
As we pursue inner peace and personal growth, we frequently discover the intriguing concept of chakras—our vibrant energy centers which are believed to play a crucial role in our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
It is believed that our body contains 114 chakras, with 7 primary ones acting as a blueprint for health and well-being. This concept is similar to the yoga idea of Nadis, the channels for prana, where it is suggested that the human body has 72,000 nadis. However, to simplify our practice, we focus on the 3 main ones. Together, our nadis and chakras work harmoniously for us to achieve optimal emotional, physical, and mental performance.
The Essence of Energy Healing
Understanding how our chakras function and how they can become imbalanced is essential for fostering healthier connections with ourselves and others, however, it is important to approach the energy journey of chakra healing with care and patience.
The collective focus can often narrow awareness to releasing blocked chakras, and although this is important, it’s also important to acknowledge that opening chakras too quickly can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges.
Ultimately, the goal of energy work is to align and balance, cultivating self-awareness, emotional resilience, and inner strength to break free from unhealthy patterns.
The Seven Major Chakras
The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is situated at the base of the spine and is linked to our legs, feet, and bones. When balanced, it provides a sense of safety, security, and groundedness. However, when misaligned, it can result in unpredictable and unstable behaviors, potentially leading to significant consequences.
The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) is situated in the lower abdomen, linked to the reproductive organs and hips. When balanced, it allows us to feel nurtured and secure in expressing our genuine creativity. However, if misaligned, it can lead to emotional overwhelm, causing a person to seek ways to numb their fears.
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is situated in the upper abdomen, linked to our digestive system and core muscles. When balanced, it fosters feelings of empowerment and confidence. However, if misaligned, a person might experience low self-esteem, a need for perfection, and a constant search for validation.
The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is situated in the middle of the chest, linked to our heart and lungs. Emotionally, it allows us to experience compassion and unconditional love. When misaligned, an individual may become overly reliant on others, withdraw, and remain trapped in grief.
The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) is situated in the throat area, linking to the neck, mouth, and ears. Emotionally, it relates to our genuine voice, enabling clear communication. If out of balance, a person might fear speaking, struggle with listening, avoid honesty, or speak abruptly out of frustration.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) - situated between the eyebrows, linked to our eyes and brain. Emotionally, it helps us tap into our inner intuition and wisdom. When out of alignment, it can cloud judgment, cause sleep difficulties, and result in a lack of focus and clarity, leading to risky decision-making.
The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is located at the top of the head and is connected to the nervous system and brain. Emotionally, it is associated with our spiritual connection and enlightenment. When the Crown Chakra is balanced, it allows us to feel harmonious with others and aligned with our divine purpose. However, if it is out of alignment, it can result in spiritual bypassing and an excessive focus on critically judging others with different ideas, lifestyles, or perspectives, including spiritual paths.
Chakra Opening Consideration
Working with our chakras can be an excellent path to healing, yet it's crucial to approach this journey carefully and patiently. Although many think we 'need to open our chakras', this isn't the actual aim of energy healing. In certain instances, quickly opening chakras might lead to unexpected challenges including:
Emotional Overwhelm: When chakras open suddenly or quickly, it can lead to repressed emotions emerging too fast, causing emotional flooding with intense feelings that can be difficult to process. In particular, if the upper chakras open quickly, a person might feel "spacey" or detached from their physical reality.
Energy Discomfort: Our bodies need time to adjust to the feeling of enhanced energy flow. Initially, a free flow of energy might be disconcerting, particularly if the energy has been stagnant for a while. This can lead to increased sensitivity, which might overwhelm the system. Changes in our energy system can sometimes affect our sleep patterns, causing vivid dreams or insomnia.
Changes in Relationships: As we undergo internal transformations, our external relationships might face challenges, possibly leading to temporary discord or codependent behaviors if not handled with care. Individuals with underlying psychological concerns should steer clear of certain chakra or kundalini practices, as they may not be ready to manage their emotions in a healthy manner.
A Trauma-Informed Yoga Approach
Acknowledging that unresolved tension, chronic stress, and trauma affect many of us, it is essential to embrace a trauma-informed approach to energy work and yoga practices. Incorporating a compassionate and empowering approach can guide us through our healing journey with increased care and effectiveness:
The Power of Intention: By starting our practice with an intention centered on safety and self-compassion, we subtly remind ourselves that we can shape our experience, fostering an internal atmosphere of self-trust, kindness, and empowerment.
Grounding Practices for Body Awareness: Mild grounding exercises can establish a gentle connection with the present moment. Practices can include basic breathing exercises or sensing your body as it is supported by the surface beneath you. Slowly introduce more advanced postures and exercises to avoid over stimulation and nervous system overwhelm.
Choice and Empowerment: Provide yourself with options during your practice. For instance, “I have the option to keep my eyes open or closed,” or “I can remain in this pose or switch to child’s pose if I need a rest.” Remember you have control over your body and experience.
Gentle Chakra Activation: Instead of forcing chakras open, visualize them as flowers gently blooming at their own pace. Listen closely to your body and adjust your practice as you see fit. Resource your awareness by identifying colors, sounds, images or objects that serve as a personal anchor for support.
Titration: Engage with minimal, controllable levels of sensation or emotion. If you become overwhelmed, go back to your resource or grounding exercise. Ensure you have plenty of time to integrate after each session. This might include journaling, quiet contemplation, or gentle movement.
A Compassionate Path Forward
We live in a society that often emphasizes immediate solutions and fast results. And although I wish healing could be that quick and easy, the truth is that these rapid 'solutions' often lead us away from true healing.
It is important to understand that healing is a journey of self-love and exploration, not a race. Our journey unfolds at its own pace, tailored to our personal growth and reflection. Each stage of healing offers us new insight, cultivated love and unwavering strength. At times we may experience setbacks and failures before reaching a beautiful flow of renewal. It’s important to lean into a practice of patience, strength and self-compassion.
When we tap into our true identity, values, and beliefs the universe carefully crafts a transformative journey for us that evolves over time. Embracing our healing journey empowers us to honor ourselves with full compassion and understanding.
Here are some nurturing suggestions for incorporating chakras into your healing practice:
Start Slowly: Initiate with gentle exercises, emphasizing grounding and self-awareness.
Seek Support: Think about collaborating with a trauma-informed yoga instructor or therapist who can assist you in this journey.
Embrace Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness as you go through these changes. Every step forward, whether it be big or small is a triumph.
Balance is Key: Harmoniously engage with all chakras instead of concentrating heavily on just one.
Listen to Your Body: Respect your body’s intuition. If something feels off, it’s alright to stop or adjust your practice.
Celebrate Your Progress: Recognize and honor each step of your growth and self-discovery.
True healing comes from within. By nurturing our subtle energy with patience, love, and trauma-informed care, we can gradually release unhealthy patterns and embrace a more balanced, harmonious way of being.
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Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only and is not meant to be considered as medical advice. It is important to note that yoga and life coaching can serve as compliments to professional mental health therapy, not replacements.