7 Chakras lie within the subtle body ;

Muladhara or ‘Root’ Chakra (located at the base of the spine)

Svadhishthana or ‘Sacral’ Chakra (located between the base of the spine and navel)

Manipura or ‘Solar Plexus’ Chakra (located a little above the navel)

Anahata or ‘Heart’ Chakra (located at the chest)

Vishuddha or ‘Throat’ Chakra (located on the throat)

Ajna or ‘Third Eye’ Chakra (located just above the centre between the eyes)

Sahasrava or ‘Crown’ Chakra (located above the head)

First written about in the ancient, spiritual Hindu texts ‘The Vedas’, Chakra is Sanskrit (चक्र) and translates to ‘wheel’ or ‘circle’. Subtle energies flow through these chakras or energy centres; imagine the spine like the stem of a flower with each chakra blossoming out through the body, reaching out into the aura which surrounds the body. Our health is linked to the flow of energy through these Chakras as the psyche and body interact with one another.

Each chakra possesses its own colour and vibrational frequency, governing emotional states from communication to bliss. When visualising each chakra you can imagine a swirling wheel of energy in that location. It’s this life force known as ‘prana’ or ‘chi’ which gives us our vitality. In a healthy mind and body, each chakra is aligned and open, but if these energy centres become blocked illness and disease occur.

Chakra Blockages

Muladhara or ‘Root’ Chakra – This chakra connects to the outside world, reflecting your need for a stable and secure life, food and shelter. A blocked root chakra can cause a number of issues, including addictive behaviour, degenerative arthritis, back issues and digestive ailments. If in balance you should feel supported, connected and grounded.

Svadhishthana or ‘Sacral’ Chakra – This chakra reflects your creativity and imagination. It also governs the reproductive organs. If you want new experiences and to explore, your Sacral Chakra needs to flow freely! Blocks can manifest as sexual and reproductive issues, urinary problems, kidney dysfunction, pelvic and low back pain. If in balance you may feel passionate, sociable and creative.

Manipura or ‘Solar Plexus’ Chakra – Blocks in the sacral chakra are reflected through physical ailments such as digestive issues, diabetes, high blood pressure and liver disfunction and also emotional imbalances surrounding self esteem and fear of criticism. When Manipura is in balance we feel compassionate towards others and have self respect.

Anahata or ‘Heart’ Chakra – If you’re having issues with the heart or lungs, this chakra is blocked. Emotional issues include anger and jealousy as well as fear of loneliness. If your heart chakra is open and flowing you should feel joy, compassion and be forgiving and grateful. We heart you!

Vishuddha or ‘Throat’ Chakra – Not surprisingly sore throats, ear infections and such like generate here. Also, if you’re feeling like you can’t communicate your wishes, your throat chakra ain’t spinning correctly. Flowing freely, you should feel like you can get your point across with ease and have a good ear for others too.

Ajna or ‘Third Eye’ Chakra – Sinus issues, headaches, loss of hearing and hormonal function are all connected to blocks in the third eye chakra. An inability to see a situation clearly and reflect upon it also rests here, yet if in balance you’d feel very clear and focused. We love that!

Sahasrava or ‘Crown’ Chakra – Sensitivity to light, sound and life itself manifests through a blocked crown chakra. Emotionally you may feel depressed and, when balanced, able to cope with life and live in the moment.

We asked Bali Healer and Intuitive Tarot Reader Annick how she works with Chakras:

“As a tarot card reader and healer, I often get directed towards a particular chakra that is in need of attention.  With the awareness of a certain unbalanced chakra, specific remedies can be applied in order to bring balance to one’s inner being.   Whether it is in a reading session or a hands on healing session, certain areas of the body transmits an energy that intuitively allows me to recognise that there is work to be done here.  In these current times, I am experiencing that these 3 main chakras are mostly unbalanced, Crown chakra – I know, Throat chakra – I speak, Root chakra – I am. There are many practical tools  that can be applied as a daily ritual, to help these important areas, helping you to navigate through their daily life, empowering yourself.”

Meditation and Becoming Aware of Your Chakras

Next time you sit in meditation, try to guide yourself slowly from the base of the spine through to above the forehead. pausing at each chakra point. Inhale and exhale slowly, allowing your thoughts to come and release as if floating within a balloon. Notice any changes in each energy centre as you place your attention there. Does it become hotter or cooler? Can you feel a tingling sensation or movement of energy?

Another great way to connect to each chakra is to sound the vibrational mantra (Bija or seed syllables) of each energy centre. Here is a list of the sounds connected to each chakra. As you slowly sound the word you should be able to feel a vibration in the area of the chakra.

Root – LAM

Sacral – VAM

Solar Plexus – RAM

Heart – YAM

Throat – HAM

Third Eye – SHAM

Crown – OM

The Chakras and Reiki or Energy Healing

The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei” (universal) and “ki” (life energy). Reiki is a type of energy healing whereby Reiki practitioners use energy healing techniques to unblock the flow of energy through the body. Reiki is alleged to aid relaxation, assist in the body’s natural healing processes, and develop emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

International healer, Retreat Facilitator and Author of “Be Yourself; The Art of Stepping Up”, Nicky Kassapian, kindly explains how a Reiki practitioner works;

“A reiki practitioner will frequently begin and end the session by focusing the reiki energy over the chakra points.  At the beginning of a session, the practitioner will scan the etheric body, using their hands and intuit through sensing the temperature and flow of energy, which chakra points are less fluid and in need of greater attention.  This helps to inform the practitioner, as to where the patient is out of balance and alignment and gives some idea as to what they have been dealing with in their life.  The reiki energy will naturally go to the areas where it is most needed to support  the patient, balancing , aligning and activating their entire system.  At the end of a treatment, the practitioner will once again focus the energy over the seven main chakra points, making sure they are balanced and in harmony.”

Find our more about Nicky’s upcoming healing retreat here 

Balinese Healing

Fivelements in Bali embraces holistic Balinese-inspired therapies using traditional Balinese healers who channel ancient wisdoms passed down from direct lineage. Following the Balinese principle of Sekala-Niskala, which holds that we all live equally in two worlds; the seen or conscious world Sekala, and the unseen or psychic world Niskala, the Balinese healers engage the help of the higher divine source during each healing session. Combining meditation, deep bodywork and pranic energy, the healing wellness retreat Panca Mahabhuta (The Five Elements) sees healer Pak Wayan balance the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether within the body. The ‘Chakra Balancing’ sessions activate and balance the body’s seven energy centres, while during ‘Prana Healing’, Balinese healer Pak Dewa will scan and clear the aura of imbalances.

If you’re interested in a Healing Retreat with us, then please do get in touch. We’re Asia wellness experts and personalise each wellness retreat to the individual.

If you’ve had a healing experience and want to share it, please share the love in the comments below