How do you connect chakras, the energy centres of the body in Eastern tradition, and flowers, pretty, ephemeral, bright, cheerful manifestations of nature?
™
...by way of color therapy.. yoga energy balancing techniques...meditation... and a simple way of making yourself feel better and reenergized even if you don't really believe in any of the above.
There are seven main chakras (as well as several others) in a line from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and one more newly recognised chakra just above the head which I believe is important. Each one is associated with various areas of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When the energy flow in one becomes blocked it can result in certain symptoms and vice versa. By keeping the chakras open and the energy flowing, we can maximise our body's ability to keep well and heal itself.
One way of stimulating energy flow is by a simple visualisation. Each chakra has a colour of the spectrum linked to it. Focus on that colour and imagine that colour light pouring into the chakra and saturating it in pure coloured light, then visualise the chakra as a spinning disc of colour. Take 2 or 3 deep breaths as you do so. You can also repeat a mantra or affirmation to intensify the positive energy you are creating. Work through each chakra (see below for summary) in turn from Root to Crown to rebalance your whole energy level.
So what about the flowers? Whatever you use to visualise the colour would work, paint swatches, coloured stones or crystals, an image in your minds eye, but beautiful photographs of flowers saturated in the pure colour of each chakra can bring some extra flower energy into your life as well.
Flowers raise the vibrational energy around them, which is why they have long been associated with celebrations, brought as presents to new mothers, sick people, loved ones. Weddings and funerals are lavish with them. We are rarely aware of the spiritual connection these days, we just know that flowers cheer people up and make them feel glad. So flower photos as visualisation aids make sense and are beautiful to have around.
There are books written about the chakras going into far more detail than there is space for here, as it is a deep and complex subject, with infinite, individual interpretations, but here is a basic, brief summary of the chakras and their associated areas and colours.
1. Root - Red
Situated at the base of the spine.
Emotional grounding and ones roots. The excretory and reproductive systems and the immune system.
Mantra "I am in touch with the earth, my roots"
2. Sacral - Orange
A hands breadth down from the belly button.
Sexuality, creativity, financial issues, honour and ethics, one to one relationships.
Genital and urinary systems, bladder and prostate.
Mantra "I am a creative, sexual being"
3. Solar Plexus - Yellow
Over the solar plexus at the bottom of the rib cage.
Self-esteem, self-confidence and how you see yourself.
Digestive system, worries and fears, the stress of responsibility.
Mantra "I believe in myself"
4. Heart - Green
Over the heart.
Love, forgiveness, unconditional love. Relationships.
Circulatory and immune systems. Heart and lungs. Loneliness.
Mantra "I can give and receive love"
5. Throat - Blue
Centre of the throat
Communication, self-expression and will power.
Thyroid problems, sore throats, addictions(due to lack of will)
Mantra "I speak my truth"
6. Brow - Indigo
Centre of forehead
Intuition, intellect and mind, inner vision.
Brain and nervous system, eye problems.
Mantra "I see clearly"
7. Crown - Violet
Top of head.
Spiritual awakening, search for meaning. Our relationship to our spirit and God.
Central nervous system, overwhelming fatigue.
Mantra "I believe"
8. Soul star - White/crystal
Directly above the crown, about two hand's breadths from the head.
Awareness of ones soul and its root chakra stones connection to the conscious self.
Gives perspective on life and ability to see seemingly random positive or negative events as part of the soul's journey.
Mantra "I transcend"
This is a personal, simplified interpretation of the chakras. Use it as a stepping stone to finding out more for yourself.
Copyright 2005 Kit Heathcock
When most people get a headache they reach straight for a bottle of aspirin, however aspirin isn't the "miracle drug" some people claim it to be. Among the list of side effects caused by aspirin are ulcers, heartburn, vomiting and nausea. That's why many people are looking for a safer, natural alternative rather than using aspirin to relieve a headache.
There's currently a lot of momentum behind the crystal healing method. Despite no real scientific studies in the field, many people report positive results after undergoing a session of crystal therapy. It's important to remember that a lack of understanding does not equal a lack of truth. From a purely results orientated point of view, crystal healing works.
Crystal healing practitioners theorise that headaches are a result of imbalanced energies within the chakras. The seven chakras are:
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
- Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- Throat Chakra (Vishuddi)
- Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
- Root Chakra (Muladhara)
On a biological level these chakras happen to line up rather neatly with seven glands. This possibly reveals that crystals can effect the production of hormones, which are a form of energy.
So what is the crystal healing method of alleviating a headache? Well, since your energies are imbalanced the use of an amethyst crystal is recommended. Amethyst is a purple crystal and is known to have a balancing effect. You should be able to find small amethyst crystals as cheap as $0.50 a piece. My method of relieving headaches requires three amethyst crystals.
Amethyst Crystal Headache Healing Method
Lie down on a flat, comfortable surface such as a bed or a couch. Make sure you have enough space to fully stretch out and that the room is of a pleasant temperature. If you have any relaxing music or nature sounds then you can play them at a low level as this can enhance the healing process.
Take two of your amethyst crystals and place them either side of your throat, just above your collar bone. They should both be pointing upwards. Place your third crystal on the centre of your forehead - again pointing upwards. This placement relieves stress tension and balances energies around the head and neck.
Now close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Hold the breath for a second before exhaling slowly through your mouth. Keep repeating this breathing pattern as you picture yourself from above. Imagine a purple healing glow is exuding from the crystals. This gentle glow begins to envelop your head and neck. Breathe in this balancing, healing energy and release any pain or tension with every outward breath.
Your headache should subside within a few minutes, leaving you to get on with your day feeling calm, relaxed and headache free.