My early 30s were a mess. When it comes to shit shows, this period of my life was only runner-up to my 20s. That was a dumpster fire of chaos brought on by lingering trauma and never learning to deal with my emotions in a healthy way.
Thankfully, a toxic relationship catapulted me into a spiritual awakening that shook me to my core. It also introduced me to one of my soul’s purposes: teaching people about the Chakra System.
Backtracking a decade and a half, I was in a thrift store and was drawn to a book on the Chakra System. I wasn't even into spiritual things then, but I felt so connected to the book. So I bought it for a dollar and didn't open it for another 15 years.
When I finally did, I learned information that changed my life. Hopefully, it can change yours.
The Chakra System: What are Energy Centers?
So what are chakras?
Chakras are energy centers in our body that are responsible for different aspects of our well-being, such as our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Seven main chakras run along the spine from the base to the crown of our head. Each chakra is associated with a different color, symbol, and aspect of our being.
When our chakras are balanced and open, we feel healthy and vibrant. However, when our chakras are blocked or imbalanced, we may experience physical or emotional issues. There are many ways to balance and activate our chakras, including through yoga, meditation, and energy healing practices.
If you're looking for a way to balance your chakra energy centers, everything you need to know is laid out below.
I can also read your energetic body and determine which energy centers are blocked or overactive during a Crystal Chakra Reading. This reading also includes a personalized plan with tips for keeping your energy body healthy, increasing personal power, and cleansing chakra.
Not sure if you have an imbalance? You can take my free Chakra Healing quiz here!
More About Chakra Systems: Chakras for Beginners
The concept of chakras has its roots in ancient Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The word "chakra" comes from Sanskrit and translates to "wheel" or "disk."
In this ancient energy system, chakras are seen as spinning wheels of energy that correspond to different body areas and are connected to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
There are 100s of chakras in the physical body, but when studying chakras for beginners, we usually focus on seven main chakras. Each falls into one of the following categories: upper chakras or lower chakras.
Everything feels right when our chakra feelings are in the right flow of energy. Energy flows freely, the central nervous system functions properly, and we have spiritual awareness.
But sometimes, a particular chakra can get blocked or start to flow too quickly.
Before we know it, our energetic body is out of equilibrium. Too many weeks, months, and years of blocked chakras equal ______.
If you guessed shit show, you're correct.
How Do Chakras Get Unbalanced?
So how does this happen? How does our life force energy get out of whack?
Many things can cause our chakras to become unbalanced or blocked. Here are a few examples:
Stress: Stress is one of the most common causes of chakra imbalances. When we experience stress, our body's energy becomes concentrated in the upper chakras, leading to blockages in the lower chakras.
This can lead to physical symptoms such as digestive issues and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Negative emotions: Fear, anger, and sadness can also cause our chakras to become blocked or imbalanced. For example, if we hold onto resentment or anger towards someone, this can cause our Heart Chakra (associated with love and compassion) can become blocked.
Trauma: Experiencing trauma can also lead to chakra imbalances. For example, suppose we have experienced a traumatic event that affected our sense of safety and security.
In that case, this can cause our root chakra (which is associated with grounding and stability) to become blocked.
Physical issues: Physical issues such as chronic pain or illness can also affect our chakras.
For example, if we have chronic pain in our lower back, this can lead to blockages in our root chakra. On the flip side, a blocked Root Chakra can actually cause back pain!
Environmental factors: Our environment can also affect our chakras. For example, spending too much time in front of a computer screen can cause our Throat Chakra (which is associated with communication) to become imbalanced.
Overall, many different factors can contribute to chakra imbalances. The key is to become aware of these factors and take steps to address them, such as through energy healing practices, meditation, or other forms of self-care.
Wondering which of your seven chakras is out of balance? Let's look at each one individually.
Chakras and Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs
One of my favorite topics to study in school was Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I loved that little upside-down triangle and its explanation of everything we need to be happy and healthy. Little did I know that years later, the spiritual basis of this would become part of my life’s work.
The seven chakras and Maslow's hierarchy of needs both describe different aspects of human well-being and the needs that must be met in order for us to feel balanced and fulfilled. By understanding the connection between these two systems, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of human nature and the many different factors that contribute to our overall well-being.
Root Chakra - Physiological Needs
The Root Chakra is associated with our basic survival needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. This corresponds to the physiological needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Sacral Chakra - Safety Needs
The Sacral Chakra is associated with our emotional needs, including safety and security. This corresponds to the safety needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Solar Plexus Chakra - Love and Belonging Needs
The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with our sense of self-worth and belonging. This corresponds to the love and belonging needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Heart Chakra - Love and Belonging Needs
The Heart Chakra is associated with love, compassion, and emotional connection. This corresponds to the love and belonging needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Throat Chakra - Esteem Needs
The Throat Chakra is associated with self-expression and communication. This corresponds to the esteem needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Third Eye Chakra - Self-Actualization Needs
The Third Eye Chakra is associated with intuition, wisdom, and spiritual growth. This corresponds to the self-actualization needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
Crown Chakra - Self-Actualization Needs
The Crown Chakra is associated with our connection to the Divine and our highest self. This corresponds to the self-actualization needs level in Maslow's hierarchy.
The Lower Chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus)
The lower chakras refer to the first three chakras in the body, which are located below the heart. These chakras are the root chakra, the sacral chakra, and the solar plexus chakra.
The lower chakras are essential because they form the foundation of our being.
When these chakras are balanced and open, we feel grounded, creative, and confident in ourselves and our ability to navigate the world.
However, when these chakras are blocked or imbalanced, we may experience physical or emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, or difficulty with self-expression.
Understanding and working with the lower chakras can help us cultivate a greater sense of balance, stability, and personal power. This can contribute to a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.
The 1st Chakra: Root Chakra
The Root Chakra (Muladahara) is located at the base of the spine and is associated with grounding and stability. This chakra is represented by the color red and is connected to our basic survival needs, such as food, shelter, and safety. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel a sense of security and stability in our lives.
An unbalanced Root Chakra can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety. You can use grounding crystals such as Red Jasper, Hematite, and Black Tourmaline to balance this chakra. You can also practice grounding exercises such as walking barefoot on the earth or meditating while focusing on your connection to the earth.
The 2nd Chakra: Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra, also known as the Swadhisthana, is located just below the navel and is associated with creativity, sexuality, and emotional expression. This chakra is represented by the color orange and is connected to our ability to experience pleasure and joy in life. When the sacral chakra is balanced, we feel a sense of creativity, passion, and emotional balance.
An unbalanced Sacral Chakra can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and lack of creativity. You can use crystals such as Carnelian, Orange Calcite, and Moonstone to balance this chakra. You can also practice creative exercises such as painting, dancing, or writing.
The Third Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra) is located in the upper abdomen and is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. This chakra is represented by the color yellow and is connected to our ability to assert ourselves in the world and take action toward our goals. When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, we feel a sense of self-assurance and personal power.
An unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra can lead to feelings of low self-worth, lack of confidence, and anxiety. You can use crystals such as Citrine, Tiger's Eye, and Yellow Jasper to balance this chakra. You can also practice exercises such as affirmations, positive self-talk, and setting healthy boundaries.
The 4th Chakra: (Center) Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra, also known as the Anahata Chakra, is the fourth chakra located at the center of the chest. It is considered the center chakra because it connects the lower and upper chakras, bridging the physical and spiritual realms.
The Heart Chakra is associated with love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is represented by the color green and is connected to our ability to give and receive love towards ourselves and others.
When the heart chakra is balanced, we are able to experience feelings of unconditional love, empathy, and compassion.
Why is the Heart Chakra Special?
What makes the heart chakra special is its role in integrating the lower and upper chakras. It is believed that the heart chakra is a mediator between our physical and spiritual selves, allowing us to connect with our human and divine nature.
Furthermore, the heart chakra is considered the center of our energetic system because it is where the three lower chakras and the three upper chakras meet. This means that when the heart chakra is open and balanced, our energy can flow freely through all of our chakras, promoting overall well-being and balance.
The heart chakra is also special because it plays a crucial role in our relationships with others. When our heart chakra is balanced, we are able to connect with others on a deep level, empathize with their feelings, and foster healthy relationships based on love and compassion.
An unbalanced Heart Chakra can lead to feelings of resentment, anger, and lack of empathy. To balance this chakra, you can use crystals such as Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, and Rhodonite. You can also practice exercises such as gratitude, acts of kindness, and forgiveness meditations.
The Upper Chakras (Throat, Third Eye, Crown)
The upper chakras refer to the chakras above the heart, including the Throat Chakra, the Third Eye Chakra, and the Crown Chakra.
The upper chakras are important because they are associated with higher levels of consciousness and spiritual awareness. When these chakras are balanced and open, we are able to connect with our inner wisdom, access our intuition, and experience a greater sense of purpose and connection to the Divine.
However, when these chakras are blocked or imbalanced, we may experience feelings of disconnection, lack of purpose, or difficulty accessing our intuition and inner wisdom.
Understanding and working with the upper chakras can help us to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual awareness and connection, which can contribute to a greater sense of meaning and purpose in our lives.
The 5th Chakra: Throat Chakra
The Throat Chakra, also known as the Vishuddha, is located in the throat area. This chakra is associated with the color blue and is responsible for our ability to communicate effectively and express ourselves authentically.
An unbalanced Throat Chakra can lead to feelings of being misunderstood, anxiety, and lack of communication. You can use crystals such as Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, and Aquamarine to balance this chakra. You can also practice exercises such as journaling, speaking your truth, and singing.
The 6th Chakra: Third Eye Chakra
The Third Eye Chakra, also known as the Ajna, is located in the center of the forehead. This chakra is associated with the color indigo and is responsible for our intuition, psychic abilities, and inner wisdom.
An unbalanced Third Eye Chakra can lead to feelings of confusion, lack of intuition, and lack of clarity. To balance this chakra, you can use crystals such as Amethyst, Labradorite, and Sodalite. You can also practice exercises such as meditation, visualization, and trusting your inner voice.
The 7th Chakra: Crown Chakra
The Crown Chakra, also known as the Sahasrara, is located at the top of the head. This chakra is associated with the color violet and is responsible for our spiritual connection, enlightenment, and transcendence.
An unbalanced Crown Chakra can lead to feelings of disconnection, lack of purpose, and confusion. To balance this chakra, you can use crystals such as Clear Quartz, Amethyst, and Selenite. You can also practice exercises such as meditation, prayer, and spending time in nature.
How to open or balance my chakras?
One of the main things that a person wondering about chakras for beginners can do is to get a Crystal Chakra Reading from Moon Over Medium.
A Crystal Chakra Reading can help you unblock chakras that are unbalanced. This is good for both the physical body and emotional health. Each energy center has specific practices that work for them.
For example, the Ajna Chakra responds well to green crystals, while chakra blockages of the Crown Chakra energy center respond better to amethyst.
A blocked Root Chakra Muladhara balances when the human body feels grounded through chakra meditation or yoga poses. The Muladhara Chakra balancing can also be accomplished through time spent in nature.
Chakra FAQs
How many chakras are there?
There are hundreds of chakras in the human body. However, when learning chakras for beginners, we usually focus on seven chakras (main chakras.)
What are the seven chakras?
The seven chakras are Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra), Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana Chakra), Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra), Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra), Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra), Third Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra), and Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra).
Which chakra should I start with?
For those new to chakra working, Root Chakra is an excellent starting point. This chakra relates to the subtle body energy of the lower body and deals with safety and well-being. When energy flows here, you feel safe and secure.
What is a Crystal Chakra Reading?
A Crystal Chakra Reading is an offering by Moon Over Medium that will help you discover imbalances in the energetic body and balance them using a personalized plan as well as crystals. These crystals help blocked chakra areas open and kundalini energy flow.
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