The Chakras

The word Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disc and there are seven major chakras/energy centres in the body and several more minor ones.  Each of these centres correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the Chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colours, sounds, body functions and much more. Each of the seven major Chakras is a centre of activity that receives, assimilates and expresses life force energy. They are instrumental in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual functioning. Although there are 40 significant Chakras in the body the most significant ones are the seven main ones;

Root - The Root chakra is colour Red and is located at the base of the spine. It is our foundation chakra and is instrumental in forming our physical identity, survival instinct, stability, security and self preservation.  Physically it governs the spine, feet and legs, immune system and the nervous system. Too much energy in this Chakra can result in lethargy, obesity, overeating, materialism and greed. Too little results in anxiety, insecurity, fear of abandonment, restlessness and lack of self discipline.                                                                

When the Root chakra is balanced we have good health, vitality, trust, security, safety, stability and ability to relax.

Sacral - The Sacral chakra is colour Orange and is located in the lower abdomen. It corresponds to our emotional identity, creativity and sexuality. Physically it governs the skin, sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, kidneys, appendix, bladder, prostate, hip area and lymphatic system. Too much energy in this chakra - excessive emotions, addictions, aggression, manipulation, emotional dependancy. Too little - poor social skills, fear of change, distrustful, over sensitive, self negating, frigidity and tendency to bury emotions.

When the Sacral chakra is well balanced - emotional stability, friendly, optimistic, ability to experience and enjoy pleasure and healthy boundaries.

Solar Plexus - The Solar Plexus chakra is colour yellow and is located in the solar plexus just below the ribs. It corresponds to our ego and sense of self/self esteem.  Physically the solar plexus governs the respiratory system and diaphram, digestive system, liver, stomach, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, small intestine and lower back.Too much energy in the Solar Plexus chakra - aggression, domination, controlling, arrogance, blaming of others, manipulative, hyperactivity and excessive competitiveness.  Too little - lethargy, weak will, low self esteem, depression, passiveness, slugishness, lack of self discipline, emotional coldness, victim mentality, blaming of others, digestive problems.                                        

When the Solar Plexus chakra is well balanced - self esteem, self acceptance, tolerance, confidence, reliability, responsibility and sense of humour.

Heart The Heart chakra is colour green or pink and is located in the heart centre. It corresponds to our ability to give and receive love, acceptance, forgiveness, relationships and unconditional love. Physically it governs the heart, lungs, blood pressure, thymus gland, lymph gland and the immune system.  Too much energy in the Heart chakra -  jealousy, co-dependancy, critical, possessive, demanding and over sacrificing.  Too little - antisocial, withdrawn, judgmental, intolerant, depression, narcissism, fear of intimacy, bitterness, fear of letting go.

When the Heart Chakra is balanced we are compassionate, loving, self-loving, empathetic and peaceful.

Throat - The Throat Chakra is colour blue and is located in the throat. It corresponds to communication, self expression and speaking ones truth, self-discipline. Physically it governs the throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands, neck, vocal chords, mouth, teeth and gums, jaw, muscles.  Too much energy in the Throat chakra - over talkative, inability to listen, defensive, arrogant, self-righteous, addictive.  Too little - difficulty in expressing thoughts and feelings, timid, unreliable, devious.

When the Throat Chakra is balanced - good listener, creative, clear communication, ability to express self.

Brow- The Brow chakra is colour indigo and is located in the centre of the forehead between the eyebrows. Also known as the third eye chakra it corresponds to intuition, imagination, ability to see ones life clearly.  Physically the Brow chakra governs the brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, face, the pineal and pituitary gland.

Too much energy in the Brow chakra - hallucinations, nightmares, obsessions, delusions, difficulty in concentrating, headaches, proud, egotistic, dogmatic.  Too little - poor memory, poor vision, insensitivity, lack of imagination, inability to remember dreams, denial, undisciplined, fear of success.

When the Brow chakra is balanced - intuitive, perceptive, imaginative, good memory, ability to recall dreams, charismatic.

Crown - The Crown chakra is colour Violet and is located at the crown of the head. The Crown chakra corresponds to spiritual awarenes, connection to the Divine. Physically it governs the central nervous system, skin, muscular and skeletal system.

Too much energy in the Crown chakra - over-intellectualization, spiritual addiction, confusion, disassociation, migraines, depression, manic depression.  Too little - learning difficulties, rigid belief systems, apathy, materialism, greed, domineering, inability to make decisions.

When the Crown chakra is balanced - intelligent, thoughtful, spiritual awareness, open minded, wise, understanding.