Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel of light.” There are seven chakras, each of which represents a different spiritual energy center in our bodies that transmits and receives energy to and from Spirit (aka God, the Universe, etc.). When your chakras are out of balance, your physical and emotional health suffers. Aromatherapy can be used as one of the methods to balance the chakras and help you return to a peaceful, happy and healthy state of being. In this article, I’ll discuss the areas of the body each chakra governs, the characteristics of a balanced and unbalanced chakra, essential oils that can be used in aromatherapy to help balance the chakra, and some examples of how to easily incorporate them into your everyday life. .
The Root Chakra
Color Matching: Red
Essential Oils: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Clove
The Root Chakra is the first or base chakra. It connects our spirit with our body, as well as our body with Mother Earth. It is located at the bottom of the spine. The root chakra governs our instincts for survival or self-preservation. Certain aspects of our personality are attributed to this primordial chakra, such as feelings of safety and security, as well as primary sexual urges. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel grounded, healthy and full of life, active, energetic, able to accomplish tasks, we feel that life is abundant, happy and sexually healthy. However, sometimes the root chakra can be thrown out of balance due to unexpected circumstances, such as the death of a loved one. Such events have a way of turning our world upside down and it’s no surprise that our chakras become unbalanced along with everything else. When the root chakra is out of balance, one can feel scared, victimized, disconnected from oneself, and prone to violent outbursts.
the sacral chakra
Color Matching: Orange
Essential oils: patchouli, ylang ylang, sandalwood, rose, clary sage, bergamot
The Sacral Chakra is the second chakra and is located just below the navel in the lower abdominal area. The sacral chakra governs our emotions and sexuality. A person with a balanced sacral chakra enjoys wonderful sexual energy as well as a great awareness of her emotions. When the sacral chakra is out of balance, you may feel overly emotional or needy all the time or at the other end of the spectrum, totally disconnected from people and emotionally unavailable. Other signs of an imbalance include sexual dysfunction, infidelity, and fear of intimacy.
The solar plexus chakra
Color Matching: Yellow
Essential oils: frankincense, rose, myrrh, rosewood, sandalwood, chamomile, and rosemary
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third chakra and is located above the navel in the upper abdominal area, below the chest. The solar plexus chakra governs our sense of self, our self-esteem, and the development of personal power. When the solar plexus chakra is out of balance, we experience low self-esteem, fear of rejection, hypersensitivity to criticism, fear of one’s own image, and indecision.
the heart chakra
Color matching: green or pink
Essential Oils: Citrus Essential Oils (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, etc.), Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Rose and Lavender
The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra and is located in the chest. The heart chakra is all about love and healing. Painful situations that can hurt this chakra are divorce or separation, the death of a loved one, emotional abuse, abandonment or adultery. When the heart chakra is out of balance, we experience feelings of pain, depression, loneliness, and are unable to freely express love.
the throat chakra
Color Matching: Blue
Essential Oils: Mint, Peppermint, Chamomile, Bergamot and Basil
The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra and is located in the neck, throat, and ears. The throat chakra governs our ability to communicate effectively, as well as to listen and understand others. When the throat chakra is out of balance, one may experience difficulty expressing oneself, suppress feelings, and experience poor learning ability. Other symptoms of an imbalance include habitual lying, feelings of fear, doubt, and uncertainty.
third eye chakra
Color Matching: Indigo
Essential oils: patchouli, sandalwood, sage, vetiver, cypress, and juniper
The Third Eye Chakra is the sixth chakra and is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. The third eye chakra governs our ability to use common sense, intelligence, wisdom, interpret dreams, spirituality, and intuition. When the third eye chakra is out of balance, one may lack intuition, common sense, be forgetful, have trouble sleeping, and suffer from confusion.
The crown chakra
Color Matching: White/Purple
Essential Oils: Cedar, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose and Sandalwood
The Crown Chakra is the seventh chakra. Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra helps us connect and communicate with Spirit. When your crown chakra is out of balance, you may feel like you are lacking in creativity and spiritually disconnected. You can become very materialistic, stuck in pain from the past and worried about the future. Focusing on material possessions can be your way of feeling complete.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about the chakras and the characteristics of each one, their color correspondence, and the essential oils that can be used for balance. If you feel that any of your chakras are out of balance, using aromatherapy in conjunction with meditation can help bring them back into balance.
Here are some simple ways you can use aromatherapy to help balance your chakras.
• Bathe or shower with products made with essential oils that are attuned to the specific chakra.
•Use a tissue with a few drops of the desired essential oil and breathe deeply focusing on balance.
• Burn incense during meditation.
•Wear clothing or jewelry in the color corresponding to the chakra while focusing on creating balance and harmony.
Namaste.