The word chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit, a sacred and holy language of Hinduism and Buddhism. Chakra is pronounced shock + ra with a “ra” sound as in oakra.
Chakras are invisible to the naked eye and interconnect our physical and spiritual selves. Each of the seven chakras is tied directly to a specific region and nerve center of the body.
It is believed that each of the chakras absorbs and filters the energy that we emit through our thoughts and actions as well as through the thoughts and actions of all those that we come into contact with. When one of the chakras is out of balance as a result of negative energy flowing through it, it begins to spin too slowly or too fast. When a chakra is not balanced, it can effect that physical region of the body and also effect very specific aspects of our spiritual and emotional selves.
Just as color, sound and stones have a certain resonance with the Chakras, so do different plants. Essential oils are the fragrant distilled essence of plants, and can be used to help balance the chakras. Use the fragrances which are the most appealing and pleasing to you, and it is recommended to blend the pure essential oils with a carrier oil, such as almond oil.
Methods of Balancing the Chakras
Using essential oils can help stimulate the chakras and bring them back into balance. The most useful essential oil of all is lavender, which can be used to energise and balance all seven!
Here are some ways that you can use aromatherapy to balance, heal and help open the chakras:
– Diffuse a selection of one or more essential oils beneficial for the chakra(s) you wish to work with. Diffuse the oils while relaxing, meditating or practising yoga. Or listen to some peaceful music!
– Use aromatherapy massage for a very powerful way of connecting with the chakras and helping to unblock energy flow.
– Use the appropriate oils in baths or with compresses.
– Through therapeutic skincare.
– By direct topical application.
– Though inhalation methods – especially to help decongestion and respiratory problems.
Use whichever method is best for you! Many of the essential oils associated with each chakra overlap, so it may be a good idea to keep notes on which oils and blends you use for each one. Remember also that people do react in different ways to essential oils, so it is important to use your intuition and to try different blends!
Essential Oils Which Resonate with the Chakras
Root Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Root Chakra are corn, clematis, rosemary, ylang-ylang, myrrh, frankincense, benzoin, patchouli and sandalwood.
Sacral Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Second Chakra are all citrus oils, such as neroli, melissa, and orange. Also rose, hibiscus, jasmine, Indian Paintbrush, and lady’s slipper.
Solar Plexus Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Third Chakra are yarrow, chamomile, peppermint, lemon juniper, vetivert, petigrain and marjoram.
Heart Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Fourth Chakra are holly, poppy, rose, eucalyptus and pine, bergamot, melissa, jasmine or rosewood.
Throat Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Fifth Chakra are cosmos, trumpet vine, larch, blue chamomile, sage, lemongrass, geranium or hyssop.
Third Eye Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Sixth Chakra are wild oat, Queen Anne’s Lace, madia, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, spruce, frankincense, patchouli, elemi or clary sage.
Crown Chakra: Among the essential oils and flower essences used to balance the Seventh Chakra are lotus, angelica, star tulip, frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh, jasmine, benzoin, neroli, lavender, angelica or St. John’s Wort.
Essential oils are generally safe, but do not ingest them, and use caution on your skin. It is possible to develop allergies. Essential oil treatments are also not recommended for pregnant women or children.