Chakras – the source of your life force
Are you often tired? Do you feel unmotivated or as though you’re going round in circles?
The chakras – your energy centres – can be a significant help in improving your situation. In this series of articles, you’ll find practical guidance on how to improve your life, so that you can move through life with renewed vigour.
The chakras are the gateways to your life force. They are linked to your potential for growth in various areas of life.
The 7 main chakras have their roots in the millennia-old traditions of yoga and Hinduism, which hold valuable knowledge about the significance of the chakras and their healing potential. They permeate the physical body and supply the physical, psychological and energetic systems with strength and energy. I now invite you on an exciting journey into the world of the chakras.
Table of contents
Chakras – the source of your life force
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Description
The root chakra is situated at the pelvic floor – in the perineum (between the anus and the perineum) or the genital area – and is connected to your life force. It is an expression of the ability to stand firmly in life and be grounded. This chakra is an expression of our relationship with the material aspect of life. It holds your confidence to take your place in life and to creatively shape your kingdom, your living space. The root chakra also connects us to the ability to achieve our goals in life and to navigate life with determination, realism and creativity.
The root chakra corresponds to the adrenal glands. It metabolises the energy of Mother Earth and is the main gateway for it. It determines the amount of energy and will an individual has to live in physical reality. As the “root chakra”, it represents our roots.
It is responsible for the skeletal system, the excretory organs, the skin, the lymphatic system and the lower limbs, as well as for the sense of smell, which is linked to survival.
The root chakra, or first chakra, is connected to the legs and is therefore a symbol of the earth and everything that is solid and stable. For this reason, it is also the chakra associated with all the hard parts of the body, such as the nails, bones and teeth.
It symbolises stability, self-confidence and security, and is linked to our survival. When it is in balance, we feel secure, happy and able to live in the present moment, full of enthusiasm and ready to plan for our future.
It is indeed important to have solid roots on which we can build our whole lives, just as roots are essential for a tree’s survival or the foundations are for building a solid house.
With this chakra, no distinction is made between the front and back aspects, as there is only one root chakra funnel pointing downwards.
Physical dysfunctions
- All disorders relating to the solid parts of the body (spine, bones, teeth, nails)
- Problems with the lower limbs
- Problems with the anus, rectum and large intestine
- Problems with blood circulation and cell formation
- Pain in the lumbosacral region
- Chronic lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Varicose veins
- Haemorrhoids
- Fistulas
- Anal fistulas
- Pain and weakness in the lower limbs
- Cold feet
Psychological disorders
- Fear and uncertainty regarding physical safety
- Fear of being unable to provide oneself and one’s family with the necessities of life
- Inability to look after oneself and protect oneself in life
- Insecurity because one does not feel “at home” anywhere
A state of balance
When the first chakra is balanced, the person has a deep sense of belonging and connection to the earth and to every living being. Their life energy is strong and their roots are firmly anchored, both in life and within themselves: contentment, prosperity, stability and inner strength prevail.
A state of disharmony
If the first chakra is out of balance, thoughts and actions are primarily focused on material possessions (security), leading to either an excess or a deficiency in the fulfilment of basic needs (e.g. food, sex).
When the first chakra is out of balance, a feeling of being lost, apathy and mistrust prevails. The person affected lacks self-confidence, is dissatisfied with everything and tends to move house frequently.
It may also be that they feel so strongly tied to the past that they are unable to live in the present moment. They resist change and develop either a complete lack of fear or, conversely, an excessive fear, which can lead them into very risky situations or render them incapable of enjoying the beauty of life.
The body can be affected by tiredness and exhaustion, but also by problems in the large intestine, the bladder, the lower back, the legs and the feet.
Measures to balance the first chakra
- Music therapy: listening to bongos, drums and sounds of nature
- Crystal therapy: black tourmaline, obsidian, onyx, ruby, agate
- Chromotherapy: the colour red
- Aromatherapy: myrrh, patchouli, vetiver
You can find out more about the root chakra in a separate blog post on the subject.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Description
The sacral chakra is located below the navel, at the level of the hip bones.
It is the chakra of the inner child, of joie de vivre, of passion, and of the emotional and sexual wounds of the past.
It is regarded in particular as the seat of joie de vivre and ensures that we are able to deal with emotions and feelings consciously. It also stands for sensuality and sexuality and is seen as an expression of your relationship with your body, as well as the ability to consciously engage with touch. Touch in interpersonal relationships is a source of healing and of mental and emotional balance.
The sacral chakra symbolises the creative, joyful and playful shaping of your life. It connects you with your inner child and their vitality, joy and spontaneity.
It is the centre of mental and physical wellbeing and an expression of the ability to navigate life with maturity and discipline, striking a balance between extremes.
It is the seat of sexual activity and sensuality and corresponds to creative ability. On a physical level, it can be associated with the gonadal endocrine glands (ovaries and testicles). It governs the reproductive system, the sexual organs, the assimilation system, and the small and large intestines.
It is also responsible for the sense of taste. It governs everything to do with intimate relationships with family members and partners.
Front aspect
- Sexual desire and attraction
- Quality of intimate relationships
- Quality of giving and a healthy relationship with money
- Generosity
Back aspect
- quality of a person’s sexual energy
- lack of sexual desire and sexual passivity
- in cases of experiences of violence, the second chakra is always affected
Physical dysfunctions
- Disorders of the reproductive organs and the urinary system
- Menstrual problems
- Infertility
- Vaginal infections
- Sexual dysfunction (impotence, premature ejaculation, frigidity)
- Loss of interest in food, sex and life
- Prostate problems
- Lower back pain
- Genital herpes
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Herniated discs
- Difficulty passing urine
- Kidney and bladder disorders
- Cancers of the reproductive organs
Psychological disorders
- A feeling of being sexually manipulated, of being inadequate, or of experiencing sexual rejection
- Feelings of guilt or rejection regarding one’s own sexuality and/or sexual preference (leading to repression)
- Fear of childbirth and motherhood
- Problems between parents and children
- Problems with one’s partner and with other family members
A state of balance
When the second chakra functions harmoniously, there is an openness towards oneself and others. Emotions are spontaneous and immediate, and actions are creative. Sexual intercourse with a loved one offers the opportunity to participate in the dance of creation through the interplay of masculine and feminine energies (polarity) and to experience a universal sense of unity with nature.
A state of disharmony
If the second chakra functions disharmoniously, sexual potential cannot unfold freely and the energies can only manifest in inappropriate ways (e.g. excessive sexual fantasies or dangerous sexual repression). Communication with members of the opposite sex, family members, children and/or parents is disharmonious. There is a lack of ability to go with the flow of life and to let life flow within oneself.
Measures to balance the second chakra
- Music therapy: listening to the sound of water
- Crystal therapy: carnelian, amber, citrine, topaz, moonstone, jasper
- Chromotherapy: the colour orange
- Aromatherapy: jasmine, rose, sandalwood
Navel Chakra (Manipura)
Description
The navel chakra or solar plexus chakra is located just below the solar plexus in the centre of the upper abdomen.
The navel chakra is associated with mental activity, power, control, freedom and the ability to be oneself and to live without the approval of others. It is connected to everything to do with the ego and personal power.
It is the chakra of personal power. It is the seat of emotions and represents power and control. On a physical level, it corresponds to the pancreas. It governs the muscular system, the digestive system and all the glands and organs located in the solar plexus region.
This chakra is linked to the ability to be consciously and authentically true to oneself. It is regarded as the gateway to introspection and self-reflection. By engaging with the navel chakra, we become aware of our thought patterns, beliefs and personality structures.
This energy centre offers us the potential for healing by enabling us to discover our greatness through humility and with appreciation for our surroundings and fellow human beings, so that we may consciously venture down new paths. It is the source of our self-love and self-respect, and its development helps us to break free from the role of victim and the feeling of powerlessness.
The third chakra is the magnetic core of our personality. Inner knowledge, clairaudience and “gut feeling” (or instinct) come to us through it. All great healers and prophets received information through an angelic attunement or opening of the solar plexus. The clearer it is, the more accurate the information received.
Front aspect
- A sense of belonging and security
- A sense of being part of the universe and the Earth, of being one with everything
- Joy in life
- Mental and emotional balance
- Emotions are vivid, but do not control the person
- The seat of the relationship and the energetic bond between us and others
Back aspect
- Connection to one’s own past
- A sense of connection to one’s roots (family, ancestors, one’s own country, town, region)
- Trust in fellow human beings
- Strong will
- Perseverance
Physical disorders
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
- Digestive disorders
- Stomach ulcers
- Diabetes
- Muscle disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Disorders of the stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen and gallbladder
- Gastritis
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Nausea
- Flu
Psychological disorders
- Low energy
- Weak will
- Easily manipulated
- Lack of discipline
- Low self-esteem or, conversely, a high degree of aggression
- Dominance
- Manipulation
- Thirst for power
- Betrayal
- Fits of rage
- Outbursts of violence
- Stubbornness
- Competitive nature
- Arrogance
- Hyperactivity
A state of balance
When the third chakra functions harmoniously, a sense of peace and harmony with the ego and with life in general arises. One’s own feelings and character traits, as well as those of others, are accepted. Emotions, desires and experiences are seen in their proper light and thus regarded as necessary for individual development. One’s actions contribute to spiritual development and to the fulfilment of material needs.
A state of disharmony
When the third chakra functions disharmoniously, there is a compulsive striving for power and a strong desire to exert it over others and to manipulate situations and people to one’s own advantage. This is always underpinned by a sense of dissatisfaction. Feelings and emotions are suppressed, anger arises, and there is a need for recognition from others.
Measures to balance the third chakra
- Music therapy: listening to gongs and wind instruments
- Crystal therapy: citrine quartz, topaz, apatite, calcite, tiger’s eye
- Chromotherapy: the colour yellow
- Aromatherapy: juniper, vetiver
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Description
The heart chakra is located in the centre of the chest, at the same level as the physical heart.
This area acts as a bridge between the lower and upper chakras. It symbolises the connection between the personal level and spirituality. This chakra is linked to your ability to form relationships, to be grounded in the here and now, to go through life in a mindful and relaxed way, and to embrace love with vigour and vitality. It is the seat of love, emotional relationships and forgiveness.
The heart chakra helps us to open up to ourselves and others, despite difficult experiences. Consciously dealing with grief and emotional pain symbolises this chakra’s healing potential. Healing, devotion, compassion, empathy and the ability to maintain sustainable relationships are expressions of a balanced heart chakra. When the heart chakra is balanced, warmth, commitment in relationships and a high degree of empathy can be experienced.
It is connected to the thymus gland. It regulates the immune system and the circulatory system – comprising the heart and blood vessels – as well as the respiratory system. It is also associated with the sense of touch. It is the chakra that acts as a bridge between body and mind.
Front aspect
- The most important centre for the holistic healing process
- Provides insight into the quality of love for others and for oneself
- With its help, we learn to love ourselves and our neighbours by forgiving: the message of Christ
- Self-love
- Inability to love or give without expecting something in return when the chakra is closed
- Inability to ask for help and, consequently, to receive it
- If there is a blockage, healing cannot take place
Back aspect
- A tendency to be possessive
- Dominance in relationships
- Manipulation to get what one wants
Physical dysfunctions
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
- Thymus problems
- Chest problems
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma
- Circulatory problems
- Immune system problems
- Pain between the legs
- Chest pain
- Allergies
- Lung problems (including cancer)
- Pneumonia
- Bronchial problems
- Breast problems (including cancer)
- Circulatory problems
- Shoulder and back problems
Psychological disorders
- Anti-social behaviour
- Isolation
- Coldness
- Tendency to be critical
- Depression
- Fear of commitment
- Fear of intimacy
- Lack of empathy
- Narcissism
- Dependency
- A tendency towards jealousy
A state of balance
When the fourth chakra functions harmoniously, we are drawn into a channel of divine love. The energies of the heart can transform the world around us, bring people together, reconcile them and even heal them. By opening our hearts, compassion and the desire to help others arise spontaneously. Loving without expecting anything in return creates harmony and peace with oneself and the world. Putting one’s heart into everything one does enables one to connect with God.
A state of disharmony
When the fourth chakra is out of balance, one constantly expects recognition or gratitude in return for what one gives. One feels disappointed when one is not appreciated. Receiving love from others becomes just as difficult as feeling love and compassion oneself. There is also a lack of gratitude.
Measures to balance the fourth chakra
- Music therapy: listening to classical and sacred music
- Crystal therapy: emerald, green calcite, aventurine, malachite, chrysoberyl
- Chromotherapy: the colour green
- Aromatherapy: bergamot, enula, rose
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Description
The throat chakra is located in the centre of the throat. Its main functions relate to communication, such as speaking and hearing the truth.
It reflects the ability to communicate authentically, to share one’s own truth and worldview honestly and courageously through language, facial expressions and gestures. It is an expression of the need to look within, to connect with one’s own soul and to realise one’s deepest desires and visions.
This area symbolises the longing to live in accordance with our true nature and to shape our lives in a way that feels right for us.
Express your thoughts boldly, naturally and powerfully. Feel how you are connected to your surroundings and those around you when you focus on your throat. You are an island in the sea of life, with a thousand bridges connecting you to your fellow human beings. Through this chakra, discover the world around you and the uniqueness of those around you.
It is the centre of karma, the law of cause and effect, and the possibilities of choice. The throat contains all our fears and the various traumas of past lives. It is in this centre that the process of faith and devotion to God begins.
It is the chakra of creativity and the ability to express who we are in all creative forms. It is also the place where we accept the higher will and allow it to merge with our own will.
Front aspect
- Relates to the throat and nutrition, and thus to the ability to receive nourishment on various levels
- Maturity and responsibility for one’s own physical or emotional needs
- Receptivity and the ability to allow in what is received
- Expression of emotions
- Ability to ask for help
- Communication with the world around us
- Closed fifth chakra: not good at giving ???? not good at receiving
Back aspect
- Corresponds to work and is linked to the neck and nape: if a person carries out their work with love and enjoys it, this centre functions properly and brings professional satisfaction
- If blocked, there is a feeling of dissatisfaction and failure; life is blamed for the failure
Physical dysfunctions
- Disorders of the throat, voice, ears, neck, jaw and palate
- Poisoning
- Colds
- Thyroid problems
- Scoliosis
- Neck and headaches, as well as tension originating in the neck
- Palate and jaw problems
- Tonsillitis
- Glandular inflammation and thyroid disorders
- Addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, sugar and food
Psychological disorders
- Fear of speaking
- Weak voice
- Inability to put feelings into words
- Shyness
- Lack of rhythm when speaking
- Talking too much
- Inability to listen
- Gossiping
- Interrupting
A state of balance
When the fifth chakra functions harmoniously, feelings and emotions, thoughts and inner knowledge can be freely expressed. There is a willingness to listen to others wholeheartedly and with compassion. One is not influenced by the opinions of others, and can say “no” when necessary. Independence, freedom and self-determination are also characteristic of a balanced fifth chakra.
A state of disharmony
If the fifth chakra is disharmonious, there are difficulties with expression and communication, which are confined to emotions. One tries to demonstrate inner strength that is not actually present, and this causes great stress. Pain, disappointment and anger cannot be expressed effectively, and there is also an inability to cry.
Measures to balance the fifth chakra
- Music therapy: listening to choral music or the sound of ocean waves
- Crystal therapy: agate, amazonite, aquamarine, turquoise, sodalite
- Chromotherapy: the colour blue
- Aromatherapy: blue chamomile, Roman chamomile
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Description
The third eye chakra is located in the centre of the forehead, above the eyebrows. It is the gateway to your intuition, your inner wisdom and your courage to believe in yourself. This chakra is an expression of the ability to live life with presence and mindfulness, to consciously shape one’s existence in harmony with one’s inner truth, one’s own values and in accordance with one’s own nature. It is the seat of inner or extrasensory vision.
A balanced third eye chakra helps you to trust your inner voice. It is the gateway to your unique spirituality. The area of experience of the third eye chakra corresponds to trust in your decision-making ability, your confidence in your decisions and your inner guidance. It represents the connection between the head, the gut and the heart.
It is responsible for the eyes, the endocrine system and the temples. On a physical level, it is linked to the pituitary gland and the pineal gland.
The challenge for this centre is to use the mind for good, to detach ourselves from our subjective perceptions and to see the “true” truth. The voices of fear are to be silenced, and it is understood that nothing external can influence our lives. This chakra is the centre of consciousness.
Front aspect
- Is linked to the realisation of a more comprehensive world view, namely that of unconditional love
- The centre of infinite compassion, intuition, clairvoyance and healing
- Ability to form a mental picture
- The ability to understand spiritual concepts
- The ability to view reality from a higher perspective and to be in contact with our inner teacher and God
- The opportunity to receive messages and insights, as well as creative and positive ideas, whilst making proper use of the mind and intuition
- Lack of creativity
- Lack of connection with one’s own heart
- Vague ideas or intuitions that one does not act upon
Back aspect
- The ability to realise ideas on a practical level
- Openness enables one to fulfil one’s mission
Physical dysfunctions
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Brain tumours
- Brain haemorrhages
- Neurological problems (depression, exhaustion, etc.)
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Coma
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Schizophrenia
- Alzheimer’s
- All forms of mental and emotional disorders and learning difficulties (disabilities)
Psychological disorders
- Lack of sensitivity
- Poor memory
- Difficulties in envisaging the future or imagining alternatives
- Difficulties imagining and visualising things
- Difficulties concentrating
- Inability to remember dreams
- Denial of reality
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Obsessions
- Nightmares
A state of disharmony
If the sixth chakra is balanced, the mind is active and the person possesses well-developed intellectual abilities. There is also a willingness to explore philosophical truths, and the ability to visualise is well developed. Intuition is also highly developed.
Disharmonious function
If the sixth chakra functions disharmoniously, life is determined almost exclusively by the mind and intellect; a veritable intellectual arrogance prevails. Spiritual insights are rejected and there is a fear of looking within. Self-observation and asking oneself questions are feared. Fear of one’s own intuition leads to blockages in the senses. Furthermore, there is an inability to learn life’s lessons through experience, which results in blaming others for everything that goes wrong in one’s own life.
Measures to balance the sixth chakra
- Music therapy: listening to Native American and sacred music
- Crystal therapy: amethyst, azurite, lapis lazuli, pearl, calcite
- Chromotherapy: the colour indigo
- Aromatherapy: rosemary, juniper, helichrysum, thyme
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Description
The crown chakra is located at the crown of the head and is an expression of your spirituality and your connection to the flow of life. It represents the ability to be connected to life, to the wisdom of life and to the rhythms of life. It also symbolises being grounded whilst remaining connected to everything. It represents transcending individuality in order to connect with all that is and is an expression of life.
The crown chakra represents higher knowledge, mediumship and contact with the divine. It is the centre of total devotion to the divine.
It is the seat of contact with divine knowledge and with the entire universe. The light, love and word of God enter us through this chakra. It governs the entire nervous system, the head and the brain. It is also connected to the pituitary gland. It governs the sense of empathy – the feeling of being at one with the all-pervading whole.
When the chakra is open, the person knows who they are, where they are going and what they need to do; they are in harmony with the whole world, love and are loved. There is a sense of wellbeing on all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
If the crown chakra is closed, one fails to recognise that one is spirit. The person affected feels disconnected from everything and lives in the “darkness of the soul”.
With this chakra, no distinction is made between the front and back aspects, as there is only one crown chakra funnel pointing upwards.
Aspects of the chakras
- Trust in one’s own spirituality
- Connection to the divine
- The courage to be unique
Physical dysfunctions
- Paralysis
- Genetic disorders
- Headaches
- Coma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Debilitating diseases
- Disorders of the nervous system
Psychological disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Apathy
- Confusion
- Disconnection from the body
- Mental obsession
A state of disharmony
A complete, serene and open state of consciousness is characteristic of a balanced seventh chakra. There is contact with the Higher Self, and one feels as though one has awakened from a long sleep and has finally begun to live truly and fully. Furthermore, there is the ability to bring the Creator’s actions and intentions into reality.
A state of disharmony
A disharmonious seventh chakra leads to a diminished sense of wellbeing and inner harmony, and immunity to fears can never be achieved. Life seems meaningless and the fear of death is ever-present. This can lead to existential crises (a lack of faith) and a lack of courage and self-confidence.
This can lead to negative behaviour resulting from an inability to think beyond the limits of one’s own needs, or from a lack of willingness to grow and change in order to accept (and overcome) life’s trials.
Measures to balance the seventh chakra
- Music therapy: listening to the inner sound
- Crystal therapy: diamond, rock crystal, white tourmaline, white jade, celestite
- Chromotherapy: the colour white or violet
- Aromatherapy: frankincense, lavender, elemi
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