How to talk to your chakras (really)
by Alison Feller, October 16, 2018
Photo: Getty Images/Elizabeth Fernandez
Scroll Instagram on any given Monday morning, and you're bound to be greeted by a hyper-enthusiastic host of #mondaymotivation. The entrepreneurs will remind you to "rise and grind," while the super committed fitness fiends will encourage you to "never miss a Monday."
But what if being bold, crushing it, and hustling hard are just a little much for you pre-sunrise? Consider balancing your chakras instead.
"Chakras are energy centers in the body that each have different attributes," explains Alicia Armitstead, DC, founder of Healing Arts NYC. Chakras were first described in ancient Vedic texts from India, and are closely associated with yogic practices—which is why you may have heard about them first from your vinyasa instructor. "And when your chakras are balanced, you can achieve health and happiness."
It's a lofty promise, sure, but before you write off chakras as being too woo-woo for your liking, take a look at the seven different chakras in the body, all of which come with potential benefits. (The word chakra, in Sanskrit, literally means "wheel of light," Dr. Armitstead says. But more simply, each chakra represents a different type of energy—and each is said to vibrate at a different frequency and give off a different color, starting at the pelvis and moving upward to the top of the head.)
"If the chakras aren't aligned or balanced, the energy can't flow through properly, and imbalances can show up as negative thoughts, emotions, or physical ailments." —Dr. Alicia Armitstead
The key, Dr. Armitstead says, isn't necessarily to just focus on one chakra, but rather to get them all aligned. "The chakra energy is thought of coming from whatever higher power you believe in," she says. "And each center of life force can either be balanced, overstimulated, or understimulated."
When your chakras aren't balanced, you may experience a variety of emotions. "So the next time you're upset in any way, that would be a good time to balance your chakras in order to feel better," Dr. Armitstead says. "If the chakras aren't aligned or balanced, the energy can't flow through properly, and imbalances can show up as negative thoughts, emotions, or physical ailments."
So how do you actually balance your chakras? Color therapy is one way, Dr. Armitstead says. "So if you want to balance the throat chakra, you wear more blue, light a blue candle, or wear a blue necklace," she explains. Different crystals, tuning forks, essential oils, exercises, or chants reputedly also help open up the chakras. But another way to balance chakras is by using affirmations. "Words are energy as well, so thinking a particular thought sends energy to chakras, which can block them, overstimulate them, or balance them," Armitstead says.
Read on for Dr. Armitstead's best advice on how to talk to your chakras via affirmations, to keep everything balanced and healthy.
Graphics: Well+Good Creative
1. Root chakra
Where you'll find it: At the base of the spine or groin
Signs that it's overactive: Heaviness, sluggishness, resistance to change, overeating, hoarding, material fixation, greediness, workaholic
Signs that it's underactive: Fear, anxiety, underweight, restlessness, difficulty manifesting
Signs that it's balanced: Groundedness, physical health, being comfortable in your body, a sense of safety and security, stability, prosperity, ability to be still
Affirmation: "I am safe."
2. Sacral chakra
Where you'll find it: Right below the belly button
Signs that it's overactive: Sexual addictions, obsessive attachments, excessive mood swings, excessively sensitive, poor boundaries
Signs that it's underactive: Rigidity in your body and behavior, emotional numbness or sensitivity, fear of change, lack of desire or passion, boredom
Signs that it's balanced: Graceful movements, ability to embrace change, emotional intelligence, creativity, ability to enjoy pleasure and passion
Affirmation: "I belong to the universal oneness, and I create with love."
3. Solar plexus chakra
Where you'll find it: Between your belly button and your solar plexus
Signs that it's overactive: Controlling, arrogant, ambitious, hyperactive, stubborn
Signs that it's underactive: Passivity, lack of energy, poor digestion, tendency to be cold, blaming, low self-esteem, poor self-discipline
Signs that it's balanced: Responsible, reliable, good self-discipline, confident, warm, energetic, playful
Affirmation: "I am powerful."
4. Heart chakra
Where you'll find it: At the chest
Signs that it's overactive: Codependency, focusing too much on others, poor boundaries, jealousy
Signs that it's underactive: Antisocial, withdrawn, critical, intolerant, lack of empathy, fear of intimacy
Signs that it's balanced: Caring, compassionate, empathetic, accepting, loving, peaceful, content
Affirmation: "I am loved."
5. Throat chakra
Where you'll find it: At the throat
Signs that it's overactive: Talking too much or inappropriately, gossiping, stuttering, excessive loudness
Signs that it's underactive: Difficulty putting things into words, fear of speaking, speaking with small or weak voice, secretiveness, excessive shyness
Signs that it's balanced: Resonant, full voice, clear communication, good listener, good sense of timing and rhythm
Affirmation: "I speak my truth."
6. Third eye chakra
Where you'll find it: Middle of the forehead
Signs that it's overactive: Hallucinations, delusions, obsessions, nightmares, intrusive memories, difficulty concentrating, excessive fantasizing
Signs that it's underactive: Lack of imagination, difficulty visualizing, insensitivity, excessive skepticism, denial, inability to see alternatives
Signs that it's balanced: Strong intuition, creative imagination, good memory, good dream recall, ability to visualize
Affirmation: "I am open to and trust the universe."
7. Crown chakra
Where you'll find it: Right over the head
Signs that it's overactive: Confusion, excessive attachments, over-intellectualization, living "in your head"
Signs that it's underactive: Spiritual cynicism, a closed mind, learning difficulties, rigid belief systems, apathy
Signs that it's balanced: Spiritual connection, wisdom and mastery, intelligence, presence, open-mindedness, ability to question
Affirmation: "I am connecting to spiritual consciousness." (Fifteen minutes or more of daily meditation will specifically help this chakra, Dr. Armitstead says.)