How Your 7 Energy Centers Effect Your Life By Samantha Fey

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. Chakras are energy centers in our body that look like spinning wheels. When our chakras are properly balanced, we feel healthy and happy. Picture seven spinning wheels in the colors of the rainbow starting at your spine and moving along your back to the top of your head. In order to maintain optimum health and healing, we need to keep these seven energy centers balanced and aligned with each other. When they’re too small, we feel closed off, alone and disconnected. When they’re too big, life feels overwhelming, dramatic and out of control. In this article, you’ll learn where your chakra are and how to keep them balanced.

Root Chakra

The root chakra is red and sits at the base of our spine. It governs issues of security, safety, money, self-esteem and family of origin. If you have a lot of lower back pain, you might be worried about money or feeling insecure at your job. When we’re greedy or hold on to our money rather than sharing it, this center shrivels up and limits our ability to receive. When we give too much and too freely, this center gets enlarged and can put us into debt. To keep this chakra balanced and healthy, affirm that money comes to you easily and abundantly. Try yoga stretches and getting massages to stretch out your lower back. Work on forgiving any members of your family that are or have caused you problems. When meditating, imagine tree roots coming out of the soles of your feet so you feel rooted and safe.

(Recommended crystals: jasper, garnet, hematite)

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is orange and sits below our belly button. It deals with issues of fertility, sex, creativity and feeling good about our body. When this chakra is out of balance, we might have issues with intimacy, some people experience eating disorders. People who have been sexually abused will store their pain here. When this chakra is overactive, we might experience addictions, obsessions with our appearance, and exercising to excess. When this chakra is underactive, we will find ourselves sleeping more, experiencing infertility issues, or feeling useless. To keep this chakra clean and healthy, affirm that you love your body. Practice belly dancing and yoga. Take time to nurture yourself as you work on loving and approving of who you are.

(Recommended crystals: carnelian and garnet)

Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is yellow and sits just above the belly button. The chakra deals with issues of personal power, courage and confidence. Fear of authority issues and control issues are dealt with here too. When this chakra is overactive, one will experience the need to be controlling and in charge. When the solar plexus is underactive, one might experience a fear of authority, difficulty making decisions. To heal and balance this chakra, affirm “I interact with those around me with confidence and courage.” Try writing out your fears to physically release them from your energy. Practice standing in your own power – ask for what you need and learn to say no. Set healthy boundaries. Physically, hula hooping and dancing are great for this chakra as is walking and running.

(Recommended crystals: citrine, sun stone, yellow calcite)

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra sits in the middle of our chest; its color is green. This is the chakra that deals with love and all our relationships, not just romantic ones. Any issues that we have with family members, co-workers, bosses, friends, neighbors and our romantic partners gets stored here. When this center is overactive, one might feel obsessively attracted to another person. Consistent anger and hatred is another sympton as is refusing to forgive someone, especially yourself. When this center is underactive, one might experience co-dependency, dysfunctional relationships, and constantly “rescuing” others. To heal and balance this chakra, affirm “All my relationships are loving.” Practice self-love and being kind and gentle with yourself. Work on forgiveness and releasing old resentments. Physically, walking and swimming are great for this center.

(Recommended crystals: Green Aventurine, Malachite, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Watermelon Tourmaline)

Throat Chakra

This center sits at the base of our throat and its color is sky blue. This is the center of communication and reflects one’s ability to speak the truth. Attributes covered here include writing, public speaking, acting, singing and teaching. You can tell this center is overactive if you find yourself talking too much, speaking loudly, lying or imposing your views on others. When the throat chakra is underactive, you might experience a fear of speaking your mind. Physically, you might get a lot of sore throats and colds. To heal and balance this chakra, try singing, humming, whistling and affirming “I always speak my truth.”

(Recommended crystals: Blue Lace Agate, Blue Topaz, Blue Chalcedony)

Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra sits in the center of your forehead. Its color is indigo. This center governs our ability to trust our intuition, to seek answers within. ESP, Clairvoyance and psychic ability are governed here. This center also covers our need to let go of control issues. People who experience frequent headaches or migraines need to ask themselves, “Where in my life am I holding onto control?” When this center is overactive, one might find themselves believing in everything, feeling ungrounded and out of touch with the “real” world. When the third eye chakra is underactive, one might feel too skeptical, closed off and blocked. To balance and heal this chakra, meditate and read books on spirituality. Affirm daily, “I trust myself and follow my inner guidance.” Physically, connecting with nature is great for this chakra. Practice present moment awareness.

(Recommended crystals: Sodalite, labradorite, azurite and lapis lazuli)