19-Dec-2010

Good Vibrations

Balance Your Chakras

It's not always possible to strike a pose or break into mantra when you’re running at life’s frenetic pace. Your chakras (energy centers) house the most important essences of the human experience. With so many daily influences and interruptions in energy flow, your chakras can often become unbalanced or stagnant. Essential oils can help balance your chakras in a practical, deeply effective way.

Each chakra has a unique vibration, with at least one essential oil as its vibrational “match.” In addition, essential oils carry micro-droplets of their volatile compounds that bypass the thinking brain, allowing you to experience the effect of the oils directly through the emotional brain (limbic system). To harmonize your chakras, use these various oils that correspond with each of the seven chakras for some “chakraromatherapy” inspiration:

Root (Muladhara): Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, melissa, cedar
Sacral (Svadhisthana): Jasmine, neroli, rose, rosewood
Solar Plexus (Mani Pura): Peppermint, black pepper, lemon, ginger, fennel, bergamot
Heart (Anahata): Rose geranium, palmarosa, ylang ylang, cajuput
Throat (Vishuddha): Frankincense, elemi, sandalwood, neroli
Third Eye (Ajna): Clary sage, geranium, rosemary
Crown (Sahasrara): Galbanum, vetiver, myrhh

A great way to carry essential oils without the risk of a spill is to mix a few drops of the essential oils with Epsom salts (enough oil to scent the salts without making them too wet). Place the mixture in a small container for your chakra-balancing smelling salts. Breathe in the aroma, breathe out stress, finding more balance with each inhale and exhale.

For balancing with oil during your yoga practice, combine at least one of each chakra oil with a light carrier oil like grape seed. Find a quiet place for your moving meditation and set your intention as you rub some of this oil on each chakra. Start the first of seven rounds of sun salutations (or any set of poses with which you feel a connection), focusing your attention on each chakra starting with the root. Use long, deep breaths for each asana (pose), becoming aware of the energy passing through each chakra as you flow through each set. Bask in the energy of healing and light.

Jess Lewis-Peltier
Naturopathic practitioner, writer, lecturer and yoga teacher
Holistic Yogini
www.chakrabalm.com
Recommended reading: Chakra Balancing by Judith Anodea