Article by: Adrienne Suhm
The energy systems within the body known as chakras are focused on the intersection between matter and consciousness. The word chakra, first used in the Sanskrit tradition as early as 2500BCE, translates directly to “wheel” or “disk.” This concept refers to the different wheels of energy within the body. Ideally, each chakra is open so that the energy of life, called Prana, may flow continuously through the chakras from the base of the spine up to the top of the head.
By now, you may be wondering what each chakra actually looks like. Here’s a guide to all you need to know about the seven chakras, including their associated gemstones and healing crystals:
First Chakra: Muladhara
Location: the first three vertebrae, bladder, and colon
Element: earth
Colors: red
Sense: smell
Related Gemstones: Agate, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Garnet, Obsidian, Ruby, Smoky Quartz
Related Essential Oils: Cedar, Clove, Cypress, Marjoram, Myrrh
Second Chakra: Svadhisthana
Location: the pubic bone
Element: water
Colors: orange
Sense: taste
Related Gemstones: Amber, Carnelian, Coral, Garnet, Moonstone, Orange Tourmaline
Related Essential Oils: Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood
Third Chakra: Manipura
Location: from the navel to the breastbone
Element: fire
Colors: yellow
Sense: sight
Related Gemstones: Amber, Citrine, Jasper, Golden Topaz, Yellow Tourmaline
Related Essential Oils: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Golden Yarrow, Peppermint, Rosemary
Fourth Chakra: Anahata
Location: the heart center
Element: air
Colors: green or pink
Sense: touch
Related Gemstones: Emerald, Green Jade, Green Tourmaline, Malachite, Rose Quartz
Related Essential Oils: Lavender, Jasmine, Marjoram
Fifth Chakra: Vishuddha
Location: the throat
Element: sound or ether
Colors: blue
Sense: hearing
Related Gemstones: Angelite, Aquamarine, Azurite, Blue Opal, Blue Quartz, Chryoscolla, Lapis, Turquoise
Related Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, Frankincense, SageLink
Sixth Chakra: Ajna
Location: between the eyebrows
Element: light
Colors: indigo
Sense: extra sensory perception
Related Gemstones: Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Purple Fluorite, Sugalite, Quartz
Related Essential Oils: Mint, Jasmine
Seventh Chakra: Sahaswara
Location: At the crown of the head
Element: thought
Colors: violet/white
Sense: empathy, unity
Related Gemstones: Amber, Diamond, Moldavite
Related Essential Oils: Blilbanum or Lotus
Disruptions in the free flow of energy throughout your body are attributed to blocked chakras, which can manifest both physically and emotionally. For example, headaches could mean that your sixth chakra is blocked, whereas trouble with speaking your mind could indicate a blockage in your fifth chakra. There are a variety of methods to rebalance the chakras, including mindfulness, meditation, yoga, nutritional therapy, aromatherapy, and crystal therapy. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils that corresponds with your blocked chakra. You can smell oils directly from the bottle, spread them in a diffuser, or rub a drop on the insides of your wrists. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the medical efficacy of healing crystals, spiritual healers have used crystals to rebalance the chakras for centuries. You can hold or pocket a gemstone that corresponds with the blocked chakra to re-align your energy. Experiment with one of these methods (or all of them!) to promote more vibrant, healthy chakras.
