CHAPTER
21

The Chakra System

In This Chapter

The word chakra in Sanskrit means to wheel. In Ayurveda, this term relates to the wheels of energy throughout our bodies. In this chapter, we will discuss the seven chakras or energy centers in our bodies and what they relate to, giving you a deeper understanding of how imbalances in the mind connect to those in the body.

For example, if you constantly have a sore throat, that may be related to issues in your throat chakra. Headaches may be a sign of third-eye chakra imbalances. Menstrual issues could be related to sacral chakra problems. Let’s explore the chakra-body connection.

What’s a Chakra?

Of all the Sanskrit terms I’ve introduced you to in this book, you may be most familiar with chakra because it’s often mentioned in yoga classes and spiritual texts. Chakras are energy centers that run along your spinal cord, from the top of your head down to the bottom of your tailbone. Each chakra is related to a particular energetic function, just like each kosha is (return to Chap-ter 20 if you need a refresher on koshas). In fact, the koshas and chakras are inherently related.

The Chakras

You have seven chakras: muladhara (root chakra), svadhisthana (sacral chakra), manipura (solar plexus chakra), anahata (heart chakra), vishuddha (throat chakra), ajna (third eye chakra), and sahasrara (crown chakra). Each is associated with a particular function and stored in a location in your body.

The chakras relate to various energy centers in the body and correspond to colors, symbols, elements, mantras and more.

The chakras, like the Doshas, can fall in and out of balance. In the following sections, I explain what the chakras are, the koshas and elements each is related to, the function of each, and symptoms of balance and imbalance.

To heal your chakras, you can use color, crystals, essential oils, and other types of natural therapies. I also share holistic ways you can bring your chakras back into balance, as well as mantras and affirmation for each.

Muladhara (Root Chakra)

The root chakra, muladhara, is the first of the seven chakras and is located at the base of your spine. Imagine your body is a tree; the root chakra is the roots. It is in charge of security, stability, and your most basic needs. This chakra is associated with the annamaya kosha, or the physical body, the earth element, and the color red.

Have you ever heard someone say you have to “keep your feet on the ground” or “stand your ground”? These ideas are associated with the root chakra, which provides strength and stability. It is primal in energy and controls your fight-or-flight response. The root chakra also relates to family and ancestry. You are spiritually connected to your ancestors, and any traumas they have gone through are stored in your root chakra.

Root chakra energy can make you feel communal and grounded as well as territorial and fear driven. When this chakra is in balance, you feel safe and self-assured. However, when it’s out of balance, your fear patterns kick in, leaving you fearful, panicked, or uncertain. For example, when you lack a home and basic securities, your muladhara chakra falls out of balance.

I like to compare the chakras to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The root chakra would be related to the first and most basic human need of physiological necessities: clean air, food, water, and sleep. Without these things, you won’t be able to function. Root chakra imbalance is at the core of so many issues, in yourself and around the world, including war, famine, and violence.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your root chakra, think survival, basic needs, security, family/tribe, and earthiness.

A person lacking root chakra energy may feel low in energy, ungrounded, insecure, anxious, or unstable. They may constantly be on a diet or suffer an eating disorder because they are disassociated from their body. Imbalances of the energetic chakras manifest as physical pain, and a person low in root chakra energy may feel pain in the hips, legs, or feet, the body parts associated with that chakra. They also may have disorders of the bones, a weak immune system, and/or constipation. All these imbalances relate to the Vata Dosha. Vata is extremely airy and lacks grounding, causing a root chakra imbalance.

A person with excess root chakra energy has too much energy in that center. They may feel angry, defensive, or competitive in nature. They also may be greedy, materialistic, or fixated on their routine and having a sense of security. These imbalances all relate to the Pitta Dosha, which can be very rigid and obsessed with achievements.

It is important to have a balanced root chakra so you have a strong sense of grounding without becoming inflexible.

Here are some tips to balance depleted root chakra energy:

  • Connect with the earth’s energy by spending time outdoors.
  • Practice “earthing,” walking in the soil with your bare feet to receive the negative ions from the earth.
  • Eat more root vegetables and protein.
  • Use the essential oil patchouli.
  • Carry the crystals tourmaline, obsidian, jet, and hemamite.
  • Practice saying the mantra “Vam.”
  • Repeat the affirmation “I am.”

Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)

The second chakra, sacral, is located below your naval. It is your source of sensuality, sexuality, and creativity. The word svadisthana actually means “sweet.” The “butterflies in your stomach” feeling comes from this passionate chakra. It allows us to connect with others in an intimate way and feel joy and pleasure. Relationships, movement, emotions, and the arts all arise from this sacred center. Svadisthana is associated with the pranamaya kosha, filling you with subtle creativity. It also relates to the fluid water element, in a constant state of flow.

When your sacral chakra is balanced, you are in touch with your emotions. You allow yourself to feel pleasure and can connect with others. Creativity channels through you, and you are tapped into your inner divine source. You may want to dance, move, and flow because you feel this feminine energy circulate through you.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your sacral chakra, think relationships, pleasure, emotions, fertility, creativity, and wateriness.

When your sacral chakra is depleted, you are cut off from your emotions. You have trouble connecting with others and do not feel worthy of pleasure. You also may have reproductive issues or pain in your pelvic area. Fertility problems, sexual arousal disorder, skipped menstrual periods, lower back pain, shallow relationships, and communication problems with children are all signs of sacral chakra blockage. This relates to the Vata Dosha, which can be cold and flighty, afraid of depth and commitment.

When you have excess sacral energy, you may become overly emotional. Binge eating, fear of commitment, substance abuse, and mood swings are all associated with the sacral chakra. You might become addicted to an outside source such as sex, substances, or emotional abuse because you lack connection with your true self. This relates to the Kapha Dosha, which can become very emotional, as well as the Pitta, which can fall into addictions easily.

It is important to have a balanced sacral chakra so you can be in touch with your emotions without being driven by them.

Here are some tips to balance depleted sacral chakra energy:

  • Express yourself artistically by drawing, writing, or painting.
  • Move your body; practice yoga or dance.
  • Feel your emotions, and don’t be afraid of them.
  • Seek counseling for sexual problems or addictions.
  • Use the essential oil ylang.
  • Swim in and spend time near the ocean.

Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)

The third chakra, solar plexus, is your power center. It decides who you are and what you are all about. It contains your ego self, your identity, and all aspects of your personality. Your self-esteem and willpower are part of the formidable manipura chakra. It is associated with the fire element and the color yellow. The manomaya kosha, your mental body, is associated with the solar plexus chakra because it contains your sense of self and mental prowess.

Your solar plexus chakra is located in your stomach, right below your rib cage. If you put your hands on that part of your body, you will feel heat. This is where your agni, digestive fire, lies. Your digestive organs, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and upper intestines are all in this powerful area, as are your abdominal muscles. If you’ve ever heard someone say “He has no core,” they’re referring to this powerhouse chakra.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your solar plexus chakra, think identity, power, energy, action, and fieriness.

When your solar plexus is depleted, you can easily lose yourself in others because you don’t have a strong sense of who you are. This can lead to relationship issues, like the sacral chakra, but roots in your own lack of identity.

With a solar plexus depletion, you may have low self-esteem and willpower because you don’t value yourself. You take on the victim mentality and blame others for your problems instead of owning up to them. Physically, this can lead to chronic fatigue, feeling cold all the time, stiff muscles, digestive issues, low appetite, back aches, and posture problems, all related to Vata Dosha because you lack that internal fire.

When you have excess solar plexus energy, you are obsessed with power and money. You become narcissistic and only see your own needs. You may have anger and control issues and always need to be the boss. You lack compassion for others and often become defensive and competitive. In the body, this manifests as hypertension, ulcers, stress, constant hunger, muscle spasms, and adrenal overload. Sounds like the Pitta Dosha, doesn’t it?

It’s important to keep your solar plexus chakra balanced so you have a strong sense of who you are without becoming overly attached to it.

Here are some tips to balance depleted solar plexus chakra energy:

  • Practice core-strengthening exercises and aerobic exercise.
  • Meditate twice a day, focusing on the fire in your core.
  • Use the essential oil neroli.
  • Carry yellow calcite and tigereye crystals.
  • Spend 20 minutes in direct sunlight each day.
  • Repeat the Sanskrit mantra “Ram.”
  • Say the affirmation “I can.”

Anahata (Heart Chakra)

The heart wants what it wants, doesn’t it? That’s because the heart has its own intelligence, which often surpasses that of the mind. Your mind tells you what you are supposed to do based on previous experiences and expectations. Your heart only speaks the truth; it doesn’t lie and deceive you the way your mind can. This is why it is so important to follow your heart.

The heart chakra, anahata, is located in the center of your chest and is actually associated with the color green, not red. It is associated with the vijnanamaya kosha, your intuitive body, and the air element.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your heart chakra, think love, compassion, empathy, kindness, peace, and airiness.

The heart chakra is balanced when you are able to both give and receive love. You love others, but most importantly, you love yourself, too. You can love others only as much as you love yourself. If you do not love yourself first, you will be left depleted, without love to give. This will make you clingy and needy. You must treat yourself with the same compassion you give others.

When the heart chakra is balanced, you are overwhelmed with a feeling of love for everything. You may be sitting in your car and suddenly feel a wave of love, as I like to call it. You make your decisions from a heart-centered place and truly connect with others, seeing them for who they really are.

When this chakra is blocked, you give up on love. You may have been hurt in the past and have become fearful of opening your heart again. You’re often closed off in your relationships and cold in your interactions. You may physically feel constricted in your chest area and suffer from heart attacks or breathing problems.

If you did not receive unconditional love as a child, you may have a blockage in your heart chakra. The true medicine is keeping your heart wide open, even when it’s been abused or shattered. That’s how you truly can become a vessel of love.

Here are some tips to balance depleted heart chakra energy:

  • Practice self-care rituals like self-oil massage and dry brushing.
  • Spend time with children and animals.
  • Practice deep breathing with your hands on your heart.
  • Do heart-opener yoga poses, such as backbends.
  • Say the mantra “Yam” and the affirmation “I love.”
  • Carry a rose quartz or malachite.
  • Use the essential oil chamomile.

Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)

The fifth chakra, vishuddha, is in your throat center and is in charge of communication. It’s the energy center that not only houses your vocal cords but also propels you with the strength to always speak your truth and stand up for yourself. It allows you to be vocal, expressive, and collaborative. Writers, singers, and musicians often have open throat chakras. This chakra is associated with the color blue and the ether (space) element, which contains sound vibrations. It’s linked to the vijnanamaya kosha because it is part of your intuitive body.

To have a strong throat chakra, it is just as important to be a good listener as it is to be a good speaker. Communication is a two-way street, yet a great orator is not necessarily a great communicator. Much of having an open throat chakra is being able to read between the lines. The true message lies not in the words but the meaning behind them. Those with strong communication skills can pick up on these subtle cues from others and are skilled conversationalists. They know how to speak to people and get their message across because they are extremely perceptive.

If you only speak but cannot listen, you may have excess third chakra (solar plexus) energy. If you only listen but cannot speak, you have excess heart chakra energy. Those with a good balance have open throat chakras.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your throat chakra, think communication, truth, metaphorical thinking, and manifesting.

Those with balanced throat chakras are often musically gifted. They are able to pick up on vibrations, tones, melodies, and rhythms because they are in tune with sound vibration. They also may love to sing, even if they don’t have a “good” voice, just because they like to utilize that chakra center.

Those with depleted throat chakra energy may have a hard time expressing how they feel. They have a fear of public speaking and a weak voice. They sometimes may lie to please others or take what others say too literally. This imbalance can manifest as physical issues such as a lump in the throat, sore throat, jaw tightness, neck stiffness, or strep throat. A depleted throat chakra often leads to hormonal issues due to hypothyroidism, which are all symptoms related to the Kapha Dosha.

Here are some tips for balancing depleted throat chakra energy:

  • Sing your heart out!
  • Practice mantras, especially the Sanskrit word “Ham.”
  • Repeat the affirmation “I express.”
  • Write every day.
  • Get up and speak in front of others.
  • Listen attentively.
  • Use peppermint essential oil.
  • Carry the crystals aquamarine and sodalite.

Ajna (Third Eye Chakra)

You see the physical world with your two eyes but you can tap into the unseen world with your third eye. Your third eye is your intuitive self. It’s the knowing that something is going to happen right before it does. It’s your inner psychic self who knows exactly what you need to do, even when your mind is telling you otherwise.

Your third eye chakra, anja, is essentially your sixth sense, able to perceive things based on subtle energies. If you’ve ever had a dream that later came true, that was your third eye chakra at work. It’s related to all elements because it’s pure light. When you practice visualizations, you are activating your ajna chakra. The color indigo is related to the third eye as well as the andamaya kosha, or bliss body.

Wisdom of the Ages

When you think of your third eye chakra, think intuition, inner wisdom, psychic vision, imagination, and dreams.

When your third eye is activated, you are an extremely perceptive being. You carry a deep, innate wisdom and can manifest your desires. You are highly intuitive and have very vivid dreams, which you tend to remember. Meditation comes naturally to you, and you are able to visualize to a great extent.

When your third eye is blocked, you wake up and can’t remember a single one of your dreams. You make poor decisions and can’t read people or foresee bad situations. You become materialistic and stuck in the rat race, without any thought of your significance in the world. You are out of touch with your imagination and turn to television for entertainment. You are overly stuck in the three-dimensional world—what you can see and touch—and lose touch with the magic of life you once saw as a child. This blockage can manifest as headaches, sinus infections, and nasal congestion, which are related to the overly grounded Kapha Dosha. You may even experience nearsightedness and night blindness.

Here are some tips to balance depleted third eye chakra energy:

Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)

Now we’ve made it to the top of your head, your crown chakra. This chakra is above your physical body and connects you with the universal energy. The word sahasrara means “thousand-petaled” and is often symbolized by a lotus flower.

Wisdom of the Ages

The lotus flower represents the crown chakra because it is a beautiful white flower floating on the top of the water yet also has long roots that connect it to the ground below. Like the lotus flower, you must be rooted in the physical world, as muddy as it may be, to blossom into a beautiful flower above.

If you’ve ever had a moment of pure bliss, during which a warm sense of inner peace and gratitude overcame your entire being, that was your crown chakra being activated. Your crown is in charge of learning, spirituality, and your higher self. It is driven by education and always wants to find out more about who you are. Chances are, if you’ve picked up this book, your crown chakra is activated. The eternal quest for knowledge is part of the crown chakra.

Your crown chakra is your soul—who you are beneath your personality, thoughts, and physical body. It’s the same you you’ve been all along and always will be. And deep down inside, everyone’s souls are one. Everyone wants the same thing—love, connection, freedom, security, and purpose. When you truly realize people are all one and begin to live your life this way, you open your crown chakras.

When all seven chakras are open, your kundalini serpent energy is able to freely run up and down your spine, bringing you to enlightenment. Enlightenment is the realization that you are merely a soul having a human experience and were put on this planet for a greater purpose, to help others in whichever way the universe has gifted you. Some people are great writers, others are great caretakers, and others are strong leaders. Just like every person is born with a Doshic constitution, every person is born with a unique prevalence of their various chakras. This combination was set in place for you to fulfill your higher purpose, dharma.

With an open crown chakra, you are tuned in to the universal consciousness. What does universal consciousness even mean? If you’ve ever had a pet dog, you may notice him stretch in the classic “downward dog” pose when he gets up. No yoga teacher ever taught him how to stretch like that; he does it just because it’s what his body innately needs. Similarly, even if you’ve never introduced him to another dog, he does “dog things,” like circling around before he goes to sleep or digging in his bed area. He was never taught these things; this knowledge is the universal consciousness channeling through him.

The universal consciousness exists in all living beings. There have been many cases of animals stampeding before a big earthquake or birds migrating to a new part of the world before a hurricane. These animals didn’t receive a memo bad stuff was coming; they were just tuned in to a source.

You are tapped into this universal energy, too. The only difference is you have a free-thinking mind that can override this innate wisdom and make you lose sight of your own wisdom. The universe is sending you messages all the time through your chakras. You just choose not to listen sometimes.

You are able to open your crown chakra when you realize that everything you see is a reflection of your internal state. You create your own realities based on your perceptions. You are not your name, your job, your personality, your family, or your story but rather a fleeting soul having a human experience. At the same time, you were put on this planet for a reason and have work to do. That work is not to pay bills, make a fortune, or have fame for the sake of it but instead to contribute something back to society in a meaningful way. Each person’s meaning depends on his or her own unique skills received at birth from the stars.

To reach this level of self-actualization, you must be willing to do the work. Everyone has their own shadows, or repressed parts of themselves, to work on, such as jealousy, fear, or anger, which arise from their Doshas. You must be able to look at yourself without judgment, both your light and your darkness, to see who you truly are. Only then can you overcome your imbalances to step into your higher self.

When your crown chakra is blocked, you may feel out of touch with your own divinity. You may see yourself as worthless and become depressed. You may lack inspiration and purpose and go through the moves of life without truly living. Your body is there, but your soul is not.

Here are some tips to open the crown chakra:

  • Keep learning about the world and yourself.
  • Follow your curiosities.
  • Make meditation a way of life.
  • Be mindful of everything you do.
  • Let go of unnecessary possessions and beliefs.
  • Spend more time on your own and in nature.
  • Practice a day in silence once a week.
  • Study your ancestors.
  • Stay in tune with your breath.
  • Notice the beauty of life.
  • Realize that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences in life.

The following chart has everything you need to know about the chakras and koshas and all that they are related to, physically and mentally. Each line lists a specific chakra, it’s related kosha, function, and associated physiology. I’ve further listed the symptoms of balance and imbalance of each and their associated color, essential oil, mantra, affirmation and crystal, showing you how to heal yourself holistically.

Balancing Chakras and Koshas

The Least You Need to Know

  • You have seven chakras, or energy centers, that lie along your body’s energy pathway and correspond to a specific area of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
  • The seven chakras are the root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, third eye, and crown chakra.
  • The first three chakras are more physical, and the second three are more intuitive. The crown chakra is above the body.
  • The root chakra is in charge of survival. The sacral chakra relates to sexuality. The solar plexus chakra holds your power.
  • The heart chakra gives you the ability to give and receive love. The throat chakra allows you to communicate impeccably. The third eye chakra connects you with your intuition. The crown chakra is your relationship with the higher source, universal consciousness.
  • When your chakras are balanced, you experience enlightenment.