So, you want to know how to balance your chakras? Maybe you’ve heard someone mentioning this idea but you’re not really sure what it is… The concept of chakras is an ancient one which originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC. We see the chakra system emerging in Vedic texts from that time period. These texts define chakras as the seven main energy centres of the body. They are located along the spine, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with a different colour, emotion, and physical or spiritual function.
The 7 Chakras from the base of the spine to the crown of the head:
1st Red- Root Chakra / Muladhara
2nd Orange- Sacral Chakra / Svadhisthana
3rd Yellow- Solar Plexus Chakra / Manipura
4th Green- Heart Chakra / Anahata
5th Blue- Throat Chakra / Visuddha
6th Indigo- 3rd eye Chakra / Anja
7th Violet- Crown Chakra / Sahasrara
The basic concept is that when the chakras are balanced, energy flows freely through them, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. However, when the chakras are blocked, energy can become stagnant, leading to physical and emotional problems.
Whilst Chakras are an ancient concept modern science has since discovered that the location of the Chakras can actually be associated with major endocrine glands and/or nerve centres in the body. The position of the Chakras correspond to the position of the glands in the endocrine system which is part of the body’s metabolic control mechanism. The glands produce hormones that travel through the bloodstream to major organs to stimulate or inhibit their physical processes and therefore could have an effect on their functioning.
Whether you are interested in this from a scientific or philosophical standpoint, you’re probably asking “How can this help me?”
How do I balance my Chakras?
The conclusion could be drawn that the Chakras (unseen energy centres), the endocrine glands, as well as the central nervous system must work in harmony in order to maintain optimal health. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining balance in your emotional / mental health as well as your physical diet and exercise as all these aspects of the body are deeply interrelated. Therefore it can be beneficial to keep your Chakras balanced.
There are many different ways to balance your chakras. Some common methods include:
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. Guided meditation focusing on body awareness can be a great way to tune in to your physical being and begin to connect with your energy centres.
Yoga
Yoga poses can help to stimulate and align the chakras. There are many different yoga poses that can be used for chakra balancing, so it is important to find poses that are appropriate for your individual needs. Here at Living Lotus Online, we even offer some yoga practices specifically dedicated to the chakras.
Sound Healing
The traditional concept is that sound healing can be used to balance the chakras by using vibrations to clear blockages and promote energy flow. You might like to think of the various frequencies and sounds as something to help you focus your mind while you engage in meditation, similar to how some people like to gaze upon a candle. There are many different sound healing techniques that can be used, such as singing bowls, tuning forks, and chanting. We offer an in-person Yin Yoga and Sound Bath experience which combines movement and sound to enhance your experience. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in booking.
If you are just getting started with balancing your chakras, it is important to find a method that works for you and to be patient. There’s a lot of both ancient wisdom and modern science to learn about, and it’s a broad topic so take it slow. Most importantly, it’s essential to find a practice that works for you since everyone is unique!
Additional ways to Balance Your Chakras
Here are some additional tips you can try. You’ll notice that aside from all being activities which are traditionally associated with balancing the chakras, they’re also all things that are really good for you anyways. So it’s worth trying a few of these habits on for size to see what works for you.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat has a direct impact on your energy levels and overall well-being. Eating a healthy diet can help to keep your chakras balanced. Let me know in the comments below if you have any links to excellent nutrition resources.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is essential for physical and emotional healing. When you are well-rested, your chakras are more likely to be balanced. There’s no specific amount of sleep that is right for everyone, so you need to experiment with this and listen to your body. Resting when you’re tired is a form of productivity!
Exercise Regularly
As a fitness educator I may be a bit biased about this, but I know I always feel better and more balanced after getting some movement in! Exercise is a great way to release stress and improve circulation. This can help to keep your chakras balanced.
Spend Time in Nature
Nature has a calming and restorative effect on the body and mind. Spending time in nature can help to balance your chakras.
Be Mindful of Your Thoughts and Emotions
Your thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on your energy levels. When you are mindful of your thoughts and emotions, you can help to keep your chakras balanced.
If you are experiencing physical or emotional problems, it is important to see a doctor or other healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. However, if you are looking for ways to improve your overall health and well-being, some of these suggestions around balancing your chakras can be a helpful and beneficial place to get started.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always interested in hearing about your experience on your yoga journey!
Thanks to Cass Reese from the Noun Project for the Chakra icons used in this post.