Chakras: Their purpose and impact on our life and health
by
Maria Teresa De
Donato, Ph.D. in Holistic Health, Naturopath, Homeopath
In order to
understand how the physical body is made according to the different levels of waves
of energy frequency and energy systems composing it, we can visualize as
superimposing all of them in the same framework of space. By overlapping them
we will increase the energy frequency and end up seen matter, that is, the
physical body, and since as Traditional Chinese Medicine states, physical
illness is the result of an invisible one we can state that illness originates
first in the etheric body.
If
we superimpose the images of the body’s circulatory system, lymphatic system
and the acupuncture meridian system – which according to TCM indicates the path
followed by the invisible energy called chi (or qi, prana or life force) we
will observe that the three do follow the same path (or almost the same) – this
leading to the probability that connections are indeed possible and that
therefore the action and path of one may in fact impact the others.
The
concept of energy running through the body through the meridians reminds us of
the energy system related to the Chakras (from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or
“turning”) and the Nadis (channels through which the qi flows), with the
Chakras being represented, according to Hinduism and Buddhism, as a subtle-energy
wheel-like vortices and acting as centers or special points in which
subtle-energies connect with each other.
Chakras
are classified according to their location, physiological and endocrine systems
and organs they are linked and inner aspects they are related to as follows:
1)
Root Chakra, also known as the first chakra, which
is located at the base of the spine, and corresponds to the sacral-coccygeal
area. It represents the reproductive
system (Gonads), the sense of grounding, hence is associated with our ability
to connect to the earth energies and to strengthen our life force as well as to
the sense of deep connection existing between mother and child and among family
members. Lack of ability to focus, sense
of confusion and/or disconnection, depression and autoimmune deficiencies as well as health
issues affecting legs, feet, rectum, tailbone, and immune system are all indication
that this chakra is out of balance. Root chakra is also considered the center
of Kundalini energy.
Well
known for its effectiveness in the treatment of depression,
gallbladder or high blood pressure Dandelion root tea is
particularly indicated to restore root chakra balance. Vegetables such as carrots,
potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic as well as pretty much all
other sorts of roots may also benefit this chakra.
The first chakra
is associated with the color red.
2)
Sacral Chakra, or second chakra, is located in
the sacral area below the umbilicus, corresponding to the genitourinary system
(which includes Leydig cells) and is related to emotions and sexuality, as well
as to the area of relationship, and to prana activity. This chakra is also linked
to our creativity and to the ability of making personal choices and changing
our life for the better.
Eating disorders, urinary tract problems,
reproductive disorders, occasional headache, fever and emotional imbalances all
indicate that this of chakra is out of balance.
Calendula, Gardenia
roots and Sandalwood can help restore balance in these areas, with the latter being
able also to treat different kinds of infections. Among the many herbs and
spices that can also be beneficial to restore a healthy Sacral chakra we find licorice,
cinnamon, sweet paprika, and fennel.
The second
chakra is associated with the color orange.
3) Solar Plexus Chakra, identified as the third chakra, corresponds
to the upper abdomen level, and consequently to the digestive system and the
adrenal glands (endocrine system) and relates to personal power.
Depression, anxiety
and a doubtful and mistrusting attitude towards others might lead to a great
variety of health issues, thus including digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, liver
and/or kidney problems, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and even intestinal tumors. A
balanced solar plexus chakra, on the other hand, promotes intuition, a sense of
self-esteem and personal power.
Lavender,
bergamot or rosemary oil are among the most effective in all these areas, with Bergamot
being particularly helpful for the digestive system due to its ability to speed
up digestion. Rosemary, which is widely
used in the Mediterranean cuisine is also very beneficial for its properties which
positively affect stomach and intestines.
Among the other herbs and spices that also play in important role and be
effective to help this chakra to go back to its state of balance, we find mint,
ginger, turmeric and cumin.
The third chakra is associated with the color yellow.
4)
Heart Chakra, or fourth chakra, corresponds to
the heart plexus located in the mid chest, relates to the circulatory system
and to the thymus, and is linked to love, hence to our human energy system and
to all kinds of intense emotions, thus including love as well as pain, fear, anger,
hatred, resentment, jealousy, sense of betrayal, of loneliness, and sorrow. Being
aware of the role that this chakra plays in our life is fundamental to make
sure we maintain optimum health and wellness.
Basil, cayenne, cilantro, hawthorn berries, jasmine, lavender,
marjoram, parsley, rose, sage, and thyme can all be beneficial and help this
chakra to find a new state of equilibrium.
The fourth chakra is associated with the color green.
5)
Throat Chakra, or fifth chakra, is located in
the neck, corresponds to the Cervical Ganglia Medulla and to the respiratory
system and thyroid and is linked to communications, will and lower mental
activity. The way we talk and express ourselves affects this chakra. Hence the
more genuine, honest and frank we are the less the chances to negatively impact
this chakra energetically, which in the end will manifest as symptoms affecting
the area.
Red
clover, eucalyptus, along with lemon grass, peppermint, sage, and salt are
natural remedies that can all help to restore this chakra health and balance.
The
fifth chakra is associated with the color blue.
6)
Brow Chakra, also called sixth chakra or third
eye, is located in the forehead, corresponds to the hypothalamus, automatic
nervous system and to the pituitary gland, and relates to intuition, inner
vision, higher spiritual forces, clairvoyance and to the ability of distinguish
reality from fantasy.
Jasmine,
juniper, lavender, mint, and rosemary are among the natural remedies that can
help Brow chakra regain its balance.
The
sixth is associated with the color indigo.
7)
Crown Chakra, or seventh chakra, is located on
the top of the head and corresponds to the cerebral cortex pineal gland,
Central Nervous System (CNS) central control and relates to spiritual seeking
and higher spiritual forces. While the
first chakra (Root chakra) connects us to the earth, this chakra acts as a gate
through which the universal life force enters our body and has access to all
other chakras. The crown chakra is
usually represented by a lotus flower and symbolizes spiritual awakening and is
the very source of intuitive knowledge. While imbalance in this area may lead
to experience depression, migraines, amnesia and even, in the worst-case
scenario, mental illnesses, a balanced Crown chakra allows us to experience
cosmic love and divine union.
Lavender seems
to be the most helpful remedy for a realignment with the cosmos since it has a
very positive effect on all chakras.
The seventh chakra
is associated with the color violet.
The examination of the chakras, as seen in Ayurvedic medicine, and of the
Kundalini energy (which we will deal with in one of the next
articles), as considered by psychoanalyst Carl Jung in his
study of the structure and functioning of the unconscious, can to help us
better understand, according to a Western perspective, the problems
related to psychosomatics and to the processes of somatization.
