FEATURE - May 2019

Balancing Your Chakras with Essential Oils

 

By Christi Clemons Hoffman

 

Plant essences and oils have been around for thousands of years. Long ago, frankincense and myrrh were used for their antimicrobial and immunostimulant properties. The ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils for cleansing and protecting the skin, in addition to connecting with the gods and as aids in mummification.
 

Today, we use essential oils for cleaning and purifying the home and the air (lemon, black pepper, grapefruit, to name a few), to relax and aid with sleep (lavender, sandalwood, vetiver), for energy (eucalyptus, rosemary, basil), and to perfume the body or home. 

But did you know that you can also use essential oils to balance and clear your chakras?
 

Chakras are energy centers throughout the body. There are seven principal chakras running vertically through the body from the tailbone to the crown of the head. Together with the aura, the chakras comprise the energy system. 
 

Each chakra has physical structures in the body, as well as energetic and emotional qualities, that it governs. When open and balanced, the chakras control the flow of energy and well-being through the body. When blocked or imbalanced, the flow of energy is impeded, much like kinking a garden hose. 

 

What causes chakras to become blocked or imbalanced? Stress, trauma, injury, negative thoughts and beliefs—in short, life. Consistent, longstanding patterns of stressors, including negative beliefs, create bigger blocks. Fortunately, there are many ways to realign chakras, including meditation, affirmations, stones, and essential oils.

 

Root Chakra

The Root chakra is located at the tailbone. Red in color, it’s concerned with trust, security, grounding, and having physical and material needs met. Root chakra problems can stem from disruption in the family, a distant parent, poverty, trauma, job loss, etc. 

Physically, the Root chakra governs the feet, knees, hips, spine, intestines, legs, rectum, genitals, and tailbone.

When the Root chakra is blocked or imbalanced, we can experience obesity, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, bladder issues, trust issues, security issues, “spaciness,” or food issues.

Oils to use: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Vetiver

 

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral chakra is located between the navel and the pubic bone. Its color is orange, and it is concerned with creativity, passion, relationships, sexuality, and feelings of gender identity. Sacral chakra issues can arise from sexual trauma, internalized messages about gender and sexuality, and suppressed creativity.

The organs and areas associated with the Sacral chakra are the bladder, lower back, testes, uterus, ovaries, fluid functions, kidneys, urinary tract.

Sacral chakra dysfunction is linked with creative blocks, low back pain, infertility, sexual dysfunction, emotional stability, depression, or allergies.

Oils to use: Bergamot, Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang

 

Solar Plexus Chakra

Located below the ribcage, the Solar Plexus chakra governs personal power, balance, and will. The color associated with the Solar Plexus chakra is yellow. Solar Plexus imbalances and blocks arise from not standing in your power, giving your power away, and being generally out of balance. We also hold emotion in this chakra.

Physically, the Solar Plexus chakra is connected with the stomach, digestion, gall bladder, pancreas, liver, diaphragm, metabolism, and small intestine.

When the Solar Plexus chakra is out of balance, we can experience control issues, stomach ulcers, upper GI problems, fatigue, anxiety, inaction, hypersensitivity, diabetes, blood sugar disorders, and nervousness.

Oils to use: Basil, Cedar, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Cypress, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Vetiver

 

Heart Chakra: 

It should be no surprise that the Heart chakra is where we hold love, compassion, concern for loved ones, and heartache. Located in the center of the chest, the Heart chakra’s color is green, though in some individuals it’s pink. 

The function and organs of the body governed by the Heart chakra are breathing, lungs, circulation, heart, arms, hands, fingers, ribs, immune system, and thymus gland.

Dysfunction in the Heart chakra is linked to lack of self-love, lack of compassion, cardiac/lung problems, trust issues, depression, high blood pressure, lethargy, and the immune system.

Oils to use: Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood

 

Throat Chakra:

The Throat chakra’s main function is communication and self-expression, in any form. As such, this chakra is concerned with speaking one’s truth, holding our words back, and the feeling of having a “voice.” Located in the throat, its color is turquoise.

The organs and structures the Throat chakra affects are varied: throat, jaw, lower neck, vocal chords, thyroid, mouth, parathyroid, shoulders, and lymph glands.

Blocks and imbalances in the Throat chakra can result in creative blocks, sore throats, colds, thyroid issues, infections, speech disorders, mood swings, and hormonal problems.

Oils to use: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Jasmine, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spearmint

 

Brow (Third Eye) Chakra:

Indigo in color, the Brow chakra is located in the middle of the forehead and is the seat of intuition, inspiration, memory, and mental functioning. 

It governs the eyes, sinuses, ears, nose, brain, pituitary, cerebellum, and autonomic nervous system. Brow chakra issues can arise from ignoring intuition and holding rigid spiritual beliefs.

Dysfunction in the Brow chakra can result in headache, insomnia, nightmares, vision problems, dizziness, nervous breakdown, headaches, and earaches.

Oils to use: Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, Patchouli

 

Crown Chakra:

The Crown chakra is located on the crown of the head. Violet in color, it is our understanding and spiritual center. It is where we carry our connection to the higher self.

Physically, the Crown chakra rules the skull, skin, upper brain, pineal gland, cerebral cortex, central nervous system, and the top of head.

Oils to use: Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Vetiver, Ylang-Ylang

 

How to use: 

Essential oils can be used on the skin, diffused, sprayed, in a bath, on a compress, and in some cases, ingested. They are potent, though. When applying topically, blend with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil, or sunflower oil in those with nut allergies. Apply directly to the areas concerned. 
 

Diffuser bracelets and other jewelry can also be worn close to the skin. If using an electric diffuser, note that certain oils are toxic to cats and other pets. See your essential oil representative.

 

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