The Seven Chakras
“Chakra” is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, and is associated with energy centers in the body. Anodea Judith, a chakra expert, defines chakras as “centers of organization for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life force energy.” Being in touch with these centers can help us target specific areas that need improvement or attention. There are seven chakras within the body, each associated with a different element, color, and centers on its own emotional and experiential process. The first chakra, Muladhara, for example, is associated with feelings of groundedness and sense of belonging. Being aware of the energy associations of each chakra is important because when we are struggling with certain emotions, this may be a sign that one or more of our chakras need our support.
In taking a look at each element and checking in with your body you may notice certain chakras need attention. Rebalancing a chakra means we need more of its element and energy. If you notice your Muladhara is suffering, this means you need more earth and to find groundedness. Earthy essential oils like Patchouli and Cypress will offer grounding, as will the suggested yoga pose; tree pose, because this movement centers and grounds the body. Below you’ll find information on each chakra- its associated element, color, and energies, as well as suggested essential oils and yoga poses that may be utilized to find balance.
Muladhara ~ Root Chakra
Element: Earth
Color: Red
Essential Oil: Patchouli, Cypress
Yoga Pose: Tree Pose
Energy Associations: Groundedness, Confidence, Sense of Belonging
Svadhisthana ~ Sacral Chakra
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Essential Oil: Neroli, Ylang-ylang
Yoga Pose: Goddess Pose
Energy Associations: Creativity, Positivity, Fluidity
Manipura ~ Naval Chakra
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Essential Oil: Pine, Ginger
Yoga Pose: Boat Pose
Energy Associations: Power, Productivity, Courage
Anahata ~ Heart Chakra
Element: Air
Color: Green
Essential Oil: Rose, Jasmine
Yoga Pose: Camel Pose
Energy Associations: Compassion, Acceptance, Love
Vishuddha ~ Throat Chakra
Element: Ether
Color: Blue
Essential Oil: Lavender, Chamomile
Yoga Pose: Supported Shoulderstand
Energy Associations: Communication, Personal Truths, Openness
Anja ~ Third-Eye Chakra
Element: Light
Color: Indigo
Essential Oil: Sandalwood, Rosemary
Yoga Pose: Easy Pose
Energy Associations: Trust, Perspective, Wisdom
Sahasrara ~ Crown Chakra
Element: Cosmic Energy
Color: Violet or White
Essential Oil: Lime, Frankincense
Yoga Pose: Corpse Pose
Energy Associations: Spirituality, Freedom, Connectivity
Inspired and want to learn more? Sanctuary Yoga & Mindfulness is excited to present our Chakra Playshop, a workshop that dives deep into chakra education. In this workshop, we will discover ways to understand these energy centers and explore how to bring them into harmony and balance. We will use this powerful lens of western psychology to understand and integrate eastern practices, experience the chakras concretely in both profound and playful ways, and learn about and experience how essential oils can assist with balancing the chakras. This workshop will take place Saturday December 1st from 2-5pm. To enroll, please visit our “Workshops” tab.
SANCTUARY YOGA & MINDFULNESS
Sanctuary Yoga & Mindfulness is a healing haven in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Our premier yoga studio offers weekly yoga & mindfulness meditation classes, as well as workshops and teacher trainings of the highest caliber. “Sanctuary Signature” yoga classes all place an emphasis on: excellence in alignment; thoughtful sequencing; inspiring & uplifting verbiage to support your body, mind and heart, allowing you to feel enhanced on every level. Each yoga class and yoga practice offered also contains 3-5 minutes of mindfulness meditation at its conclusion to further punctuate your profound experience during your time with us.
Our expert and exceptional teachers are highly trained, warm, and knowledgeable in areas of therapeutics, bio-mechanics, philosophy, meditation and so much more! All our classes are highly curated with an excellence in sequencing and intelligent alignment for the body; artful language for the mind; and inspiration for the heart. Come experience our amazing teaching tribe for yourself!