Chakra comes from the Sanskrit word, चक्रम् cakram,     which means wheel. The chakras are energy centers or wheels where energy, also known as prana, chi, or qi, rotates and flows. Anatomically, the chakras correspond to the locations of major plexuses of the nervous and circulatory systems. Here I will introduce three ways to bring balance, harmony, and healing to the chakras.

I) Chakra Vibration Meditation Practice

Though some of you may recognize this from chanting mantra in your yoga practice, here is a chakra vibration meditation practice for the seven main chakras that run from the base of the spine up to the top of the head.

You can do this chakra vibration meditation practice seated comfortably in a chair, sitting in meditation, or lying in Shavasana (corpse pose). Sit or lie quietly for a few minutes before beginning. When ready, chant the following vibrational sounds, or mantras, for each of the seven chakras. You may choose to chant each mantra once, or a certain number of times (3, 9, 27, 54, 108… ). You could also do a continuous chant, cycling through all the chakras from bottom to top repeatedly. Doing this chakra vibration meditation practice can help clear out any stagnant energy in your chakra centers, revitalize weak chakras, and bring your energy into balance and harmony. If you feel a certain chakra or corresponding area of your body needs healing, you could also focus on the mantra for that particular chakra.

1) Muladhara – Root Chakra: Lam लं (pronounced: lum)

2) Svadhisthana – Naval/Sacral Chakra: Vam वं (pr: vum)

3) Manipura – Solar Plexus: Ram रं (pr: rum)

4) Anahata – Heart Chakra: Yam यं (pr: yum)

5) Vishuddha – Throat Chakra: Ham हं (pr: hum)

6) Ajna – Third Eye Chakra: Om ओं

7) Sahasrara – Crown Chakra: Aum औं

II) Chakra Gemstone Meditation Practice

Another way to promote the flow of prana (chi, qi, energy) and bring the energy flow into balance and harmony is with the use of gemstones. In a chakra gemstone meditation practice you can use a gemstone for each chakra, or focus on a specific one that needs attention or healing. Gemstones can purify/cleanse, promote healing, harmonize imbalanced prana, and facilitate the flow of energy through all the chakras.

A chakra gemstone meditation practice is best done lying down since you will need to place the gemstone(s) on the chakra(s). Make sure you are comfortable and warm, whether you are lying in shavasana on your yoga mat or on your bed. With the gemstone(s) on the chakra(s) rest in meditation: Shamatha calming the mind meditiaion, Vipassana mindfulness breathing, or a visualization practice on the chakra(s). You could also chant the chakra vibration meditation practice discussed above.

As a general rule, a gemstone that is the same color as a chakra will be a good one to use for that given chakra. Here is a short list of specific stones that are beneficial for each chakra:

1) Muladhara – Root Chakra: Ruby, Bloodstone, Garnet, Smoky Quartz

2) Svadhisthana – Naval/Sacral Chakra: Amber, Coral, Carnelian, Citrine

3) Manipura – Solar Plexus: Gold, Tiger Eye, Yellow Amber, Gold Topaz

4) Anahata – Heart Chakra: Rose Quartz, Emerald, Pink or Green Tourmaline, Malachite, Jade

5) Vishuddha – Throat Chakra: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz

6) Ajna – Third Eye Chakra: Quartz Crystal, Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite

7) Sahasrara – Crown Chakra: Quartz Chrystal, Diamond, Amethyst, Selenite

III) Chakra Balancing and Healing With Nutrition

We can also do chakra balancing and healing with nutrition. We can bring our prana (chi, qi, energy) into balance and harmony, and promote healing for the chakras and their corresponding areas of the body and mind with the aide of foods. Whole, fresh, and organic foods can be potent medicines and healing tools.

To bring into balance and to encourage healing for each of the seven main chakras, incorporate some or more of the following foods for a specific chakra, or improve overall health by eating better for all the chakras. As with gemstones, a general rule is that foods that are the same color of a chakra are beneficial for that given chakra. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Muladhara – Root Chakra: Non-meat proteins: kidney and aduki beans, legumes, nuts; red fruits and berries, beets.