What are chakras?
I first became aware of Chakras bout 20 years ago, when I was wearing a pair of rainbow-coloured button earrings I had made. A friend I was with asked me if the colours were representative of the Chakras. They weren't intentionally, but I was intrigued by what she told me and decided to find out more. Chakras are often mentioned in association with meditation and natural healing. In some popular texts, human beings are said to have seven levels or “fields” of consciousness or Chakras, with which the body can connect to the power of the universe.
The Chakras are said to attract energies that help to balance the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing. A coloured light is associated with each Chakra and these colours can be used to help heal or balance different parts of the body.
In a healthy individual, the flow of energies is balanced, and the Chakras can transport the energy effectively, but if one flow becomes disrupted, this can affect all the other energies, meaning organs, such as the kidneys, might not be able to function correctly.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
This is the foundation Chakra and should be worked on first. If this Chakra is blocked, individuals might experience emotional behaviours that can lead to anxiety and panic. This can cause feelings of uncertainty and interfere with thoughts and activities.
Unblocking the root chakra is recommended if you are about to embark on a new journey or goal.
Colours: Red and Black
Stones: Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Jet, Ruby, Carnelian
Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana)
Linked to everything from our ability to evolve and change to our artistic pursuits and creativity, the sacral Chakra can become blocked if we crave more pleasure in our relationships, or when we are faced with confusion or criticism. Signs the sacral Chakra is blocked could include low sex drive, resistance to change and boredom.
Unblocking this Chakra can aid with achieving a clear mind.
Colour: Orange
Stones: Aventurine, Tiger’s Eye, Carnelian
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
This Chakra has a lot to do with determination, autonomy and self-esteem. Often known as the Chakra of personal power, if this Chakra is blocked, you may find you have low confidence and insecurities about various aspects of your life.
Unblocking this Chakra can increase motivation and give a higher chance of completing tasks successfully.
Colours: Yellow and Brown
Stones: Yellow Calcite, Citrine, Amber
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
This Chakra deals with the ability to be empathetic, compassionate and to love. This Chakra is seen as a “bridge” between body, mind and spirit.
When blocked, this Chakra will cause you to be inpatient and less understanding with others.
When unblocked, you may find your emotional availability increases and gives a deeper sense of inner peace and contentment.
Colours: Green and Pink
Stones: Tourmaline, Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Morganite
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
This Chakra is said to control how well you communicate with others. It regulates self-expression and influences how effectively you get your thoughts across.
When blocked, individuals might feel unheard. Unblocked, issues with communication barriers can be resolved.
Colour: Pale Blue
Stones: Blue Calcite, Blue Lace Agate, Turquoise
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
This Chakra is located at the centre of the forehead and is concerned with the individual’s outlook on life. A blocked Chakra can lead to feelings of missed purpose in life.
Unblocking this Chakra promotes a more positive perspective on life and elimination of feelings of insignificance.
Colour: Dark Blue
Stones: Lapis Lazuli
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
This Chakra relates to spirituality and is known as the highest Chakra. When blocked, you will be prevented from seeing the beauty in the world and might also cause symptoms of depression or low mood. Unblocked, this Chakra will promote feelings of fulfilment and joy.
Colour: Purple
Stones: Clear Quartz, Amethyst
Together, the Chakra colours are similar to those of a rainbow and the healing energy is channelled through the Crown chakra and often displayed as white light from all colours of the spectrum.
Chakra jewellery is said to help equalise energy, so the individual feels well-adjusted and in harmony while wearing it. They are usually made up of seven different coloured stones which are said to have Chakra-cleansing properties associated with them. Many different stones can be used but these are usually naturally occurring semi-precious gemstones.