We love it when seemingly alternative thinking comes into the mainstream. This week, the Sunday Times Style magazine hit the nail squarely on the third eye, with their guide to chakras. Entitled ‘Chakranomics – how the beauty world has gone crazy for chakras’, here’s a peek at what they had to say, with their wonderful guide to exploring and understanding the, up-until-now, mystical world of chakras.
You don’t have to be a hippie to experiment with some modern cosmic thinking — chakra symbols have gone mainstream. Sienna Miller and Ellie Goulding both wear chakra charm bracelets, the singer Jessie Ware reportedly can’t get enough of the Aveda Chakra sprays, and the Ila Spa Chakra Wellbeing treatment is the latest sought-after therapy.
So what exactly is a chakra? The Sanskrit word means “wheel” or “disc”, and chakras are the meeting points of energy centres in the body. “There are seven key chakras that run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head,” says Sarah Thompson, a yoga teacher at Triyoga. Imagine electrical wires full of energy — a chakra is a little like a fuse box where the wires junction.” Each chakra has a different symbol, colour, aroma and meaning associated with it, as well as having a physical correspondence to a part of the body. It is believed that chakra imbalance can cause both physical and mental problems, anything from digestive issues to anxiety or headaches. “I see them as hubs between the body, mind and soul” says Thompson, who recommends “tuning” individual chakras through simple tools such as rest, exercise and meditation.
Starting from the top:
Crown Chakra – The centre of wisdom and a high understanding of the self
Focus here if – You rely too much on technology. Instead, gather your thoughts by doing some simple meditation, paying attention to your breath and silently repeating “Om”. Lavender oil can help too.
Third Eye Chakra – This spot between your eyebrows is connected to intuition.
Focus here if – You can’t see things clearly – literally or metaphorically. A dose of daylight can restore balance or try gently massaging the area with your thumb and forefinger. Also see our Tapping to Emotional Freedom workshop for more help on this.
Throat Chakra – Linked to communication and creative expression.
Focus here if – You’re struggling with the equivalent of writer’s block. Getting a “lump in your throat” is a physical manifestation of an imbalance. Loosen up a stiff neck with neck rolls and singing in the shower.
Heart Chakra – Relates to love and relationships and corresponds to the circulatory system and the lungs.
Focus here if – You have a tight chest – in yoga, work on chest-opening poses such as cobra. Try steamy baths with aromatherapy oils and breathe deeply.
Fire Chakra – Linked to the stomach muscles and digestive system, this is about energy and willpower.
Focus here if – You are lacking in confidence. Target your tummy where you feel nervous and butterflies. Do a set of sit-ups on the morning of an important meeting to fire you up. A spritz of ginger or saffron will boost energy.
Sacral Chakra – Your emotional centre; linked to the lower back and reproductive system.
Focus here if – You bottle up feelings or store tension. To restore balance, try the goddess pose. Lie on your back, put your feet together and bring up your knees so your feet together and bring up your knees so your feet are close to your buttocks. Then open your knees to the sides and relax for five minutes.
Root Chakra – Associated with the base of the spine and the adrenal glands.
Focus here if – Your are feeling disconnected due to too much travel or social media time. Physically root yourself to the earth by sitting on the floor for five minutes (no phones allowed).
Many thanks to Katie Service and the Sunday Times Style Magazine.
Like to read more? How about our guide to the Top 15 Most Influential Health & Wellbeing Experts in the UK & Ireland.
