Chakra is a Sanskrit word which literally translates to wheel or disk. In the Yoga philosophy, this term refers to energy throughout the body, or even refers to spiritual power in the human body. It contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. In my experience in the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chakra is similar to 3 major energy centers referred to as “Dan Tiens”, which literally means “Field of Treasure”: The navel (bodily energy), the Heart (emotional energy) and The Third Eye (metal energy). Similar to TCM’s meridian theory, when a blockage occurs along a meridian or Chakra, either due to injury, the build up to toxins and so on, the problems will arise and will eventually lead to major illnesses.
There are seven chakras in the body and it is important to keep the balance so that the energy can flow freely. Chakra is located in certain body parts and it corresponds to certain emotional feelings and colour. There are few Asanas and food that could heal or activate those Chakras as below.
Location | Emotional | Healing Method | ||
Asanas | Food | |||
Muladhara Our foundation and feeling of being grounded |
Base of spine in tailbone area | Basic survival needs such as financial independence, money and food | Kundalini, bridge pose | Red coloured food, hot spices, vegetables from the ground, red meat, eggs. |
Svadhisthana Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences |
Lower abdomen (two inch below the navel) | Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality | Pelvic thrusts, cobra | Orange coloured food, nuts |
Manipura Ability to be confident and in control of our lives |
Upper abdomen in the stomach area | Self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem | Kundalini, boat pose | Yellow coloured foods, grains and fiber, whole wheat bread, peppermint and chamomile tea |
Anahata Ability to love |
Center of chest just above the heart | Love, joy, inner peace | Bikram | Green leafy vegetables, green tea |
Vishuddha Ability to communicate |
Throat | Communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth | Shoulder stand | Juices and teas and fruits |
Ajna Ability to focus on and see the big picture |
Forehead between the eyes | Intuition, imagination, wisdom and ability to think and make decisions | Child’s pose, forward bends | Purple coloured fruits, chocolate, lavender flavoured spices or tea |
Sahaswara Ability to be fully connected spiritually |
Very top of the head | Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality and pure bliss | Meditation | None but can benefit from breathing clean and fresh air and sunshine |
JW – 200h YTT Jan-Apr 2016