Energy is the root of all life. We know that everything, including our bodies is comprised of energy. When there is an obstruction in this life force, or a reduction in the power of its flow, we become out of balance, whether on the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level. Keeping our energy chakras flowing freely is therefore essential. Here are just a few ideas from my Charka evening workshops…

Muladhara - Root Chakra

Governed by the element of the earth, the muladhara grounds you in your body and gives you a feeling of safety. Located in the area between your genitals and your anus, it is strongly linked by kundalini to the Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) and between them, they govern the body's hormone system. A balanced muladhara makes you feel physically secure and confident to trust your instincts.

If it is blocked

You constantly worry about money or never feel satisfied with anything. It can also lead to self-destructive or addictive behaviour and illnesses such as lower back pain or sciatica.

How to balance it

Try sitting on the ground to meditate, so your root chakra is in direct contact with the earth energy, or massaging the centre of the arch of the foot. Gentle exercise, Tai Chi or Yoga is also a great way to stimulate this energy.

Svadhisthana -The Sacral Chakra

This is the most feminine of the seven chakras and is connected to fertility. Located between your navel and your genitals, it is all about sexual identity, and awareness. Governed by the moon, it also rules bodily fluids and reproductive organs.

If it is blocked

When in balance, the sacral chakra can give us profound sexual and emotional happiness. When out of balance, all sorts of problems can arise. It can make you obsessed with sex or give you a total disregard for your partner. You may see sex as a hedonistic act or you may be frigid or impotent.

How to balance it

Water is essential to the health of the sacral chakra so anything aquatic is beneficial. Drinking more water will improve both your overall health and your sacral chakra. Hydrotherapy can also bring balance, as can meditating by the sea, a river or a lake.

Manipura - The solar plexus chakra

Based in the navel area and ruled by the sun, this is an extremely complex chakra. Mentally, it rules rational thought, discernment and moral judgement. Physically it governs your digestive system, your spleen, liver and your back. People who are balanced in this area radiate warmth and intuition.

If it's blocked

It can make you ruthless, controlling or violent. At the other extreme, it can make you easily manipulated and in need of constant reassurance. Aliments resulting from imbalance include ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, liver and digestive problems.

How to balance it

One of the best ways to work on this chakra is to cleanse the digestive system and allow it to rest by fasting. The sun's energy is also vital so taking a walk or meditating in the sunshine is very balancing.

Anahata - The heart chakra

This chakra acts as the fundamental link between the physical chakras, the muladhara, svadhisthana and manipura - and the spiritual chakras above, vishuddha, ajna and sahasrara. It is associated with love, compassion and creativity and gives you the strength to follow your destiny.

If it's blocked

A balanced chakra gives you the confidence to fulfil your hopes and embrace the future. A blocked chakra can result in a lack of creativity. Physically it can result in a weakened immune system, stress related disorders and problems involving the lungs and respiratory system.

How to balance it

Yoga and mediation are fantastic for all chakra clearing, but massage is particularly good for your heart chakra, especially if you use related essential oils such as rose, jasmine and neroli.

Vishuddha - The throat chakra

The Sanskrit name for this chakra means purity and it is responsible for communication on a spiritual level as well as verbal communication. It is also related to vocation or true calling. A healthy chakra enhances self-expression and openness to the ideas of others.

If it's blocked

It can make you feel defensive and threatened by others who hold different views to yourself. Alternatively, you may never stop talking, but without ever really saying anything important. If you refuse to listen to other people's advice, you need to work on this chakra.

How to balance it

Use your voice by humming, singing or chanting, and feel the music vibrating in your throat. Read words that express powerful ideas about spirituality, culture, philosophy and the lives of others. Meditate with a soft blue light or crystals, such as lapis lazuli, blue quartz and turquoise.

Ajna - The brow chakra or Third Eye

Situated at the point of your 'third eye' in the centre of your forehead, this looks beyond ordinary vision and towards divine purpose and spiritual awareness. Associated with the brain, a balanced chakra brings about extraordinary clarity of thought.

If it's blocked

Because opening the brow chakra requires such a level of intense honesty, most people find it easier to close it down, but instead of leading to peace and freedom from worry, it can actually mean and end to perception and discernment.

How to balance it

Find a place of quiet solitude within nature and contemplate on the concept of 'natural beauty'. Practicing yoga or tai chi outdoors in a beautiful place can also help. Incense and fragrances that stimulate this chakra include rose and geranium. A spiritual retreat where you can experience peace and stillness can be hugely beneficial.

Sahasrara - The crown chakra

This sees life entirely from a spiritual perspective and represents knowing your true path and living your life accordingly. Some people describe the opening of the crown chakra as a surrender to the divine will or as being one with the universe.

If it's blocked

There is a refusal to engage or even believe in the spiritual and can lead to arrogance, materialism and the belief that there is no soul, just ego. If life deals out sudden changes, its adherents are often left unable to cope, as they lack any underlying meaning to their lives.

How to balance it

The two ways to develop the crown chakra are through meditation and visualisation.

If you would like to know more about our Chakra Workshops or join our weekly Spirituality Discussion Group then please send us an email: garriwiest@aol.com or telephone 01296 660231 or 07740 926998

For further details on Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage and other related areas, please visit:: www.kalyanatherapies.co.uk or call Bruni on 07989 674144