How to Relieve Stress - Part 3 (the Chakras)

The Chakras - an introduction

By Dr. Joanne Welham

Whether you know it or not, we all have chakras as part of our anatomy. You may not know where your sphenoid bone is, or be able to point to your lateral pterygoid muscle, but they are part of your body. (Although if you have done any cranial adjusting with me, you may be able to identify these things!)

Our chakras are an integral part of our bodies. In times of stress, they can get clogged and reduce to flow of healing energy to our bodies.

A “chakra” defined by Dr. Alberto Villoldo in his book Shaman, Healer, Sage is a “swirling disk of energy.”  

“They spin three to four inches outside the body and link to our spine. The chakras are a direct pipeline to the human neural network. Each chakra has a unique frequency that we perceive as one of the seven colours of the rainbow.”

There is much literature available on the individual characteristics of each chakra. An extensive description is beyond the scope of this article. What is important for this exercise is knowing the location and the colour of each chakra so that can help yourself by clearing them.

The following descriptions of the individual chakras are taken from the book by Dr. Villoldo.

Chakra #1

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The first chakra is red. It is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals. The first chakra is linked to our physical foundation, survival, procreation, food, shelter, and safety.

When we clear our first chakra, the feeling of scarcity disappears.

Chakra #2

The second chakra is orange. It is located four fingers below the belly button. The second chakra is linked to our sexuality, power, money, and fear. It is associated to digestion, appetite and lower back pain.

When this chakra is functioning properly, it can shed negative emotions such as anger and fear.

Chakra #3

The third chakra is yellow. It is located at the solar plexus (lower sternum). The third chakra is linked to courage, power, service, our expression in the world, and fulfillment of dreams.

When the third chakra is functioning properly, the body has plenty of energy for all of its activities.

Chakra #4

The fourth chakra is green. It is located at the cardiac plexus, in the centre of the chest. The fourth chakra is linked to love, compassion, hope and intimacy. This chakra regulates the thymus glands.

When the fourth chakra is clear, we can experience freedom, joy and peace.

Chakra #5

The fifth chakra is blue. It is located at the hollow of the throat. It is linked to creativity, communication and manifesting dreams. When the fifth chakra is clear, we can achieve recognition in our field and acquire mastery in our chosen profession.

A clear fifth chakra enables us to sleep better.

Chakra #6

The sixth chakra is indigo (deep purple-blue). It is our “third eye,” located in the middle of our forehead. The sixth chakra is linked to reason and logic, intelligence, empathy, depression and stress.

When the sixth chakra is clear, we express the divine in ourselves and see the divine in others. We can feel deep calm and peace when we are in the presence of one who has a clear sixth chakra.

Chakra #7

The seventh chakra is violet. It is at the very top of our head and is our portal to the Heavens. The light of the Heavens enters through the crown to feed the entire chakra system.

In the final article, we cover clearing our Chakras.

Read part 4 »