Intro to Chakras 101 — Signs of Balance and Imbalance

chakras 7 color chart on whiteThe chakras are energy centers in the body which correspond to our nervous system. Since energy is in motion, it is essential that our chakras stay open and aligned. If there is a blockage, energy slows and problems manifest in our physical body and in our outer life with others. Here are the Basic Balance / Imbalance Signs Of Each Chakra:

The First (Base/Root) Chakra: is located at the base of the spine. This center is our will-to-live, our drive to survive. It is our ground though which we gain power, stability and growth. It represents activity and movement and is associated with the legs, feet, hips, colon, rectum, bones, the adrenals, the immune system and the blood. The color is red and the musical note is C.

When this chakra is balanced, we have physical vitality and strength, we feel connected to nature. We are happy with our home, with our job, we feel passion, we are trusting, we feel we have enough, we feel safe and secure. We intuitively trust that life will be generous in offering us endless opportunities. We’re honest, we keep agreements and honor commitments.  

Signs of 1st chakra imbalance: Lack of energy and stamina, feelings of unreality, of not belonging, feeling unable to cope, nagging insecurities, no sense of community, worry, worry, worry. Difficulty with physical movement, coordination or circulation problems, inability to sustain energy levels, physical weakness, exhaustion, lacking in drive and enthusiasm, easily drained by company. Feelings of discontent with home, career, struggling to meet life’s basic needs, feelings of not having enough, being distrustful and insecure. Also hyperactivity, inflammation, physical tension, inability to relax, anger, fear, confusion, mood swings, impatience, anxiety, fidgeting, intolerance, violent outbursts.

Suggestions to balance the 1st chakra: Breathe in the energy of red, while listening to music in the key of C. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Walk and garden so you can get close to nature. Create a home you feel safe and secure in. Make amends to those you’ve cheated. Make peace with your family of origin. Eat nutritiously and be physically active every day. Take responsibility for yourself – it’s empowering!

chakras Leadbeater's+nervous+plexiThe Second (Sacral) Chakra: is located below the navel and above the pubic bone. It is associated with the qualities of movement and flow of energy. Also referred to as the spleen, sacral, abdominal and yjr navel chakra, it is associated with the bladder, the large intestine the reproductive organs, and the kidneys. The color is orange and the musical note is D.

When this chakra is balanced, our bodies move easily and freely, we enjoy good digestion and vital health; we are motivated and focused on personal goals, we feel personally confident and do not focus on regrets or grieveful memories. We interact harmoniously with others, and have successful relationships. We don’t feel we have voids to fill in our life.

Signs of 2nd chakra imbalance: Physical rigidity, restricted feelings, digestive disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, lack of focus, lack of vitality, being stuck in the past, holding on to memories, impotence, problems with uterus, bladder or kidneys, stiff lower back. Feelings of inadequacy, possessiveness, jealousy and envy, and self regret on all levels. Anti-social behaviors, addictions, selfishness and arrogance all stem from a second chakra imbalance, as well as the need to control, violence, thoughtlessness, hatred, despair of the future, victimization, masochism, sentimentalism, consumerism (the need for more stuff). Being stuck in routines that waste your time and energy.

Suggestions to balance the 2nd chakra: Breathe in the energy of orange, while listening to music in the key of D. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Make time to have fun. Learn to have fun while you go about your mundane daily chores. Get in touch with your sensual side; learn to appreciate sights, smells, sounds, tastes, textures as never before. Practice flirting or interacting with the opposite sex with no expectations or conditions.

chakras Prancha VIIIThe Third (Solar Plexus) Chakra: is located between the navel and the rib. It motivates us to bring about change, and deals with our ability to transform energy from a raw state into usable forms. It deals with digestion, stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, spleen (which also effects our immune system) and also works in proper functioning of the nervous system and the skin. The color is yellow, the musical note is E.

When this chakra is balanced
, we are optimistic, self-confident, spontaneous, flexible, understanding, have a sense of humor. Joy and laughter are natural balanced expressions of the solar plexus. We are healthy and stress free, we are open minded, respect authority, work well with co-workers and have a sense of community and team spirit.

Signs of 3rd chakra imbalance: Ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, stress related ailments, indigestion, insomnia, panic attacks, headaches, muscle tension, skin irritation, nervous disorders, allergic reactions, arthritis, tension, worry, confusion, auto immune disorders, chronic fatigue, codependency, depression, addictions. An overactive chakra might show signs of over analytical or fussy behavior, narrow concepts, prejudices, lack of tolerance, a need to control, or concern over feeling you lack of control.

Suggestions to balance the 3rd chakra: Breathe in the energy of yellow, while listening to music in the key of E. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Consciously practice surrendering your own personal efforts, and ask the Universe to work on your behalf. Surrender your dreams into God’s hands.

chakras leadbeater funnelsThe Fourth (Heart) Chakra: Located at the center of the chest this is also the midway point of the chakra system with 3 chakras above and 3 chakras below. This chakra is associated with the thymus, the heart, lungs, blood, circulatory systems, glands, diaphragm, arms, hands and respiration. The color is green and the musical note is F.

When this chakra is balanced, we have the ability to change and adapt, we are compassionate, we care and share unconditionally, we enjoy good relationships with others, we have successful routines and disciplines, and the ability to discern and travel our own personal road. There is a sense of calm, clear-sightedness, friendliness and enjoyment of others. We understand the needs of others without feeling our own needs have to be ignored or suppressed. We hold our own ground.

Signs of 4th chakra imbalance: Asthma, high blood pressure, lung disease, heart disease, colds, emotionless, power-seeking. Anything that intrudes into or restricts personal boundaries and equilibrium such as: invasive illness, abnormal growths, sense of claustrophobia, being trapped, unfulfilled, restricted, dominated, a need to be in control or be controlled, becoming possessive or obsessive, constantly seeking reassurance, criticism or judgment of others, a lack of self worth and isolation..

Suggestions to balance the 4th chakra: Breathe in the energy of green, while listening to music in the key of F. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Surrender your ego and participate fully in your life, without separating, without needing to be special.

The Fifth (Throat) Chakra: has to do with communication, inner identity, and telepathy. Related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the upper chest, neck, throat, mouth, nose and ears, the alimentary canal. The throat chakra is primarily concerned with communication, expression and creativity. The color is blue, the musical note is G.

When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident to speak up and clearly articulate our wants and needs. We stand up for ourselves and for the underdog. We let others know how we feel. We make responsible choices. We express ourselves in a variety of creative ways, we may journal, draw or sing, we may write poetry, sew or garden or crochet or woodwork. We feel heard and understood and respected by those who are important to us. We enjoy listening to and understanding those around us. We feel hopeful, blessed and lucky; we like to share our joy with others.

Signs of 5th chakra imbalance: Throat problems, stiff neck, thyroid problems, ear problems, laryngitis, sore throats, tonsillitis (these all suggest difficulties within the lines of communication either at an every day level or sometimes simply the need to become involved in some artistic activity), creativity blocks, lack of inspiration. Very often these symptoms are a sign something is being held back or not communicated, individuality is being stifled and something needs to be expressed.

Suggestions to balance the 5th chakra: Breathe in the energy of blue, while listening to music in the key of G. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Learn to say no to whatever drains you. Claim authority for your life. Take notice of the coincidences around you. Avoid unnecessary talk. Do something creative and fun: art, dance, gardening, music, rearrange furniture, build a fort in your backyard. Practice writing letters to others to express what you’d really like to say to them. Practice these dialogues out loud with friends until it feels natural to speak your mind. Cease all gossip and criticism.

The Sixth Brow (3rd Eye) Chakra: the Ajna center, located at the center of the forehead. It governs the pituitary gland, pineal gland and nervous system. Affects the eyes and the conscious workings of the brain, main function is to make sense of the raw information received from the sense organs. It is associated with clairvoyance, intellect, belief, understanding and analysis of reality. The color is indigo and the musical note is A.

When this chakra is balanced, we enjoy our reflective time alone, our memory is good and we pay attention to detail. We plan ahead, we feel intuitive, we make decisions quickly, we feel lucky, we notice synchronicity in our daily lives. We have an understanding of the basic nature of the universe and trust that we’re guided and cared for.

Signs of 6th chakra imbalance: When the brow chakra is stressed, the mind becomes clouded and thought patterns run in chaotic circles, making practical decision making extremely difficult. Intuitive sensitivity may become blocked. Visual defects, nightmares, and headaches are also signs of an imbalanced brow chakra.

Suggestions to balance the sixth chakra: Breathe in the energy of indigo, while listening to music in the key of A. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Look past appearances; look for the beauty and wonder in things. Do a few minutes of creative visualization every day. Script your upcoming dream life and read it every day.

The Seventh Crown Chakra:
located just above then crown of the head. Here, our unique pattern of consciousness is kept in constant touch with all sorts of information from the outer universe and the subtle realms. As the base chakra connects us firmly and safely to the earth, the crown chakra opens us to the universal energy. The color is a radiant, opalescent violet and the musical note is B.

When this chakra is balanced, the crown chakra increases the ability to understand things in a wider context allowing one to become more intuitive. We have a sense of belonging and find it easy to learn. We feel in just the right place at just the right time.

Signs of 7th chakra imbalance: Depression, alienation, inability to learn. When the crown chakra loses its balance, a shadow is cast over the whole system. There is a feeling that something is not right, although it can be difficult to describe clearly what is wrong. Feelings of alienation and depression, a weight descending that makes you feel listless, exhausted and prone to boredom. The crown chakra directly effects the higher brain. The cerebrum which consists of the 2 hemispheres of the brain is the seat of higher consciousness, a lack of balance between the left and right can cause confusion and coordination difficulties, both physically and mentally.

Suggestions to balance the 7th chakra: Breathe in the energy of violet, while listening to music in the key of B. Balance your chakras every morning as part of your spiritual practice. Seek out those you can learn from. Look for the silver lining. Do some creative visualization every day, as well as meditation. Say silent prayers each evening for healing those in need.

Compiled in part from info obtained from:
True Balance by Sonia Choquette, Ph.D.
http://www.thesoulelement.com/chakras.htm
http://www.nettally.com/krivera/overview.html

RELATED: Clearing and Balancing the Chakras from Doreen Virtue’s Lightworker’s Way

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