What are Chakras and how do they work with Reiki?
The word chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “vortex.”
Chakras are part of the human energy system. There are seven main chakras that run from the base of the spine to the top of the head. These chakras are said to resemble a funnel that becomes wider as it gets farther away from the body. Each chakra vibrates to a specific tone and color.
A healthy balanced chakra will spin in an even circular motion. A highly functioning chakra is presented as feeling whole, content, vitalized and healthy in our bodies. Conversely, a weakened, unbalanced chakra will present in the body as a lack of energy, restlessness, depression and feeling disconnected or “out of sorts.”
Our chakras are affected by our daily life. For example, a positive experience such as a warm hug from a loved one will affect the state of chakras positively. In this case, perhaps the heart and sacral chakras will be filled with beneficial energy and spin evenly, causing the person to feel love or happiness as a result of the hug.
The same can be said for negative experiences. Depending on the experience, one or more of the chakras can be disrupted and cause a feeling of dis-ease or unpleasantness in the body.
The seven main chakras correspond to the endocrine glandular system of the human body. Our endocrine system is responsible for regulating hormones in the body. The hormones that are produced contribute to our overall health and well being.
Some of the most vital processes in our bodies are controlled by our hormone regulations. For example, the way we age, our growth, reproductive systems, metabolism, stress reactions and our ability to heal are all connected with the hormones secreted by the endocrine system.
The chakras align with the seven main endocrine glands. During a Reiki treatment the physical body (endocrine glands) and the energetic body (the chakras) are filled with Chi or life force energy to create balance.
The Seven Chakras
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Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The first chakra is called the Root chakra. This chakra is located between the base of the spine and the pubic bone. It is associated with the color red . The Root chakra is related to our family or tribal relationships and connections (i.e. where we come from). Imbalances are seen as greed, recklessness, low energy, obesity and fatigue. The Root chakra governs are our instincts, security, survival, physical identity, family/social honor. A balanced Root chakra will give one a sense of being grounded to the Earth. The Root is associated with the earth, the sense of smell and the musical note of C.
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Sacral Chakra (Svadisthana)
The second chakra is called the Sacral chakra. It is associated with the color orange and is located a few finger lengths below the navel. The Sacral chakra is related to our relationships with others. It governs our sexual energy, creativity, desires, self-gratification, addictions, physical sensations and movement. This chakra connects people through their feelings. Providing the ability to give and receive on all levels of creativity, sensuality and intimacy with others. Imbalances in this chakra are presented as promiscuity, frigidity/impotence and creative blocks. Relationships and unions with other people are the key elements of the Sacral chakra. It is associated with the element of water, which has classically been represented by the emotions. This chakra governs the sense of taste and it’s musical note is D.
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Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The third chakra is called the Solar Plexus chakra. It’a color is yellow. The Solar Plexus is located just above the navel. This chakra is related to our relationship with the self only. The Solar Plexus deals with our sense of self-esteem, ego, intuition and personality. Some key issues involved with the Solar Plexus are issues of personal power, self-definition, fear, anxiety, opinion formation, will, introversion and honoring the self. An unbalanced Solar Plexus chakra is presented as high stress levels, aggression, control issues, complacency and feeling un-empowered. A highly functioning Solar Plexus chakra would allow one to easily achieve their goals, and clarify personal wills and desires. The element of this chakra is fire, the sense is sight and the musical note is E.
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Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The fourth chakra is called the Heart chakra. It is associated with the color green and located in the center of the chest. This chakra is related to unconditional love, compassion, well being, harmony, equilibrium and the union of male and female energies. Some negative issues in this chakra are represented by emotional imbalance, being too trusting, smothering, codependent/enabling, acting distrustful or self centered behavior. In contrast a well-developed Heart chakra is able to follow the heart’s impulse, feel peaceful, nurturing strengths as well as weaknesses and be in harmony with self and others. The element of this chakra is air, the sense is touch and the musical note is F.
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Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The fifth chakra is called the Throat chakra. It’s color is blue. The Throat chakra is located in the neck and mouth area of the body. This chakra is related to communication and growth through expression. It governs independence, fluent thought, self-expression, language and the vibration of sound. Some negative issues that can be an inability to speak one’s truth, talking too much, inability to listen, being argumentative and being unable to make conscious, clear choices. This chakra is where we breathe life into our choices. A well-developed throat chakra would choose compassion over judgment of self or others. Connecting thoughts and emotions effortlessly is a sign of a healthy Throat chakra. The senses associated with the Throat chakra are hearing and speaking. The element is ether and the musical note is G.
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The Brow Chakra (Anja)
The sixth chakra is called the Third Eye or brow chakra. It is associated with the color purple or indigo. The Third Eye is located between the eyebrows. This chakra is related to balancing the higher and lower self and learning to trust your inner guidance. This is the seat of our intuition. Our connection to our higher self or the Divine within resides in this chakra. The actions of the Third Eye are self-reflection, truth and seeing the big picture. Imbalances in this chakra are racing thoughts, forgetfulness, headaches/migraines, being illogical and being unable to recall dreams. The senses associated with this chakra are sight and extra sensory perception, the element is air and the musical note is A.
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The Crown Chakra (Saharara)
The seventh chakra is called the Crown chakra. This chakra is located on the top of the head. It is associated with the colors violet or white. The Crown chakra represents our highest thought, pure consciousness, universal identity, Divine self-knowledge, and our connection to the greater world beyond. Imbalances in this chakra can be seen as a lack of spiritual awareness, lack of a higher purpose, and feeling ungrounded or spaced out. An individual with a well-balanced Crown chakra lives in the present moment, seeking truth, wisdom and clarity. This chakra connects all of the other chakras by honoring a higher power. The Crown chakra element is light and the musical note is B.
