Chakra diagram

An introduction to Chakras

Chakras are energy centres in the body believed to influence the way the body functions. There are seven major chakras commonly used in yoga, meditation and crystal healing. These are located centrally in the body, five lie in front of the spine, one in the forehead and one on the top of the head. There are also many smaller chakras dispersed around the body.

The term chakra originates from sages and seers of ancient India (thousands of years BC). They perceived life forces (nadis) flowing through the body in pathways of energy that interacted with every element of the body. Chakras are positioned where these pathways of energy intersect. The term chakra means "wheel", it is likely to have been used because where two sources of energy intersect a spinning vortex is created (this can be seen in eddies in rivers and in tornados).

Chakras are said to govern the balance and health of the body. Generally where the energy forces in the chakras are balanced, the body will be in a good state of health. If the chakras become unbalanced (i.e. one or more chakras produce more or less energy than the others) there will be a corresponding physical effect on the organs of the a body or the persons mental state. When this occurs chakra balancing is required.

Chakra balancing

Involves controlling the energy in the chakras using one of a number of techniques: Yoga uses posture to relieve stress on the imbalanced chakras, meditation uses visualisation to channel the bodies energies appropriately, crystal healing uses the energies of crystals associated with the chakras to regulate the unbalanced chakras.

The seven major chakras

The following sections give a basic description of the 7 major chakras, what part of the body they influence and their affinity to crystals and gemstones.

base chakra (muladhara)

Physical Influences - lower intestines, lower spine, rectum and adrenal glands (although some distance away, the base chakra is strongly linked with survival instincts which influence the adrenal glands).

Emotional Influences - the base chakra is strongly linked with support and security. It provides grounding and a general feeling of safety.

Psychic Influences - the base chakra is associated with helping to increase a persons general intuition.

Empathic Gemstones - bloodstone, carnelian, garnet, hematite, obsidian, ruby, red jade, red jasper, rhodochrosite, smokey quartz.

sacral chakra (svadistana)

Physical Influences - the sacral chakra has strong affinity with sensuality, pleasure and self image. It influences the lower spine, sex glands, ovaries and testicles.

Emotional Influences - the sacral chakra is said to inspire creativity, intimacy and sensuality in a person.

Psychic Influences - the sacral chakra is strongly linked with a persons cliarsentience. This is the ability to touch an object and feel the energy surrounding it.

Empathic Gemstones - amber, carnelian, citrine, moonstone, orange calcite, rutilated quartz, tigers eye.

solar plexus chakra (manipura)

Physical Influences - the digestive system including the stomach, liver, spleen, small intestine.

Emotional Influences - the solar plexus chakra is associated with self-esteem, courage and confidence. The solar plexus can give a person control over their life in order to make greater achievements. It also provides emotional solidity.

Psychic Influences - the solar plexus chakra is known for increasing peoples sensitivity to emotional reactions.

Empathic Gemstones - citrine, malachite, rhodochrosite, rose quartz, smokey quartz, tigers eye, topaz.

heart chakra (anahata)

Physical Influences - the heart chakra controls life energy and hence influences the respiratory system including lungs and heart.

Emotional Influences - the heart chakra is said to enhance a persons overall compassion. It is also associated with unconditional love.

Psychic Influences - the heart chakra helps people who use it to understand peoples emotions more clearly.

Emphatic Gemstones - jade, green quartz, lepidolite, moss agate, rose quartz, sugilite, watermelon tourmaline.

throat chakra (vishuddha)

Physical Influences - the throat chakra controls the body's metabolic rate and breathing. It influences the throat, thyroid gland, saliva glands and neck.

Emotional Influences - the throat chakra is closely linked to expression, communication and speaking honestly. It is also linked with knowing the truth.

Psychic Influences - the throat chakra is said to increase a persons clairaudience. This is the perception of messages in thought forms from an entity who exists in another realm.

Emphatic Gemstones - blue lace agate, celestite, lapis lazuli, turquoise.

third eye (ajna)

Physical Influences - the third eye directs wisdom, intuition, foresight and imagination. It influences the pineal and pituitary glands which control cycles of activity and rest.

Emotional Influences - the third eye chakra is directly linked to clearness, intuition, vision and good judgement.

Psychic Influences - the third eye chakra is linked with advanced intuition, having a sixth sense, psychic powers and clairvoyance. This is the ability to see with senses beyond the five we normally use.

Emphatic Gemstones - amethyst, fluorite, lapis lazuli, sodalite.

crown chakra (sahasrara)

Physical Influences - the crown chakra influences the higher brain functions, it is associated with knowledge and understanding.

Emotional Influences - the crown chakra is linked with spirituality. It is also associated with being at one with your higher self.

Psychic Influences - the crown chakra is linked to developing inner knowledge and possibly a seventh sense.

Emphatic Gemstones - amethyst, clear quartz, selenite, sugilite.

Catalogue Link

To see our range of chakra products click the link below:

chakra products