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Understanding the 7 Chakras & How To Heal Them

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Want to raise your vibration and consciousness? Do you want to feel more aligned with the Divine and be able to tap into your own energetic power? One way you can do this is to balance and heal your chakras. 

Getting in touch with your chakras can help you to feel more aligned with the Divine and energetically balanced within your body.

Let’s dive in!

What are the 7 chakras?

The seven chakras are energy vortexes or centres in the body that govern different consciousness levels. What’s more, they are also connected to different functions within the body as well as behaviour patterns. 

Each chakra or ‘spinning disk’ of energy represents different emotions, instincts, bodily functions and spiritual aspects of ourselves. 

The concept of chakras reaches as far back as somewhere between 1500 and 500 BC and was found in ancient Vedic and Tantric texts in India.

As such, the chakras actually have Sanskrit names which are:

Crown Chakra – Sahasrara 

Third Eye Chakra – Ajna

Throat Chakra – Vishuddha

Heart Chakra – Anahata

Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura 

Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana

Root Chakra – Muladhara

Why is having balanced chakras important to our health?

It is believed that it is essential that the seven chakras remain open and balanced for optimum physical and emotional health

This is because the chakra system works synergistically and each chakra shares a connection with the others. 

What’s more, when a chakra becomes blocked or overactive, the whole well-being of the individual can be thrown out of balance. 

This is why it is important to keep the chakras balanced which is exactly what I am going to show you how to do in this article!

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What are the meanings of the 7 chakras and how to heal them?

Meaning of the Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Our root chakra is what anchors us to the physical realm. It helps to ground us and allows us to remain connected to the Earth. The literal definition of Muladhara is “root support” as it acts as an energetic foundation and support from which we can grow and live life, The root chakra is associated with survival, stability, the physical realm, and ancestral memories and is our first energy centre.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Hoarding, greed, materialism, insecurity, lack of ambition, disconnection, an impractical or unrealistic outlook. A feeling of disconnection with identity.

Physical problems include colon issues, inflammation, bladder problems and lower back issues.

Signs of a healthy Root Chakra:

Direction, ambition, balanced mentality, focus, stability, security, feeling grounded and practical. Rational and emotional faculties are balanced.

Healing the Root Chakra

There are a number of ways you can unblock your root chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Spending time in nature – This can help you to feel more connected to the Earth and ground your energy. It can also make you feel more a part of the natural world and the Universe.
  • Connecting with your body through Yoga or movement – There are many yoga poses you can do that keep you grounded, These include: Garland Pose, Mountain Pose, Forward Fold, Tree Pose & Warrior II. Dance and sports can also be helpful.
  • Eat grounding foods Root vegetables such as beetroot (beets), sweet potato or parsnips can be good options.
  • Use grounding crystals – Crystals for your root chakra include Carnelian, Moss Agate, Red Jasper, Red Tiger’s Eye & Hematite.
  • Practice mindfulness – Mindfulness can bring you back to the present moment and the here and now which can be a very grounding practice.

Meaning of the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Our sacral chakra is our second energy centre and is associated with pleasure, creativity, sexuality and joy.

The definition of Svadhisthana is ‘dwelling place of the self’. As such, the sacral chakra is connected with how we interact with the world through our senses as well as our emotional connection with the people around us. When we feel inspired and passionate about something, this can activate and balance the sacral chakra.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Low libido, addiction, dissatisfaction, uninspired, people-pleasing, mood swings, overwhelming emotions, disconnection with others.

Physical problems include lower back problems, arthritis, genital problems, PMS and hip issues.

Signs of a healthy Sacral Chakra:

Healthy sex drive, passion for life, positive outlook, healthy emotions, creativity, has positive emotional relationships with others.

Healing the Sacral Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your sacral chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Having sensory experiences – This could be tingling the senses with swimming in the sea (the Sacral chakra is connected to water), eating exotic foods or exploring touch with yourself or with others.
  • Exploring your creativity – Try a creative exercise/project that you have never done before but perhaps have always wanted to try. It will encourage your creative flow and help you to feel inspired in other areas of your life.
  • Be intimate with a romantic partner This could be through exploring Tantra, sex or even finding non-sexual ways to be intimate.
  • Engage in play – Connect with your inner child by engaging in playful activities. Refresh your memory on what it was like to just be in the moment playing in nature or with friends, creating games of your own without worrying about adult responsibilities.

Meaning of the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura):

Our solar plexus chakra is the seat of our willpower, determination and purpose on Earth, It’s what drives us to take action and helps us to make our ideas a reality. It also helps to give us courage and a sense of our own personal power and energetic strength. The definition of Manipura is ‘place of shining gem’ as it shines bright like the sun. It is the third energy center in our chakra system.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Low confidence, lack of direction, self-victimisation, need for approval from others, unhealthy attachments to people in your life, uncontrolled anger.

Physical problems include digestive problems and pancreas, liver and gall bladder problems.

Signs of a healthy Solar Plexus Chakra:

Assertive, confident, capable, determined, motivated, responsible and decisive.

Healing the Solar Plexus Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your solar plexus chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Working on your confidence – Exercise your confidence by putting yourself in situations that are out of your comfort zone and perhaps present a challenge. Overcoming that challenge will help to build your confidence.
  • Creating a schedule to combat procrastination – If you struggle to stay motivated and often procrastinate, creating a schedule that keeps you on top of things can be really helpful.
  • Exercise regularly Exercise is a great way to stay active and keep your energy and spirits high.
  • Say affirmations to build self-esteem – Saying affirmations can help to keep your vibration high and builds a sense of self-worth. They can also help you to overcome challenges, build confidence and assist with motivation.

Meaning of the Heart Chakra (Anahata):

The heart chakra is the fourth energy centre of the chakra system and is associated with unconditional love in its purest form. It governs our love for ourselves as well as for others and helps us to make decisions based on love, compassion and empathy. The definition of Anahata is unstruck which relates to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound – the sound of the celestial realm.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Feeling isolated or lonely, depressed, unable to give & receive affection, lack of empathy, uncommitted in relationships & unemotional.

Physical problems include heart palpitations, low or high blood pressure & poor circulation.

Signs of a healthy Heart Chakra:

Caring, compassionate, empathetic, gives & receives affection, emotionally connected and wise.

Healing the Heart Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your heart chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Creating a loving relationship with yourself – Before you can give others your full & unconditional love, it is important to love yourself first. Do self-care and self-love practices to cultivate a loving relationship with yourself.
  • Practice forgiveness – Is there anyone in your life that you feel you need to forgive? Perhaps this person could even be yourself! Forgiveness helps to open our hearts and releases unhealthy resentments or grudges which keep our hearts closed.
  • Focus on gratitude Gratitude and love go hand in hand and practising gratitude can be a very heart-centered experience. Think about what you are grateful for in life and imagine what your life would be like without those things. A feeling of gratitude will follow!
  • Tell your loved ones that you love them!

Meaning of the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):

The throat chakra is the fifth energy centre of the chakra system and is associated with self-expression, truth and healthy communication. Not only is it responsible for how we communicate externally but is also responsible for our internal communication as well as how we listen and understand others. The literal meaning of Vishuddha is ‘pure’ which relates to the importance of having ‘pure words’ and truthful speech.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Unable to express emotions or thoughts effectively, struggles to be truthful with others and themselves, a sense of being misunderstood and shyness.

Physical problems include thyroid issues, raspy or sore throat and issues with the voice box.

Signs of a healthy Throat Chakra:

Authentic, honest, truthful, speaks clearly, listens carefully and is a healthy and wise communicator.

Healing the Throat Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your throat chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Singing, saying mantras or toning- Any practice that helps to exercise your voice box and allows for self-expression can help to activate your throat chakra. This could be singing, saying a mantra out loud or even toning.
  • Practice open communication – Do you sometimes hold back saying what you really think and feel because you are afraid of confrontation? Practicing open communication which is non-violent can be really helpful. Try getting anything off your chest that you have been meaning to speak about.
  • Wear a crystal pendant necklace A pendant with a crystal that is beneficial for the throat chakra could be particularly helpful with communication and the health of your throat chakra. This is because the pendant will sit so close to your throat.

Meaning of the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna):

The third eye chakra is the sixth energy centre of the chakra system which helps us to see that which cannot be seen with our physical eyes. It governs our intuitive and psychic abilities as well as our capacity for wisdom, perception and balanced thinking. This chakra also helps to connect us with the Divine and helps us to see the external world through internal vision. The definition of Ajna means to ‘perceive’ or ‘command’.

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Signs of a Blockage:

Fixed mindset, inability to listen to the inner voice, lack of imagination, limiting beliefs, out of touch with reality, hallucinations & obsessions.

Physical problems include vision problems, headaches, psychosis & neurological disorders.

Signs of a healthy Third Eye Chakra:

Intuitive, wise, perceptive, in touch with their inner self, has an active imagination and is balanced in their thinking.

Healing the Third Eye Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your third eye chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Meditation Meditation is a great exercise for developing your intuition and getting in touch with your inner voice. Try focus on gently opening your third eye during your meditation and make a note afterwards of any important guidance that came through.
  • Try Breathwork and breathing exercises – Breathing exercises can help to balance your third eye chakra by promoting deep relaxation which quiets overthinking as well as brings oxygen to the head and third chakra area. This can assist in its functioning.
  • Use essential oils – Essential oils can also help to activate the third eye chakra. Certain oils can stimulate psychic abilities and intuition. These include frankincense, sandalwood, neroli and lavender.
  • Practice daydreaming & being imaginative – This can help to exercise the mind and help you to see past the parameters of physical reality.

Meaning of the Crown Chakra (Vishuddha):

The crown chakra is the portal through which life force energy flows. It connects us with the Divine and allows us to access higher wisdom and Source energy. It is through our crown chakra that we remember our connection with all of creation and can spiritually awaken. This chakra is the seventh and final energy centre of the chakra system. Its literal definition is ‘thousand-petaled’ due to its relationship with the lotus flower – a symbol of enlightenment.

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Signs of a Blockage: 

Addiction to spiritual practices, spiritual fundamentalism, a need to sleep constantly, lack of connection with the Divine as well as creative inspiration.

Physical problems include headaches, exhaustion, substance abuse and psychosis.

Signs of a healthy Crown Chakra:

Wise, fulfilled, can apply spiritual knowledge in everyday life and connected to the Divine.

Healing the Crown Chakra

There are a number of ways you can balance your crown chakra and keep it in good health. Some ideas include:

  • Meditation Meditation can help to balance your crown chakra because it helps you to access higher states of consciousness and receive wisdom.
  • Repeating Mantras – This could be repeating the OM/AUM mantra or your own mantra. Mantras help us to realign our energy to the energy of the mantra we are saying.
  • Spend time in nature – The energy of the Divine is strongest in nature and as such it is easier to connect with in nature. Spending time outdoors can both cleanse negative energy from your auric field as well as replenish any lost energy.
  • Do energy clearing – Energy clearing in your home or clearing your own personal energy can help you to remove any blockages from your crown chakra.

Find your own way of working with the chakras

When it comes to unblocking and healing our chakras, it is best to discover your own way of both balancing them and working with them. Ask yourself “What is the best way for me to connect with and align my chakras?” This could be yoga, meditation, breathwork or some of the specific practices I discussed above. 

Each person will have a different technique that works for them. It is just a matter of finding the right technique for you!

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Chakra Poster Printable which is part of the Chakra Printable Guides

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