind and body
Physical: Heart, thymus gland, liver, immune system, blood circulation
Indications: Heart/lung/vascular problems, stress, shortness of breath, bronchitis, shyness, feelings of loneliness, emotional trauma
Element: Air
Stones: Green tourmaline, adventurine, rose quartz, green jade
Corresponding Resonance (Note): F

Throat Chakra - Blue
Sanskrit name: Vishuddha
Location: Throat
Importance: Communication, self-expression, honesty, genuineness
Physical: Thyroid, throat, lungs, metabolism
Indications: Depression, lack of or problems with communication, hypothyroidism, neck problems
Element: Sound
Stones: Blue lace agate, amazonite
Corresponding Resonance (Note): G

Brow Chakra - Indigo
Sanskrit name: Ajna
Location: Brow
Importance: Concentration, self-reflection, intuition, wisdom, spiritual awareness
Physical: Endocrine system, eyes/nose/sinuses/ears, spine, pineal gland
Indications: Tension, headaches, lack of concentration, insomnia, migraines, sinus issues, insecurity, jealousy, poor sleep/bad dreams
Element: Light
Stones: Amethyst, moonstone, lapis lazuli, sodalite
Corresponding Resonance (Note): A

Crown Chakra - Violet
Sanskrit name: Sahasrara
Location: Crown of head
Importance: Spirituality, self-knowledge, trust, awareness
Physical: Central nervous system, brain, pituitary gland
Indications: Depression, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, migraines, lack of inspiration, holding on to limiting beliefs, confusion
Element: Thought
Stones: Clear quartz, amethyst
Corresponding Resonance (Note): B

It is important to note that these are only the seven major Chakras; each of us has many more centers of energy, particularly in our torso, hands and feet.

*A note about stones: Stones vary in density and, thus, have differing energy vibrations. While many cultures have used stones for thousands of years, we can now use modern technology to actually measure the rates of vibration to better understand how they relate to different energy centers in the body. By comparing vibrational rates of stones, we are able to determine which ones will best compliment and influence the rates of vibration for each of our energy centers.