Chakras are centers within us where the currents of life's energies intersect. The yoga tradition has identified several types of energy centers, from the chakras, the major energy centers, to the marma points, the secondary energy centers, to the sandhis or simple junctions. In my yoga practice, we work to balance the chakra centers through meditation, toning, specific yoga poses and affirmations. As we remove stagnation and open the flow of these energy channels, dramatic healing can occur.
Let's look at other traditions... In practice of the 5 Tibetan Rites, specific movements are used to energize the chakras. In the ancient Q'ero Nation of Peru, Inka Master Healers use the placement of crystals on the chakra points to remove "heavy energy" and connect with the healing forces of nature. For more information on the Inka tradition, see www.WiraqochaFoundation.org.
Becca, is there some lesson I need to learn before I can heal? Frustrated in San Francisco
Dear Frustrated: Pain and illness may be your body’s wake-up call that it is overstressed by poor diet and lifestyle, or by exposure to toxins, negative emotions or limiting beliefs. If you listen to the body’s first signals and make a change, you can recover more quickly than if you wait for a knock-out punch of serious or chronic illness.
"People change and heal when they have learned the lesson that the illness was trying to teach,” explained holistic counseling teacher Amara Karuna. “Pain and disease are always calls for attention from the body and soul. They are like flags showing where energy is stuck and blocked, and in need of loving and help.”
Making the decision to take responsibility for our own suffering and making the changes needed in our lives is the first step, according to Karuna. “It is essential to understand that no matter how the pain got there, we are the only ones who can really take care of ourselves,” she said. “Don't wait for someone else to love and care for you. Do unto yourself as you would have others do unto you. Also, reach out for support and help from others.”
“The mind-body system has almost unlimited self repair capabilities and any positive physical, emotional, and mental behavior will enhance a person's self healing abilities,” said King.
I encourage you to try stress reduction through yoga, meditation, chakra balancing... whatever works for you. And use your intuition to guide you to the right person to help you move toward positive change in your health and in your life. Namaste! Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
Dear Becca, How do I go about choosing crystals to use in my Chakra practice? Do some work better than others?
Anxious in Arlington
Just like you carry a few “everyday” items in your purse, briefcase, pocket or car like socks for cold meeting rooms, hard candies to soothe your throat, lipstick to protect and brighten your lips or gym shoes for your lunchtime walk, having a set of crystals can be very useful in chakra balancing.
They need not be fancy or showy and seem to work best when they are allowed to choose you. As proof that “everything” in this life is alive, aware and responsive, hold your hand over a few crystals and wait until one or more of them signals you that they are ready to become yours, to accompany you and to work with you by both absorbing and giving off energy.
Now, as the new guardian of your crystals and the recipient of their marvelous power, you have a responsibility to keep them clean and energized. First steep your new crystals overnight in a solution of sea salt and water and dry them thoroughly before you begin to use them.
Periodically, re-wash your crystals in the salt solution, or bury them in a bed of salt between uses or even plant them in your garden or under a tree in your favorite park. Take advantage of the healing energy of every full moon by leaving your crystals outside overnight.
One note: The intense energy of clear quartz may keep some awake at night so keep it away from your sleeping area if you are especially sensitive and bring in the calming influence of amethyst instead.
Namaste, Becca.
Adapted from The 7 Healing Chakras by Brenda Davies, M.D.
A holistic healer and writer. New to fiction, but inspired by life stories that have haunted me until printed on the pages of The Chakra Diaries. Now also editing other inspirational novels and self-help books at IndieAuthorCounsel.com.
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