Chakras - The Gateways to Consciousness Traditionally, the physical body has seven main chakras that run along the main vertical line of the body (see picture above). The human body is comprised of many energy systems and etheric structures, such as acupuncture points, palms, knees and soles of the feet. Chakras, however, are the most important. Chakras regulate the flow of consciousness into and from the body. As chakras are energy vortexes, they can be affected by many forms of energy: a color, a thought, a sound or frequency, etc. Chakras relate to all levels of human life - emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. Each chakra has its own purpose, association and connection. Chakras are often pictured as colored dots sitting on the body, but they actually are spiraling, wheel-like vortices of pure energy that are three dimensional. Chakras spin at great speed and in a deeply spiritual person, they become spheres of radiant energy. With practice, it is entirely possible to extend the chakras energy field out several feet. In the Orient, some of the monks are able to extend their field out 50 feet or more. The way they measure this is by taking them out in the snow, and they are able to melt a large area around them. Chakras, sometimes referred to as "lotuses" can also be likened to a flower unfolding. Often people will want their chakras "balanced" or "opened". The balancing and opening of the chakras is actually a lifelong process. Oils can only assist the person in balancing or opening the chakras to the extent that it would be appropriate for them at the time. People are always coming into greater and greater balance. For certain abilities, different "petals" are opened at different times. Chakras can become distorted as a result of lack of flow or movement. This refers to movement on all levels, the blocking of energy, whether it be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual movement. Being constipated, no matter at which level, will have an effect the chakras. Physical traumas, such as surgeries, will also have an effect the chakras. The 3 lower chakras are often about what is referred to as "survival issues:" simply being able to navigate through life and manifest what is necessary. Often childhood issues are stored here, particularly around the navel where birth traumas are stored. Previous generations waited until the cord had stopped pulsing before they would cut it. Today, cords are cut immediately. Issues of shame and abuse are in this area. Chakra specifics: Base or Root Chakra: The consciousness of the physical being. Color: Bright Red Note: C Mantra: Lam Gemstones: Agate, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Smoky Quartz Zodiac Signs: Aries, Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn Associated body parts: Bones, teeth, nails, arms, legs, anus, prostate, intestines. This chakra is located in the lowest pelvic region, between the genitals and the anus. It actually starts in the perineum (this would correspond to the acupuncture point Ren (CV) 1). The seat of our creativity and sexuality, its purpose links the individual with the physical world. It defines the concept of "being" and "acceptable being." Serves as the foundation to evolve and build the personality. Embraces aspects such as energy, self-expression, ambition, consistency, desire for security and the survival of the self and species. When this chakra is distorted or out of balance, there may be much fear, paranoia, and in general, fears of the unknown and an inability to connect to life. Other factors resulting include: low immunity, an inability to trust nature, focus on material possessions and a need to satisfy ones own desires and wishes. When this chakra is in balance, there will be a feeling of safety, security, a willingness to connect to life, and to embrace life's experiences. Other resulting factors include: a profound connection to nature, trust in nature's laws, and a deep understanding of its ebb and flow. Massage Direction: Male: Clockwise Female: Counterclockwise Essential Oils: Cedar, Clove, Cypress, Marjoram, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang Beneficial Effect: Calms, dissolves tension. Lower Abdomen Chakra: The consciousness of creation. Color: Orange Note: D Mantra: Vam Gemstones: Moonstone, Carnelian, Tourmaline Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Libra, Scorpio Associated body parts: Reproductive organs, bladder, kidney, all liquids and fluids of the body. Generally the area below the navel and slightly above the genital area. Corresponds to acupuncture points Ren 4-6, 7, (This area is also known as the Dantien, or Hara in Oriental medical thought and is considered to be the area where the energy is stored going all the way through to the kidneys). This chakra is the center of sexuality and expression of emotions. Here the male sexual drive combines with the female sexual response. Feelings and emotions flow freely through regulating the relationship between lovers and friends. Balances the free giving and receiving of feelings and emotions. When out of balance, there will be co-dependency, and inability to freely bond, sometimes even with the self. Unsure and unstable in sexual and emotional matters. Cannot express feelings. Suppresses natural needs. When more in tune or in balance, the person will have a sense of belonging, and a more balanced relationship with the self. A considerate, open, friendly, kind person that has no trouble sharing emotions and feelings with others. Happily connected to life. Massage Direction: Male: Counterclockwise Female: Clockwise Essential Oils: Patchouli, Petitgrain, Sage, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang Beneficial Effect: Stimulates desire, rejuvenates. Solar plexus or upper abdominal Chakra: The consciousness of being. Color: Golden Yellow Note: E Mantra: Ram Gemstones: Amber, Tigereye, Citrine, Yellow Topaz, Agate Zodiac Signs: Leo, Sagittarius, Virgo Associated body parts - Lower back, abdomen, gall bladder, stomach, liver, spleen, digestive system, nervous system Located slightly below the navel, this chakra is more about acceptance and the need to be validated. Position in the center of the body gives this chakra its significance. This is where the personality is formed. Feeling and Being are integrated here. Aspects of our spiritual and earthly influences are blended here. Meditating can release one from the obstacles, such as self worth, that prevent us from realizing our dreams. When out of balance, the person may appear to be conceited or have an attacking nature, or be prideful. Demonstrate a need to dominate and a need for material security. A lot of trust issues are in this chakra, including self-trust. When in balance, the person will have a good sense of self and personal power, and have a healthy ego. Demonstrates feelings of wholeness, inner peace and calm. Inner tolerance and acceptance of others and a balance of spiritual and material worlds round out the positive aspects of a balanced chakra. Massage Direction: Male: Clockwise Female: Counterclockwise Essential Oils: Chamomile, Fennel, Juniper, Lemon, Thyme, Ylang-ylang Beneficial Effects: Eases aggression; brings peace. The four upper chakras are considered more spiritual and help to bridge the physical and the Divine. Different systems are going to have slightly different interpretations. Heart Chakra: The consciousness of love. Color: Green Note: F Mantra: Yam Gemstones: Emerald, Green Jade, Rose Quartz, Kunzite Zodiac Signs: Leo, Libra Associated body parts - Heart, upper back, chest, skin, circulatory system, abdominal cavity, lower lungs. This chakra actually lies a little above where the physical heart is, near the center of the chest. This chakra is also the center of the chakra system. Aesthetic impulses (art and music) are processed into feelings and emotions. Healing occurs through acceptance of suffering. Love, without fear or self-consciousness is generated here. Negative feelings and emotions are neutralized (when in balance). When out of balance, the expression of grief is blocked, and there may be feelings of undeserving and grasping for love. Avoiding love and commitment even to the self; love given is not sincere. Look for rewards. Cannot accept love given by others. When in balance, there is indeed compassion and the ability to move into Divine Love, and have an ability to give and receive love freely. Tolerance and acceptance of life and relationships. Massage Direction: Male: Counterclockwise Female: Clockwise Essential Oils: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood Beneficial Effects: Brings peace and understanding. Throat Chakra: The consciousness of expression. Color: Blue, a deep sky blue; cyan Note: G. Mantra: Ham Gemstones: Aquamarine, Turquoise, Chalcedony Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Taurus, Aquarius Associated body parts - Throat, thyroid, vocal chords, bronchials, lungs, voice, jaw, and nape of neck Located between the inner collarbone, this is the chakra of externalization and expression of the self and one's being. Feelings and emotions are transformed into expressions, such as, laughing or crying. This chakra deals with everything sound related, both on a physical and metaphysical level. Meditating on this chakra opens the channel for more harmonious expression of the self and the ability to communicate your truth and be clearly understood. When out of balance, there will be a fear of making mistakes, being judges and of being rejected. Self expression and communication are inhibited, despite much talking. When in balance the ability to communicate, and express silence or speech, radiate the true self. Knows how to listen to the inner voice and trusts intuition. Massage Direction: Male: Clockwise Female: Counterclockwise Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Sage, Sandalwood Beneficial Effects: Brings harmony to speech and voice. Brow or Third eye Chakra: The consciousness of knowing. Color: Indigo Note: A Mantra: Ksham Gemstones: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Indigo Sapphire, Opal Zodiac Signs: Sagittarius, Aquarius, Pisces Associated body parts - Face, eyes, nose, sinuses, pituitary gland, cerebellum Located between the eyes, this is the chakra of seeing, inner knowing and wisdom. Meditation on the Third Eye can bring inner peace and a feeling of being centered in the very core of your being. It opens gateway to knowledge. When out of balance, there will be denial, and refusing to take responsibility. Quite often when this chakra is blocked there is a lot of confusion. Focus is on science and intellect rather than on spiritual aspects of life. One only sees the obvious, surface meaning and is afraid of intuition. When in balance, one demonstrates the ability to see, to own and take responsibility, to be intuitive, and interpret reality clearly. Massage Direction: Male: Counterclockwise Female: Clockwise Essential Oils: Basil, Jasmine, Patchouli Rosemary, Vetiver Beneficial Effects: Understanding and harmony. Crown Chakra: Divine awareness. Color: Violet to white Note: B, OM Mantra: Hum Gemstones: Amethyst, Crystal, Topaz, Alexandrite, Sapphire Zodiac Signs: Capricorn, Pisces Associated body parts - Brain, Cerebellum, Skull Located at the top and center of the head, comparable to the "soft spot." Meditation on the Crown Chakra can restore the balance and help you to feel at one with universal consciousness and at the same time receive a sensation of peace and protection. This is the chakra where the Divine and the human meet and come together down into the heart. Higher wisdom is achieved as one overcomes self limitations beyond words or intellect. When out of balance, there will be feelings of disconnection from the Divine, lack of purpose, and inability to see the Light within oneself. Depressed, unsatisfied, and unable to let go of fear and anxiety. When in balance the ability to experience and interact with the Divine. To have "higher mind" awareness, and a connection and sense of purpose with the Divine plan. Massage Direction: Male: Clockwise Female: Counterclockwise Essential Oils: Frankincense, Oakmoss, Olibanum Beneficial Effects: Deeper understanding of self and one's place in the world. a table which is really a CIRCLE 10-02-00 CHAKRA EM Spectrum Hindu Name Glands Organs Body Parts Element Note Vowel Stones Essential Oils Soul Star Magenta UV ~~~ 12" above head Unknown Cosmos ALL NOTES oohmmm selenite Golden 'C' jasmine rose neroli all delicate flower oils all root oils Crown White Gold Violet Sahasrara (thousandfold) pituitary brain head Light B ngngng "sing" clear quartz rutilated quartz any clear crystal frankincense sandalwood myrrh benzoin neroli lavender angelica St. John's Wort Brow Indigo Violet Ajna (to perceive) pineal eyes temples Thought A mmm nnn amethyst lapis lazuli sugulite azurite rosemary lavender peppermint spruce frankincense elemi clary sage Throat Blue Visshudha (purification) hypothalamus thyroid throat ears jaw neck Ether Sound G eee "see" blue lace agate blue topaz celestite blue chamomile sage lemongrass hyssop Higher Heart Turquoise ~~~ thymus shoulders Air Ether G flat F# turquoise chrysocolla gem silica aquamarine helichrysum myrtle litsea rose geranium Heart Green Anahata (unstruck) heart lungs breasts shoulders arms hands Air F ay "play" aventurine green tourmaline green apophyllite malachite rose quartz pink tourmaline rose bergamot melissa jasmine rosewood Solar Plexus Yellow Manipura (lustrous jewel) solar plexus digestive system liver gall bladder spleen pancreas adrenals Fire E ah "father" citrine sulpher gold yellow calcite juniper vetivert rosemary yarrow petitgrain palmarosa marjoram lemon Sacral Orange Svadhisthana (sweetness) ovaries prostate kidneys bladder sacrum Water D oo "do" carnelien/sard red jasper cuprite ylang-ylang jasmine neroli rose rose geranium orange sandalwood Root/Base Red Muladhara (root/support) testicles coccyx perineum pubic bone legs & feet Earth C oh "note" black tourmaline smokey quartz bloodstone hematite onyx pipestone patchouli vetiver myrrh frankincense sandalwood cedarwood galbanum benzoin angelica St. John's Wort all root oils Earth Star Deep Red Infrared ~~~ 6" below feet into the Earth Earth's Core ALL NOTES oohmmm ruby garnet petrified wood bloodstone pipestone obsidian myrrh cedarwood vetiver all root oils all delicate flower oils copywrite 1998-2000 Anne Christine Tooley, APP