If you are new to metaphysical studies, it's likely you have heard the word "chakra". But what is it? We have energy "points" in our body that affect our well being called chakras.They open and close and can easily get out of "whack". When you feel tired or "out of balance", your chakra may not be working properly. We've all heard the saying "disease of the body is caused by dis-ease in the mind and spirit."

Stressed spelled backwards spells desserts
(Some of us, overeat when we are stressed out)

We put food in our mouths to relieve stress but what do we do to nourish our spirit? Hopefully, we take the time to work on our spiritual side.  Remember if the mind is unsettled, the body can't rest and nothing is in balance if the spirit is well and empowered. Keeping that power and positive energy flowing throughout the body is important. One way we can do this is to work with our chakras. 

Each chakra vibrates to certain colors, crystals and gemstones. Each defines a certain part of the body. Knowing what each chakra's responsibility is, helps us understand what is lacking or working in our life. For example, if the heart chakra is shut down, we may need to be more open to love. Perhaps we are hurting over a breakup in a relationship. If the heart chakra is healthy, we are able to give and receive the power of love endlessly. We  can block our energy by suppressing feelings, depleting our physical energy, not getting enough sleep and  denying our feelings. Let's take a look at each of the seven chakras individually and discover their purpose. The following information may give you clues as to which of your chakras are working properly and those that need more attention.

The Root Chakra is the first chakra aka as the grounding chakra. It runs from the base of the spine and near the pelvic bone If the root chakra is damaged or not functioning properly, the other chakras will not work. All will be shut down. You will feel unbalanced. Some people who have damaged the root chakra, will try to escape the everyday world, by using drugs, eating too much or become obsessed with work. Others just feel tired all of the time. Think of the root chakra as your foundation. If the foundation is weak, other parts of you may crumble. A balanced and healthy root chakra will provide you with much energy and vitality. You'll be excited about life. You'll feel grounded, sleep better and experience less stress.    

The Sacral Chakra-The second chakra is the sacral or sex chakra. It rules the area below the belly button. While our root chakra is about our foundation, the sacral or sex chakra is about sexuality and the balance between our feminine and masculine side. Our masculine side, also known as the left side of our brain, deals with logic, ambition and male oriented issues. Our feminine side or right brain makes us aware of our creative, emotional and intuitive nature. After attaining a balanced and healthy sex chakra, a person feels like they've "got it all together". They'll feel affectionate towards others. They'll enjoy an active and healthy sex life. 

The Solar Plexus is the third chakra. It can be found above the stomach, in the gut. It's what I call your gut feeling. The solar plexus is a most powerful chakra. If someone is going to steal your energy, it's going to be here. Whenever you feel threatened or in danger, the solar plexus is the first chakra to alarm you. You'll feel a gnawing or anxious energy in the pit of your stomach. If this chakra is blocked, we feel repressed and think of ourselves as victims. The pity parties set in. Nothing seems to flow and everywhere we turn, our energy or efforts are thwarted. Blockage occurs when we deny our feelings or repress them. If you are angry, let it out in a healthy way. If you are upset in a relationship, don't shut your emotions off, because you will shut down. When your solar plexus is open and secure, you can prosper in many ways. We have inner power to attain our goals and desires. We feel optimistic and energized!

The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra. This is the center for human love! It is located at the heart. The heart chakra gives us this special gift and if used wisely, can affect our lives in more ways that imagined. First, it can help us to accept and love ourselves. Second, it helps us to create, share, give and receive love from others. People who have difficulty with the heart chakra find it hard to love or even feel loved. Some problems lead to physical ailments such as heart conditions and high blood pressure. People with heart chakra blockages may not be able to forgive or feel little compassion for others. You will often see the heart chakra closed or blocked when someone has went through a major loss of a loved one, such a death, break-up, divorce or separation.

The Throat Chakra is our fifth chakra. It can shut down when we don't communicate correctly or hold things inside that need to be released. When the throat chakra is up and running, we can speak our truths with self confidence and without hesitation. We listen well and do not judge others. You've heard people make reference to "a breakdown in communication". It's likely someone's throat chakra is not working properly! A blocked throat chakra can produce sore throats, teeth problems and swollen glands. Some feel an anxious energy and experience wild mood swings. A healthy chakra will give us the courage to speak up for our beliefs, to admit when we are wrong and listen to our inner wisdom.

The Brow Chakra is our sixth one. It's located between our eyes. It provides us with gifts of insight, vision and wisdom. It is the chakra of  "seeing", not just in physical terms but in spiritual. Here, we can learn to use our intuition. The brow chakra helps us believe in magic!  Those with a healthy brow chakra are excited about life. You'll be introduced to  true power and spirituality. People gain an attitude of "whatever happens, happens for a reason".  You become the seeker of truth. With the development of this chakra you gain much understanding. Many healers and those in holistic and intuitive professions have highly developed brow chakras.

The Crown Chakra is the highest point in our energy field. It integrates the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional parts of us. This is the chakra that helps us connect to a higher source. Some people never develop this chakra in their lifetime. If and when it becomes developed, you will live your life based on love and peace. You will no longer crave the material possessions this world has to offer. You will devote your life to helping and teaching others on their spiritual path, much like Jesus did. You will be "enlightened" and very intuitive.

Know that there are things you can do and use as tools to help open or balance your chakras:

Wear gem stones that relate to each chakra
Wear colors that relate to each chakra
Affirmations and visualization
Make an appointment with a energy/body worker
Meditation

Use Bach flower essences We all have the ability within ourselves to feel better. We create our own ailments on some level. By understanding and working with your chakras you can help your body, mind and spirit work at optimum levels!