Chakras and Gemstones – Energy in Balance
Imagine Chakras as energy points throughout your body. Each energy point has a specific function and purpose and getting all those Chakras working well leads to happiness, health and spiritual balance. The concept of Chakras has evolved from the most ancient of Indian sacred texts, the Vedas. Chakras are referenced in both Buddhist and Hindu religions and are an important concept in Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga. The original Sanskrit word from which Chakra comes means wheel and this image of wheels aligning in harmony is one that has endured. There are 7 major Chakras, but 12 in all aligning from above the top of the head to the base of the spine in a straight line.
So far, so spiritual right? In fact, the Chakras actually align with key points of the endocrine and nervous system meaning that our ancient Indian ancestors may well have had a clearer understanding of how the body functions than we recognise.
How do Gemstones and Chakra Interact?
For those who believe in the energy of crystals and their ability to interact with our bodies and psyche the effect of gemstones on Chakras is very important. Most stones are linked with the function of a particular Chakra and by meditating, wearing or perhaps even placing the stone over a Chakra point they are able to produce a desired physical or psychic effect. They are said to prevent and repair energy blockages leading to better balance within the body. Today we will explore the 7 major Chakra points and their interaction with specific gemstones.
Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Base of the Spine
This Chakra is connected to stability, grounding and trust. Its proper balance is required to maintain appropriate energy and strength levels. The Root Chakra represents our connection to the physical and basic human needs such as shelter and food.
Disturbances in this Chakra can lead to physical problems with the colon, prostate or bowels or mental conditions of anxiety and fear.
The gemstones that influence this Chakra are generally dark or red in colour. Black Tourmaline can stimulate the Root Chakra and create a feeling of grounding and stability. Ruby is also associated with increasing the flow of life force (or chi) through the Root Chakra. Ruby is an incredibly energising stone linked to achieving goals or desires and is therefore largely unsuitable for meditation due to its stimulating effect.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Pelvic Area
If the Root Chakra is all about stability and grounding the Sacral Chakra is about passion and emotion. It is linked to sexuality, creativity and freedom of emotions.
Blockage of the Sacral Chakra can lead to cooling of emotions and sexual desire along with reproductive and urinary problems. An overflow of energy in this area can lead to jealousy or emotional overload.
Blue, green and orange crystals can impact the Sacral Chakra. Blue Topaz is linked to the relaxing and relieving emotional tension. Amber is also associated with bringing balance to this area.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Between the Naval and Solar Plexus
The Solar Plexus Chakra is all about our self-identity and is the centre of our self-esteem and confidence. The Solar Plexus balances the use of our willpower and has physical associations with the digestive system and liver.
An imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra can lead to feelings of low self-worth, addiction and digestive problems. As the Solar Plexus creates the centre of our Chakra system any disturbance here is likely to effect and impact energy flow throughout the whole body.
Yellow is the colour associated with this Chakra and therefore yellow stones like Citrine can impact this area. Citrine is associated with making good decisions and increasing personal control over a situation.
Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Centre of the Chest
As the name suggests this Chakra is focused on love, not only romantic love but compassion, kindness and self-acceptance. The concept of love for the wider world and community is a key component of many religions meaning the Heart Chakra is viewed by many as one of the most vital.
Blockages of the Heart Chakra can lead to problems of the heart and chest, feelings of low self-worth and destructive or unhealthy relationships.
The Heart Chakras dominant colour is green, representing nature and harmony. Stones such as Chrysoprase and Peridot are useful for balancing the Heart Chakra. However soft pink stones are also used to stimulate feelings of affection and love, Pink Tourmaline and Rose Quartz are positive stones for use with this Chakra.
Throat Chakra (Visuddha) – Neck
The Throat Chakra is connected to all things communication, the honest expression of emotion and being true to yourself. It is the first of the three main ‘spiritual’ Chakras and can relate to the seeking of a higher spiritual knowledge.
Potential problems of the Throat Chakra can lead to negative thinking, self-doubt and respiratory problems such as asthma.
Aquamarine is a key gemstone for influencing the Throat Chakra, connected as it is with both the Heart and the Throat therefore allowing our true desires to be expressed. Tanzanite can also produce a similar effect.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – The Brow
This Chakra point is mystical concept of sight beyond that of the physical world. It symbolises connection with the spiritual and a deep sense of wisdom.
A blockage of the Third Eye Chakra can lead to psychological and visual disturbances alongside a negative outlook on the world around you.
The Third Eye is linked with deep purple hues and Amethyst is a good stone to stimulate and balance this energy point. It can also soothe and quiet the mind and emotions allowing for the full potential of the Third Eye Chakra to be revealed.
Crown Shakra (Sahasrara) – Top of the Head
The Crown Chakra tops of the Chakra ladder and is the most mystical of all the Chakra points. It speaks of a connection with the wider universe and the deeper meanings of life.
A poorly functioning Crown Chakra can lead to a sense of disconnection and loneliness. Physical manifestations can include migraines and insomnia.
Amethyst is associated with stimulating and opening the Crown Chakra. White crystals are also associated with increasing the function of the Crown Chakra including Diamonds and Clear Quartz.
Using Gemstones to Balance Chakras
Learning about Chakras and their interactions with gemstones is the first step to understanding the deeper balance of your body. Of course none of the above should be taken as medical advice and every person’s experience of Chakra energies and gemstones is different.
Try a Chakra and gemstone meditation to understand this relationship more clearly and choose jewellery and talismans with your personal energies in mind.
