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Donna is a certified Usui Reiki Master Practitioner & Teacher, Crystal Reiki Practitioner, Orion Master Channel, Certified Reflexologist, Mystic Turquoise Healer, and Award-winning Children’s Author. She helps those seeking a way to heal from within to unveil their inner peace through energy heali…
FAQs:
What is a Chakra Balancing Massage?
A chakra balancing massage uses various techniques, such as deep tissue massage on the back and spinal muscles and reflexology on the feet. However, what makes it unique from standard massages is the energy healing component. Each chakra has a physical location, and massaging this area can help to stimulate the energy flow there. In addition, massage therapists will enhance the chakra healing power by using essential oils. Each chakra has associated scents, so using the corresponding oil on a chakra can help open it and heal any blockages. If one particular chakra you feel is blocked, you can massage the targeted area yourself through self-massage. However, for the best results and complete chakra-balancing treatment, look for professional massage therapists that offer this service. Your therapist may be able to determine which energy centers are unbalanced, or you can ask them to focus on specific energy points.
How Does A Chakra Balancing Massage Work?
A chakra balancing massage works by stimulating and balancing the flow of energy in the body through the seven chakras. The massage therapist will use various techniques to target each chakra, such as applying pressure, kneading, and rubbing. By releasing any blockages in the chakras, the therapist helps to promote a more even flow of energy throughout the body, which can help improve physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are energy centers in the body that govern various aspects of our lives. There are seven main chakras, which correspond to the major glands in the body. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, emotion, and aspect of life. The chakras are not organs – they’re rather energy centers. When they are open and the energy is flowing freely, we experience health and vitality both physically and emotionally. However, when they become blocked, we can experience pain and dysfunction in our lives. A single blocked chakra can also imbalance all the chakras. This is where chakra healing can help you. The concept of chakras is said to have originated in India over 3,000 years ago. The word “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel.” In the Vedic tradition, it is believed that the chakras are like spinning wheels of energy that keep the body in balance.
What Does It Mean to Have a Blocked Chakra?
Each chakra works with large nerve systems throughout the body, contributing to a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it’s important to keep the energy flowing freely between different chakra points. Chakra blockages typically manifest from coping strategies used to combat stress, trauma, or other difficult circumstances. Blockages impede the natural flow of energy in the body. Energy backs up and starts to stagnate and negatively affecting a person’s overall well-being. As a result, an individual’s chakras get out of alignment, causing physical and emotional distress.
Are Chakras Real?
No scientific evidence supports the existence of chakras in the spiritual sense. However, some scientists have argued that they correspond to physical body parts, particularly in the nervous system. The nervous system consists of a person’s brain and spinal column, which contain nerves. These nerves branch off from the spine in bundles (plexuses) and connect to other areas of the body. The primary chakras, which are located down the spine, may correspond to the central nervous system. Their connection to specific aspects of health may relate to different nerve plexuses. For example, a 2017 cadaver study identified that the root chakra might be related to the inferior hypogastric plexus, which sends signals to the reproductive organs and rectum, two of the functions this chakra is meant to influence. This may explain how the chakra system developed in the way it did, mirroring what scientists now know about the human body. However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation and experts need to conduct more scientific research.
What Causes Chakras to Become Blocked?
There are many reasons why a chakra can become blocked, but the most common cause is an unhealthy lifestyle. Too much stress, negative thinking, a lack of physical exercise, not enough sleep and an unhealthy diet are all leading contributors to a blocked chakra. And at the same time, too much of something good can also cause an imbalance in the energy body with an equally harmful effect on your health and well-being. One or all of these factors can cause your chakras to enter into either a hypoactive or hyperactive state. When hypoactive, your chakra distributes an insufficient or reduced amount of prana to the area. A hyperactive or imbalanced chakra means there is too much energy flowing into that particular region, causing an imbalance in the entire chakra system.
Why is it Important to Unblock Your Chakras?
The 7 chakras are strongly tied to the organs and glands that surround them. If just one chakra is hypoactive or hyperactive, it can have a ripple effect on the entire body, negatively impacting your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If not tended to, a blocked chakra may also lead to more serious physical illnesses and mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. Knowing how to unblock chakras is therefore important to maintain good health and keep your energy body in check. When your chakras are clear and aligned, you are your best Self. You will naturally have a more positive outlook on life and feel more energized and confident. On the mat, you’ll also notice a healthy progression in your performance.
How Long Does a Chakra Balancing Massage Session Last?
The length of a chakra balancing massage session can vary but usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, the therapist will focus on balancing each of the seven chakras using various massage techniques.
What to Wear to a Chakra Balancing Massage?
It is recommended to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to a chakra balancing massage, as you will be lying down and covered with a sheet or blanket. Some people prefer to wear yoga pants or athletic shorts and a T-shirt.
How Often Should I Get A Chakra Balancing Massage?
The frequency of chakra balancing massages can vary depending on the individual’s needs. Some people may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly massages, while others may only need a monthly session. It is best to discuss your specific needs with your massage therapist to determine the best frequency for you.
Is a Chakra Balancing Massage Safe?
Chakra balancing massages are generally considered safe for most people. However, if you have any medical conditions or concerns, it is recommended to speak with your healthcare provider before scheduling a massage.
What is the Cost of a Chakra Balancing Massage?
The cost of a chakra balancing massage can vary depending on the location and the experience level of the massage therapist. Prices can range from $60 to $200 per session.
The History of Chakras
Chakras has only recently become more well-known, with the growth in popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies in general. They are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. There’s a lot one can study about them.
Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
Some say there are 114 different chakras, but there are seven main chakras that run along your spine. These are the chakras that most of us are referring to when we talk about them. Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, color, specific area of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head, and health focus.
Get to Know the 7 Chakras
While there are multiple chakra points throughout the body, let’s focus on the seven main chakras positioned along the spine. Each has a specific name, an associated color, and an associated place in the body.
1. Root Chakra or Muladhara
The Root chakra or Muladhara is located at the base of the spine near where the tailbone sits, which deals with issues related to stability, grounding, and physical identity. It’s tied to the Earth element and helps people feel connected to their environment. Meditations involving the root chakra typically involve images of a person planting their feet into the ground. Its primary color is red and its associated conditions are Arthritis, Bladder issues, Colon problems, Constipation, and Feelings of insecurity.
2. Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana
The Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana sits below the belly button just above the pubic bone and deals with issues concerning the way people feel and exhibit pleasure, sexuality, and creativity. It’s believed that the sacral chakra gives people a better understanding of their sensuality and what gives them pleasure. The sacral chakra also reflects people’s feelings of self-worth. Its primary color is orange and the associated conditions are Impotence, Lack of self-confidence, Lower back pain, and Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
3. Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura
The Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura is located in the upper abdomen or stomach area and deals with an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. People with a blocked solar plexus chakra often experience issues with their digestive system. Because the solar plexus chakra has a unique connection to the sun, going outside and soaking up some rays aids its healing. Its primary color is yellow and the associated conditions are Eating disorders, Heartburn, Indigestion, Low self-esteem, and Ulcers.
4. Heart Chakra or Anahata
The Heart Chakra or Anahata is located at the center of the chest right above the heart sits, which deals with issues of compassion and love. A blockage of the heart chakra tends to manifest through physical conditions associated with your chest. It may also influence people’s behavior — often to their detriment. Breathing exercises are an excellent way to connect with the heart chakra via meditation. Its primary color is green and the associated conditions are Asthma, Heart issues, People putting their needs last, and Weight problems.
5. Throat Chakra or Vishuddha
The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha deals with a person’s verbal communication ability. A person experiencing a blockage of this chakra might have issues with their teeth and gums. The blockage may also contribute to behaviors like talking over people during conversations or having issues voicing opinions. Its primary color is blue and the associated conditions are mouth and throat issues, problems speaking up, and Vocal stress.
6. Third Eye Chakra or Ajna
The Third Eye Chakra or Ajna is located in the middle of the forehead and deals with imagination and intuition. Those with a blockage in this area may experience problems with their eyes or have trouble focusing on tasks. An imbalanced third eye chakra may also contribute to a person having trouble staying connected to reality or being in touch with their intuition. Its primary color is indigo and the associated conditions are Eye problems, Headaches, Hearing issues, or Lack of concentration.
7. Crown Chakra or Sahasrara
The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara is located at the top of the head and deals with our awareness and intelligence. It links to all other chakras, which means it’s capable of affecting all attached organs and systems. Having both the crown and root chakras in balance helps keep the channels of energy flowing correctly through the other chakras. Its primary colors are violet or white and the associated conditions are Depression, Extra sensitivity to sight and sound, Trouble absorbing new information, and Problems adjusting to an environment.
Mudras for Chakra Balancing
Along with the yoga poses, certain mudras also support the release of the vital life force or prana and activate the chakras. These Mudras are mentioned below:
1. Muladhara:
Sit in a comfortable position with your spine erect. Focus all your attention on your perineum. Then, with the help of your thumbs and forefingers work towards forming a circle. Your hands should rest on your knees and your palms should be facing upward. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
2. Swadishthana
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area located one inch below your navel and the lumbar vertebra-1. Your right hand should rest on your left hand with your palms facing upward, in your lap where your thumbs touch slightly. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
3. Manipura
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your navel towards the solar plexus and across towards the thoracic vertebra number eight. While keeping your fingers straight and touching at the top while pointing in the forward direction, keep your thumbs crossed in a V shape with right over left. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
4. Anahata
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your heart across to thoracic vertebra number one. Your thumb and forefingers need to form a circle. Your left-hand palm should rest on your left knee. Your right hand should be raised towards the center of your chest area with your palms hinging slightly towards your heart. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
5. Vishuddhi
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area at the bottom of your throat across to cervical vertebra number three. A circle needs to be formed with the help of your thumbs touching while your remaining fingers should be loosely cupped and crossed. Your hands should be raised in front of your solar plexus, and throat, or keep them resting on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
6. Ajna
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your third eye, starting above the area between your eyebrows across to cervical vertebra number one and surrounding your skull’s outside area. Then, form a heart shape by touching your thumbs at the tips along with your forefingers, pinky finger, and ring finger touching at the second phalanges. You then need to raise your middle fingers to do a crown formation. Your hands should be raised in front of your solar plexus, and third eye or keep them resting on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
7. Sahasrara
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your crown atop your head and three inches above the skull area. Clasp your hands while keeping your fingers crossed towards the inside and your left thumb beneath the right. Lift your ring fingers to form a crown. Raise your hands over the head area, in front of your solar plexus while resting them on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
What Science Say about Chakras
No scientific evidence supports the existence of chakras in the spiritual sense. However, some scientists have argued that they correspond to physical body parts, particularly in the nervous system. The nervous system consists of a person’s brain and spinal column, which contain nerves. These nerves branch off from the spine in bundles (plexuses) and connect to other areas of the body. The primary chakras, which are located down the spine, may correspond to the central nervous system. Their connection to specific aspects of health may relate to different nerve plexuses.
For example, a 2017 cadaver study identified that the root chakra might be related to the inferior hypogastric plexus, which sends signals to the reproductive organs and rectum, two of the functions this chakra is meant to influence. This may explain how the chakra system developed in the way it did, mirroring what scientists now know about the human body. However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation and experts need to conduct more scientific research.
Conditions that Can Be Treated Using Chakra Balancing
- Anxiety
- Blood Pressure
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Concentration (lack of)
- Creativity (lack of)
- Depression
- Energy (imbalanced)
- Energy (low)
- Fatigue (mental)
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Immunity (low)
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- ME (synonym for CFS)
- Migraine
- Muscle Tension
- Self-esteem
- Sleeplessness and Restlessness
- Stress Related Disorders
- Tiredness (mental)
How to Know If Your Chakras are Blocked
There are several ways you can know if you have any blocked chakras. The symptoms are both physical and mental.
Some of the physical symptoms include
- headache
- neck pain
- fatigue
- back pain
- digestive issues
- arthritis
- constipation
- colon problems
You can try chakra healing for beginners using some of the methods we’ll discuss later if you’re experiencing any physical pain.
Some of the emotional effects of blocked chakras are:
- feeling disconnected from others or from your body
- feeling stuck in negative thoughts
- low self-esteem
- finding it difficult to manifest your desires
- in extreme cases, it can lead to anxiety and depression as well
Benefits of a Chakra Balancing Massage
Chakra massages can restore balance in the energetic body, bringing all seven chakras into proper alignment so the energy can flow freely. However, chakra massages also have the same benefits as other massage styles, often combined with deep tissue massage and reflexology techniques. As a result, a chakra balancing massage will bring the following benefits:
1. Immune system boost – Massage increases blood flow throughout the body, stimulating the immune system and flushing out toxins.
2. Stress relief – Massages promote relaxation in many ways. As a self-care practice, a massage allows you to unwind and switch off, dedicating time to yourself. Moreover, the touch and scent used in the massage help relax the nervous system.
3. Muscle tension relief – The deep tissue massage techniques used in a chakra balancing massage can reduce muscular pain or tension. In addition, as blocked chakras can cause physical stress, the energy work of a massage alone can relieve pain. What’s more, as the spine and back muscles are focused on in this type of massage, it is particularly beneficial for back pain.
5. Improved overall well-being – In addition to the above, massages can help you sleep better, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve joint mobility and flexibility.
What to Expect from a Chakra Balancing Massage
Your chakra balancing session will start with a consultation where you can discuss any energetic blockages you feel you have. Your therapist may also take this time to engage your senses, such as smell and touch, as a way to identify possible imbalances.
During a chakra balancing massage, the therapist will typically work on seven physical locations of the body, targeting each of the seven chakras. They will use small circular strokes in a clockwise direction in each area corresponding to one of the primary energy centers.
Aveda Institute is one of the leading massage schools in the USA that offers training courses in chakra massages. The Aveda chakra balancing massage involves three stages:
1. Deep tissue massage – A specific and slow movement that targets the connective tissue and fascia around the back and spine, where 5 of the 7 chakras reside. Deep tissue work uses either a lengthening stroke (with the muscle fibers) or a broadening stroke (across the muscle fibers).
2. Foot Reflexology – This method focuses on the endocrine gland associated with each chakra by massaging the foot reflex points.
3. Energy work – This stage involves lightly touching each chakra with intentional thought. The massage therapist will also guide you through a visualization where you’ll be asked to repeat a meditative word for the specific chakra being worked on. For example, you may be asked to silently repeat the word “grounding” while the therapist works on the root chakra.
In addition to the above stages, your therapist may use specific essential oil blends and healing crystals to enhance the healing benefits further. At the end of your chakra balancing massage, you will likely feel calm, relaxed, and in a state of harmony, similar to other styles of massage and bodywork. Moreover, as the massage aims to release energetic blockages, you may experience an emotional release during or after the treatment. For example, you may feel a strong sense of compassion, love, and gratitude if the Anahata chakra was blocked before the session. However, depending on the state of your chakra system, it may take a few sessions until you start to notice the benefits.
Risks of a Chakra Balancing Massage
Chakra balancing massages are generally considered safe, but there are some risks to be aware of. These include:
1. Soreness or tenderness in the areas that were worked on.
2. Emotional release or feelings of vulnerability.
3. Possible interaction with medication or medical conditions.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before scheduling a chakra balancing massage if you have any medical conditions or concerns.
What to Look for in a Chakra Balancing Massage Therapist
When looking for a chakra balancing massage therapist, it is important to find someone who has specialized training in chakra work and is knowledgeable about the seven chakras. It is also important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and at ease during your session.
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The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.