But what exactly are chakras and what role do they play?

Chakrais a Sanskrit word that means disk or wheel, referring to energy centers in the body.

Ayurveda is one such framework.

Woman sitting on bed in lotus pose with burning candle and tea cup

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What Is Ayurveda?

For example, the crown chakra represents spiritual wisdom andempathy, while the root chakra represents family and abundance.

However, other Indian scholars believe the system originated much earlier through an oral tradition exclusive to Indian culture.

What Do the 7 Chakras Mean?

The seven chakras all have their own unique meaning.

Each chakra corresponds to a particular organ and has a specific meaning.

It rules family, abundance, and security.

We can think of the root chakra as everything that keeps us grounded, fromsurvival instinctsto basic needs.

It is associated with the spine, kidneys, bladder, and large intestine.

Oursex drive,boundaries,creativity, and sense of connection are all intimately linked to the sacral chakra.

It is associated with our sexual organs and is located between our belly button and pubic bone.

As for the emotional experience of this chakra when unbalanced?

You may experiencejealousy, heightened sensitivity, and poor communication.

It is linked to our liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, and pancreas.

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra, our fourth chakra, is located in our chest.

It rulesloveandempathy, impacting our romance and a general sense of love for others.

This chakra is directly linked to our heart, circulation, andvagus nervefunction.

Tearfulness, anxiety, depression, and issues with giving and receiving love abound when this chakra is impacted.

It is associated with the lungs, larynx, pharynx, and vagus nerve.

When out of balance, there may be a risk for asthma, sore throat, and respiratory issues.

It isnt uncommon to experienceparanoia,shyness, extremeintroversion, orsuppressed emotionsif you have a blocked throat chakra.

It governs our left and lower brain, ears, nose, and left eye.

Headaches, dizziness, and cataracts can arise when this chakra is unbalanced.

It is associated with our right and upper brain and right eye.

When unbalanced, one might suffer from headaches, depression, orinsomnia.

Emotional imbalance related to the crown chakra might include arrogance, pride,hallucinations, ormelancholy.

Chakras and Mental Health

Having knowledge of the chakras system can be helpful for our mental health.

This can also help you find the words to describe what you are experiencing.

Additionally,yogais intrinsically linked to the chakra system.

Consider joining a yoga studio that honors the traditions of yoga as a way to deepen your mind-body connection.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is another route of healing that may be helpful.

Judith is a psychotherapist who wrote this seminal work combining each of the chakras withEricksons stages of development.

Above all, remember knowledge is power.

When we learn more about what is possible, we can access additional ways to heal and grow.

Cooper NJ.A brief history of the chakras in human body.Psychology Review.

2019;15(16):21-27. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.17372.00646