The chakra system in aromatherapy

Welcome to part one of the chakra system series. In this eight-part series, I’m excited to take you through the chakra system, which is a vital part of aromatherapy. We’ll delve into the seven different chakras, the colours associated with them, the essential oils that boost them and the feelings that they evoke. In this first post, we’ll do a general overview of the chakra system and how it works.

The chakra system is an ancient energy system that originated in India thousands of years ago. The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "disk", and it refers to the seven energy centres that are believed to be located along the spine. Each of these energy centres is associated with different aspects of the physical, emotional, and spiritual self.

The chakra system is often used in conjunction with aromatherapy, as certain essential oils are believed to help balance and activate each of the seven chakras. Here's a breakdown of each of the chakras, their associated colours, and the essential oils that can be used to balance them:

1. Root Chakra

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with grounding and stability. It is represented by the colour red, and essential oils that can help balance it include cedarwood, patchouli, and vetiver.

2. Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen and is associated with creativity, pleasure, and sexuality. It is represented by the colour orange, and essential oils that can help balance it include ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and jasmine.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is located in the upper abdomen and is associated with personal power, confidence, and self-esteem. It is represented by the colour yellow, and essential oils that can help balance it include bergamot, lemon, and ginger.

4. Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is located in the centre of the chest and is associated with love, compassion, and emotional balance. It is represented by the colour green, and essential oils that can help balance it include rose, lavender, and chamomile.

5. Throat Chakra

The throat chakra is located in the throat and is associated with communication, self-expression, and speaking one's truth. It is represented by the colour blue, and essential oils that can help balance it include peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree.

6. Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra is located in the centre of the forehead and is associated with intuition, wisdom, and spiritual insight. It is represented by the colour indigo, and essential oils that can help balance it include frankincense, sandalwood, and clary sage.

7. Crown Chakra

The crown chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with spiritual connection, enlightenment, and transcendence. It is represented by the colour violet or white, and essential oils that can help balance it include lavender, rosewood, and neroli.

The chakras in your daily life

To apply the chakra system in daily life, you can use the essential oils associated with each chakra in a variety of ways. You can add a few drops to a diffuser, mix them with a carrier oil and apply topically to the corresponding area of the body, burn an essential oil candle, or simply inhale them directly from the bottle. You can also visualise the colour associated with each chakra during meditation or wear clothing in those colours.

In addition to using essential oils, there are many other ways to balance and activate the chakras. Practising yoga, meditating, and engaging in other forms of self-care can all help to promote balance and harmony in the chakra system. Eating foods that are associated with each chakra's colour, such as red peppers for the root chakra and blueberries for the throat chakra, can also help to promote balance.

In conclusion...

The chakra system is a complex and fascinating aspect of traditional Indian medicine and spirituality. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of chakras, many people find that working with the chakras and incorporating aromatherapy into their practice can be a powerful tool for promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Whether you are new to aromatherapy or a seasoned practitioner, incorporating essential oils into your practice can be a simple yet effective way to support the health of your chakras and promote overall well-being.