Chakras for Beginners
- Layshaianae
- Aug 23, 2021
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2021
#Balance #Love #Chakras #Crystals #Spirtuality #Physicalwellness #PersonalDevelopment #Guide #ChakraCorrespondence #ChakraMeaning
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Intro
Chakras originate from the ancient eastern world and go back further than written documentations, during a time period where traditions were passed orally from generation to generation.
The problem with mainstream spirituality is that it lacks true conception and a foundation for faith.
There is acknowledgment to some type of idea but no details as to where these teachings come from and how culturally significant these teachings are.
From this article one will be able to grasp the significance of chakras and the roots that they have sprouted from.
Only from understanding the foundation of these practices can one truly incorporate them into their daily rituals; the more likely you will find success when applying these teachings to your life.
Learn the first step to building a foundation and creating ritual in your life by aligning with your higher self
What are Chakras
Chakras have been known by many names in it’s life, but what is agreed upon is that they are transformers of energies in the way that energy can ideally flow freely through them.
Chakras are energy receptors and distributors, this is why a blocked chakra can cause both emotional and physical symptoms.
Whole body aches and pains can be due to blocked chakras, however they are not the cause of all of your emotional and physical traumas.
The opposite is also true for a free flowing chakra alignment can make you feel wonderful, a chakra alignment may not always be the sole solution for your health issues.
Where does chakra practice come from?
The roots of chakra practice can be traced back to Hinduism and tantric Buddhism; and are very similar upon comparison, due to Buddhism being heavily inspired by Hinduism.
When it comes to chakra healing in both religions you can find that it is a physical and spiritual practice; there is not one without the other.
Chakra practice is used as an educational base for Buddhist and Hindu teachings of intentional movement for healing and spiritual balance.
However, it is worth mentioning that most if not all major religions reference some type of energy source that is within us all.
Where religions differ is that they disagree about the components and whereabouts of the essence that gives us sentience (a life with meaning, a life worth living).
As you begin to do your own research on religions and your spiritual roots, you will also begin to notice these same patterns.
Hinduism chakra practice: What is Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is a specialized form of yoga with religious roots in Hinduism. Hatha yoga is the discipline of force & it stresses the mastery of the body to obtain spiritual harmony.
Regulation of breath and performing asanas ( yoga poses) will awaken dormant energy, your main goal will be to transform that dormant energy into free flowing energy that will activate and go through each of your chakras.
These lotus formed chakra wheels start at the root chakra and end at the crown of your head, through the suppression of certain physical and mental activities you will be able to activate & integrate your masculine and feminine energies along your chakra channel.
This harmony of energies is indistinguishable from both enlightenment and immortality.
And while I am not a trained professional, I do practice using yoga to get in touch with specific energy sources and areas of my body, hopefully you can find this guide inspiring so that you can start your own energy transformation journey.
There are 6 tools one will need when practicing Hatha yoga and are key to your success.
Asanas- gain control over the physical body
Pranayama- gain control over your breath
Murda- Manipulate and stimulate prana (breath)
Bandhas- stimulate chakras
Kriyas- to purify internal organs
Mantras- to control the mind
Hatha yoga can help stimulate creativity, your ability to learn, concentration, focus, brings balance to your emotions , and can also relieve both anxiety & depression.
Physically Hatha yoga will help improve your energy, blood flow, cell repair, and will also improve the function of both your heart and lungs when practiced properly.
The concept of Altman is that it will be extremely beneficial for one to understand their soul, but to also acknowledge that one will never be able to experience the bliss of pure self while living in this plane of existence.
All we can do is try and accept that the ego is the false reflection of the soul.
Understanding the divine trinity that connects us all
There is an emphasis on wheels in Hinduism like jivana( wheel of life), kala ( wheel of time), & srishti ( wheel of creation).
Each of their seven wheels ( chakras) is what vitalizes the body and influences the mind, and each chakra is associated with their own physical properties as well as physiological correspondence.
By drawing prana ( breath) into each wheel you are essentially spinning the wheel on its axis, the idea is to hold the spherical properties of the wheel through breath so that each wheel is a made up of free flowing energy and you can collectively maintain a balance.
When you balance your chakras physically and mentally you will receive an emancipation of consciousness as you become one with all the particles in the universe that make up life creation and life sustainability.
Tantric Buddhism chakra practice
The biggest difference I have between Hinduism and Buddhism, is that Hinduism is polythestic ( belief of many gods) while Buddhists do not necessarily believe in any one god or gods.
The 5 main chakras you find in select branches of Buddhism ( Tantric & Vajrayana), can be found in Hinduism's 7 chakra system; this should not come as a surprise as some of the practices of Buddhism are inspired by Hinduism.
In Hinduism, there is the belief that there is one energy channel where all 7 chakras reside from root to crown.
For Vajrayana Buddhist, there are actually 3 channels of energy flow, a main energy channel that runs much like the one of the 7 chakra systems with 2 energy channels on either side.
The main energy channel starts at your third eye and curves up towards the crown of the head, this channel then shoots down to apānā vāyu, otherwise known as the “ Golden Bowl”.
The "Golden Bowl" generally makes up the circumference of your reproductive system sitting at your hips.
The two channels that run along each side of your main energy way are known as Rasana & La Lanā; they begin at each respective nostril and come to an end also at the golden bowl.
Side channels always run parallel to the main channel except at the naval chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, and crown chakra, at each of these points there is a twofold knot created from the channels from either side.
However at the Heart Chakra, there is a six-fold knot where each side channel loops around the heart chakra 3 times, it is the loosing and untying of these knots that the Vajrayana student aims to achieve.
Vajrayana Buddhism is actually known as the fastest branch of this religion to achieve enlightenment.
They practice living without worldly desires & regrets; this belief system is built on the idea that a mind under control is a mind that is always at peace.
When it comes to karma they acknowledge its existence however they understand that all happiness & suffering in their lives is just a result of karma, and not a reflection of who they are.
Tantra drops ( together they make essence)
White:sperm
Red:egg
Crown Chakra (Mansukha)- Contains the white tantra drop, and oversees body activity.
Third Eye (Divine Eye)- Knowing one's karmic relations, this is key to Enlightenment
Throat Chakra (Sambhogakaya) - Controls speech, Dreaming, and Body enjoyment.
Heart Chakra (Dharmakaya)- Activity of mind, Peacefulness, as well as the element of space.
Navel Chakra (Nirmanakaya)- Contains the tantric red drop, Manifestations, and the Earth element.
Break Down of each chakra
Sahasrara: Crown chakra
Location- Top of the head
Bodily function- The mind, to know and understand release attachment
Emotions- Bliss & Spirituality
Elements- Consciousness
Balanced Behavior- Connected with both self and the world, Present in your everyday life, Wise, & Filled with Universal Love
Overactive Behavior- Dogmatic, Judgmental, Ungrounded, Addiction
Blocked behavior - Learning difficulties, Disconnected from reality, Anger
Blocked Physical Manifestations- Arthritis, Constipation, Colon issues
Healing Method - Fresh Air, Sunlight, spending time in nature
Ajna: Third Eye chakra
Location- Forehead
Emotions- Intuition & Imagination
Elements- Light
Balanced Behavior- Intuitive, Faithful, Imaginative, & Clarity of Mind
Overactive Behavior- Nightmares, Delusions, Hallucinations, & Obsession
Blocked behavior- Poor judgment, Lacks focus, Poor imagination, & Depression
Blocked Physical Manifestations- Headaches, Blurred vision, Hearing loss, Eye pain
Healing foods- Purple Potatoes, Blackberries, Plums, & Purple Grapes
Vishuddha: Throat chakra
Location- Throat
Bodily function- Throat, Respiratory system, Vocal chords, Teeth
Emotions- Self expression
Elements- Ether
Balanced Behavior- Expressive, Good communication, Trustworthy, Calm, Honest
Overactive Behavior- Opinionated, Critical, Gossips often
Blocked behavior- Secretive, Cannot express yourself, Quiet, Shy, Moody
Blocked Physical Manifestations- Mouth Ulcer, jaw pain, Stiff neck, Sore Throat, Dental problems
Healing foods- Blueberries, Kelp, Figs
Anahata Heart Chakra
Location- Chest
Bodily function- Heart, Lungs, Circulatory and Immune System
Emotions- Balance and Love. To love and be loved release grief.
Elements- Air
Balanced Behavior- Generous, Loving, Compassionate, Peaceful, Empathetic
Overactive Behavior- Jealousy, Self Sacrificing, Codependency
Blocked Behavior- Lack of empathy, Bitter, Hateful, Jealousy, Trust Issues
Blocked Physical Manifestations- High blood pressure, Poor circulation, Respiratory issues, breathing problems, Compromised immune system
Healing foods- Spinach, Broccoli, Kale, Peas, Leafy Greens
Manipura Solar Plexus chakra
Location- Stomach and Abdomen
Bodily function- Digestive System, stomach, liver, & Pancreas
Blocked Physical Manifestations- Low blood sugar, gas, indigestion, diarrhea
Emotions- Pleasure, Confidence , & Responsibility. To act release Shame.
Elements- Fire
Balanced Behavior - Confident, Feeling in control of your life, having ambitions and goals
Overactive Behavior - Manipulative tendencies, Feeling run down, Perfectionism, Overly critical of self and others
Blocked Behavior- Low self esteem, helplessness, lack of boundaries or lack of boundary enforcement,
Healing Foods- Yellow peppers, Oats, Bananas, Corn
Swadhistanah Sacral Chakra
Location- Womb, Below the naval
Bodily function- Reproductive Organs, Kidneys, Bowles, Immune System
Emotions- Sexuality, Desire, and Pleasure. To feel and desire release guilt.
Elements- Water
Balanced Behavior- Passionate, Creative, Optimistic, Healthy Libido, Openness
Overactive Behavior- Over emotional, Fixated on sex, Manipulative
Blocked behavior- Low libido, Fear of Intimacy, Codependency
Physical Blocked Manifestations- Kidney Issues, Joint Pain, Anemia, Ovarian cysts, Reproductive issues
Healing foods- Mangoes, Passion fruit, Turmeric , Ginger, Golden milk
Muladhara Base or root Chakra
Location- Base of your Spine
Bodily function- Spine, Rectum, Circulatory System
Emotions- Security of self; to be grounded release fear
Elements- Earth
Balanced Behavior- Safe, secured, Centered, Grounded, Happy to be alive
Overactive Behavior- Greedy, Lustful for power, Cynical, Materialistic
Blocked behavior-Fear, Anxiety, Insecurity, Self-pity, Self doubt, Aggression
Blocked Physical Manifestations- Stiffness in legs, Rectal pain, Colon issues, Inflammation, Bladder Issues, Lower Back Pain
Healing foods- Beets, Parsnips, Apples, & Pomegranates
Noticing blocked energy transformers (Chakras)
There can be a depletion of energy flow or too much energetic activity in one or several of your chakras; each of these issues will manifest as different physical or emotional problems.
When a chakra is low in energy flow ( Blocked) it will be difficult for you to express certain feelings associated with that chakra.
When a Chakra is overactive, or experiencing too much energy flow, qualities associated with the overactive chakra are too much of a dominant force in your life.
Chakra practice is all about creating balance of energy flow and this can be agreed upon in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Prolonged imbalance of chakras can lead to physical illness, mental challenges, emotional confusion, and even disease.
Healing blocked chakras with movement and affirmation
There are multiple ways for you to get in touch with your chakras and maximize your energy flow.
Mantras are specifically taught to students of their respective cultures and are sounds that can help stimulate and balance each individual chakra. Like the single OM.
Affirmations however are statements or phrases that can help you reinforce the balance of these chakras and are best done when they are met with movement, but can be used alone depending on your preference.
Root Chakra
Affirmations
" With every breath I am more deeply grounded in my desired reality"
“I always take care of myself and am physically well”
"My presence has significant meaning and I am the manifestation of divine balanced energy"
Yoga poses
Mountain, Tree pose, Warrior poses
Crystals
Red tiger eye
Ruby
Red Jasper
Sacral Chakra
Affirmations
“I am a sensual being who celebrates my sexuality”
“I live my life passionately”
“I am always in control of my feelings and emotions”
Yoga poses
Cobra, Triangle pose, Froggy
Crystals
Moonstone
Carnelian
Peach aventurine
Solar Plexus Chakra
Affirmations
“I am Confident in all that I do”
“My boundaries are always respected “
“I am a combustion of unlimited potential”
Yoga Poses
Boat, Bow, & Backbend
Crystals
Honey calcite
Amber
Tiger’s eye
Heart Chakra
Affirmations
“I am showered with Divine Love”
“ I love myself unconditionally at all times”
" I am a generous and compassionate person"
Yoga Poses
Camel, Puppy pose, Forward bend with head resting on yoga block or pillow
Crystals
Jade
Emerald
Aventurine
Throat chakra
Affirmations
“I am my most authentic self”
“I communicate with intention and my message is always understood”
“I always speak my truth and my words hold true weight”
“ Space is sacred and I am an abundance of space”
Yoga Poses
Slow circular head swings, Plow, fish
Crystals
Aquamarine
Turquoise
Tanzanite
Third Eye chakra
Affirmations
“ I always trust and follow my intuition"
" My mind is clear and always under control"
" I always see what is needed to be seen for me to understand the karmic patterns in my life"
Yoga Poses
Child's pose, Cross legged forward bend
Crystals
Angelica
Amethyst
Angelite
Crown Chakra
Affirmations
“I am the connection to the divine knowledge of the universe”
“I am a multi dimensional and infinite being”
“I am one with the infinite universe”
Yoga Poses
Corpse, Lotus
Crystals
Rainbow moonstone
Sapphire
Clear quartz
Achieving alignment and how alignment can improve your life
While Chakra practice may seem like a lot to incorporate into your life, once you have it integrated into your lifestyle you open yourself up to a new perspective.
You will be able to face all challenges head on and no longer view any issues as a personal threat.
Chakra practice has helped me to understand that I am not the victim of my life but I am the creator of it.
I have all of the capabilities to do anything I please and all solutions to my life problems can be found within me.
Personally I use yoga as an opportunity to work on the wellness of my mind and body.
While focusing on each area of my body I am also using affirmations and breathwork to release any built up tension and make my energy channels as free flowing as possible.
I also use this time to meditate and just sit in my own body; to live and breathe into the present moment.
This is a grounding technique for me and also helps me to maintain the calmness in my mind; I know from Buddhist teachings that a mind that is under control is a mind that is at peace.
Maintaining alignment with movement and crystal application
Disclaimer*** Chakra practice is not going to be the solution for major health related issues.
Chakra practice is a preventative and maintenance practice of your energy channels and can support you on your spiritual journey of physical and mental health, but is not a complete substitute for your local medical office.
Please consult with your doctor if you are having severe physical symptoms of pain and discomfort.
There are a few ways that you can incorporate crystal into your chakra practice. You can use a selenite crystal, clear quartz, or moon stone to cleanse and charge each of your individual chakras.
This works by using your intention charged crystal and moving it in a counterclockwise motion in front of each chakra to cleanse and remove excess energy from each chakra wheel.
After removing excess energy you can move your crystal in a clockwise motion to charge and bring energy flow into each chakra.
I find that this is best practice on a weekly or monthly basis to help maintain energy flow, if you find that movement and meditation just doesn't fit into your daily practice.
However, there are specific crystals that have been listed above that you can hold near each chakra and keep a hold of the crystal or keep it nearby as you are saying affirmations or are performing yoga to maximize your energy flow.
Make sure each crystal you are using has been cleansed and charged with your intentions to charge yourself and become a vessel of free flowing energy.
Take just a few moments each morning to get in touch with the energy of each of your chakras and you can decide if you need to use movement, affirmation, or crystals to either dislodge excess energy or charge your chakra for maintenance of energy flow.
There is no right or wrong way for you to connect with the essences that are inside of you.
Chakra practice is an amazing way for you to connect both with your spiritual self and your physical self and I highly recommend that you give these practices a try.
At the very least I know you will enjoy connecting with yourself and giving yourself the attention you deserve.
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