So what is a chakra?
The chakra is thought to be a channel for energy to flow throughout the body. There are seven chakras rooted in the body, according to ancient Hindu views. These chakras have been referred to as a “swirling lotus of light radiating along the spine
When the chakra is blocked and energy cannot flow, disease is thought to follow
Each chakra is associated with a gland of the endocrine system, and different aspects of human personality
Scroll down for a look at each chakra
The crown chakra is portrayed in violet or white. The crown chakra is said to connect human to both the rest of the world and the divine being
The brow chakra is portrayed by the color indigo.it is said to be the center of intuition, awareness, and perception.
The throat chakra is blue. It represents creativity and communication
The heart chakra is green. It is associated with compassion, love, harmony, and peace
The solar plexus chakra is yellow. It is the center of self awareness and emotions
The sacral chakra is orange. It it thought to represent sexuality and reproduction.
The root chakra is red. It represents basic human survival instincts and grounding.
So what is chakra meditation?
Chakra meditation is derived from first century India
It is a common practice in eastern medicine to balance one’s health and energy levels through concentration, breathing, and visualization
Effective chakra meditation allows oxygen to fuel and energize the chakras
When the chakra is energized, energy is able to flow more freely
This freely flowing energy helps an individual be wholly well
How to practice Chakra Meditation
Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Keep the spine relaxed and non-rigid
Begin with your feet. Focus on relaxing your feet, letting the stress melt away. Move up the rest of your body relaxing and melting.
Focus on your breathing. Keep it steady and unforced. Take deep breaths. Expect your mind to wander. Bring it back gently and continue where you left off
Visualize your beating heart the the perfect function of your body. Visualize and appreciate how all body parts and body systems work together in harmony. See your breath giving life to your entire body.
Imagine that as you breathe, energy that allows you life flows in and out with the air. Vizualize the energy to be yellow-orange. Allow the energy to surround you and infuse your aura. Imagine your aura growing stronger and gradually more charged
Energize each individual chakra, starting with the root. Imagine a clockwise swirl of energy flowing around the root. Your breath gives it power, making it stronger and brighter. More energy rises from the earth and feeds the clockwise swirl.
Imagine this same mounting, swirling locus of energy as you move up to the sacral chakra, than solar plexus, heart, throat, head, and crown.
Remember to take your time and go in order. Spend as much time as needed on each one
Finally, vizualize all chakras being energized at once from the energy of your breath and the earth
Open your eyes
Relax and breathe for a couple of minutes
Want to know more?
Gable, M. (2013). The Secrets in your Chakras. Prevention, 65(10), 122-129.
Olpin, M., Hesson, M. (2016). Stress Management for Life. Boston, MA: Cengage Learnong
Taber, J. (ND). The Ultimate Guide to Chakra Meditation: How to Activate and Balance the 7 Chakras. Retrieved from http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/7-chakra-Imeditation- balancing/
8 Steps to Practice a Chakra Meditation. (2016, April 8). Retrieved from http://aboutmeditation.com/chakra-meditation/
Credits:
Created with images by Activedia - "meditation spiritual yoga" • jp512 - "CHAKRAS" • jp512 - "chakra 2" • Nina Stawski - "Meditation" • AlicePopkorn - "meditation" • dimitrisvetsikas1969 - "girl sunset meditation" • firemedic58 - "Candle" • qimono - "water drop liquid" • jill111 - "woman happiness sunrise" • SplitShire - "pier wooden lake" • Wokandapix - "stacking stones balance relax"