Understanding the Chakras & Chakra Balancing

The term chakra is loosely translated (from Sanskrit) as spinning wheel or vortex of light. A chakra is in essence an energy centre which is responsible for absorbing and releasing specific types of energy to/from the body – each chakra working independently and as part of the whole, keeping the body, mind, emotions and spirit healthy, balanced and whole.

Although the physical and subtle bodies contain hundreds of chakras, for the purpose of this feature we will explore the Seven Major Chakras and the characteristics of a balanced vs. unbalanced state of each of these chakras.

The First Chakra – Root, Base (Muladhara – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Earth and the colour Red.  In a state of balance this chakra exudes vitality, health, security and stability. An overactive chakra, which is bringing in too much energy, is often characterised by displays of greed, selfishness, aggression or overbearing sadistic type behaviours. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a leaning toward anxiety, low self‐esteem, apathy or masochistic type behaviours. Imbalances in the root chakra can cause physical disturbance in the legs, bones, adrenal glands, colon, kidneys and spinal column.

The Second Chakra – Sacral (Swadhisthana – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Water and the colour Orange. In a state of balance this chakra exudes tolerance, emotional poise, creativity and sensuality. An overactive chakra which is bringing in too much energy is often characterised by displays of jealousy, distrust, self‐absorption and emotional explosiveness. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a leaning toward shyness, hyper‐sensitivity, uncertainty and a feeling of aimlessness. Imbalances in the sacral chakra can cause physical disturbance by way of bladder infections, impotence or frigidity and problems with the reproductive organs and fertility.

The Third Chakra – Solar Plexus (Manipura – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Fire and the colour Yellow. In a state of balance this chakra exudes personal power, self‐control and self acceptance. An overactive chakra which is bringing in too much energy is often characterised by displays of perfectionism, anger, frustration and an array of issues with power and authority. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a leaning toward hyper‐critical judgement of self and others, fear of failure, fear of authority and an inability to assert oneself. Imbalances in the Solar Plexus chakra can cause physical disturbance in the muscles, stomach, digestive system, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

The Fourth Chakra –Heart (Anahata – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Air and the colour Green and Pink. In a state of balance this chakra exudes compassion, empathy, peacefulness. An overactive chakra, which is bringing in too much energy, is often characterised by displays of emotional manipulation, melodrama and selfishness. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a leaning toward martyrdom, self‐pity, feelings of being unloved/unworthy, and fear of rejection. Imbalances in the heart chakra can cause physical disturbance in the circulation, lungs, heart/chest and thymus gland.

The Fifth Chakra – Throat (Visuddha – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Etheric Sound and the colour Turquoise. In a state of balance this chakra exudes an energy of calm and open expression, wisdom and artistic freedom. An overactive chakra which is bringing in too much energy is often characterised by displays of arrogance, dominance, excessive talking. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a inability to stand up for oneself, introversion and speech difficulties. Imbalances in the throat chakra can cause physical disturbance in the thyroid gland, mouth, throat and ears.

The Sixth Chakra – Third‐Eye, Brow (Ajna – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Etheric Light and the colour Indigo. In a state of balance this chakra exudes intuition, imagination and a well tuned awareness. An overactive chakra which is bringing in too much energy is often characterised by a lack of concentration, confusion, over‐active imagination. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a leaning lack of imagination, fear of success and in extreme cases mental illness. Imbalances in the third eye chakra can cause physical disturbance by way of visual problems, sinus issues, headaches and nightmares.

The Seventh Chakra – Crown (Sasharata – Sanskrit) chakra, symbolised by the element of Ether, Thought and the colour Violet/Purple. In a state of balance this chakra exudes a deep sense of spirituality and interconnectedness. An overactive chakra, which is bringing in too much energy, is often characterised by displays of extremes in spirituality, egotistical behaviour. An underactive chakra, which is not bringing in enough energy, can be characterised by a lack of spiritual connection /separation, and increasing need for control. Imbalances in the crown chakra can cause physical disturbance by way of migraines, immune disorders and mental cognitive disorders.

We have now explored some of the qualities of each chakra individually – one must keep in mind that each of these chakras energies contribute to keeping the ‘whole’ (body, mind, emotions and spirit) balanced and healthy, when one of the chakras becomes blocked or unbalanced the function of all of the chakras is affected.

What is Chakra balancing and how can it help?

Chakra balancing works on the premise that everything is made up of energy, a chakra balance aims to assist one in removing blockages within the body’s energy system and balancing the energies of each chakra so as to allow the whole system to function at optimum– in a maintained state of balance you will experience a state of perfect health and wellness. We employ a variety of methods and treatment layouts in balancing the chakras – Reiki, Crystals, Meditations and Yogic Exercises ‐ the techniques employed will vary based on the individual requirements of each client.