Chakras, aka energy centres, are like power ports that provide energy to different parts of the body. When one or more chakra is either under- or over-functioning, emotional, physical and mental turmoil may result.
So what does it feel like, energetically, when the chakras are out of alignment?
Initially I laboured with an analogy that involved fan belts and engine timing. Then I realised I didn’t know enough about automotive mechanics. Or fan belts. Also, I don’t even own a car.
So instead let’s start with how it feels when the chakras are all happy as clams. In a nutshell, it’s like a full-body ‘yee-haw!’ Imagine a slow, rolling wave travelling up and down the centre of your body, typically aligned with your spine, that feels somehow simultaneously inside and outside of yourself.
Clear as mud?
By comparison, out-of-whack chakras lack rhythm along your energetic midline. The movement between energy centres may feel rapid, sharp, or jolting rather than slow and flowing, or certain chakras may show no movement at all.
Here’s a breakdown of which chakras are up to what:
Root Chakra – Muladhara
Located at base of spine. This energy centre is all about being both grounded and connected with the universe. When root chakra is imbalanced – either too open or sluggish – it may show up emotionally as constant anxiety, stress and obsessive thoughts. Physically, muladhara out of whack is said to affect you from the tailbone down, your immune system, and may even lead to disorders like degenerative arthritis, sciatica, insomnia, fatigue and constipation.
Sacral Chakra – Svadhishthana
Located below navel. This chakra is all about finding centre, sexuality, pleasure, emotions and creativity. When sacral chakra is imbalanced it may show up emotionally as lack of feelings, dulled senses and depression. Physically, an unhappy svadhishthana is said to be linked to addiction and disorders, asthma and allergies, and lower back pain.
Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura
Located above navel. This energy centre is linked to self-confidence and personal power, emotional balance and good digestion. When there’s too much or too little happening at manipura it may show up as self-shaming, overachieving, liver problems and gallstones.
Heart Chakra – Anahata
Located at heart. This energy centre is related to a strong immune system, endocrine system and good circulation. Emotionally it’s linked to integrity and compassion. When anahata is imbalanced it may show up as passivity, breathing issues, and immune system problems. Because heart chakra is so aligned with our emotions in can be quick to shut down in times of hurt and stress.
Throat Chakra – Vishuddha
Located at throat. This chakra is all about communication, truth, and our authentic voice. If you feel like you’re swallowing your words, living inauthentically, or quashing your emotions, this often shows up in the form of a sore throat, stuttering, jaw stiffness, and neck/shoulder issues.
Third-Eye Chakra – Ajna
Located at brow centre. This chakra rules eyes, head, and intuition. Because it’s also linked to the pineal gland, which produces melatonin, it’s believed balancing ajna can benefit sleep quality. Other signs of third-eye chakra gone awry include mental fogginess, coordination issues, and poor memory.
Crown Chakra – Sahasrara
Located at the top of the head. This chakra is linked to spiritual connection, feelings of bliss, and a healthy central nervous system. When sahasrara is imbalanced it may show up as feeling mentally stuck, worry, hyper-intellectuality, and even skin rashes.
Want to learn more about your energy body at Carry Om Yoga? We’ve got you covered! Join us…
Saturday September 10th, 3-5:30PM, at Meeting Your Energy Body. By getting better acquainted with your energy body you’ll begin to regulate your nervous system, connect to your deeper layers of consciousness, shift old stories, and even heal ancestral patterns. Learn more here.
Every Sunday, 3-4PM, Restorative Yoga & Chakra Check-In. Supported by props, restorative yoga typically includes just a few asana (postures) and allows you to completely relax and reset. In this small class (4 max) we combine restorative yoga with individual chakra ‘check-ins’. Offering both hand-on and hands-off energetic work, Natalie will scan your chakras (energy centres) to see how they are flowing, and – with your energetic body’s permission – work on any blocks, imbalances, or energetic cording that isn’t serving you. Book through timetable here.
Biodynamic Energy Healing, including chakra check-ins. In the biodynamic energy approach, practitioner and patient work together to tap into the body’s healing intelligence. The practitioner scans your energetic field to discover blockages, cords and tears, then works with you to activate self-healing. Small group privates and 1-2-1. Thirty minute ‘taster’ sessions available to new 1-2-1 clients. Learn more here.