Chakras 101

 What is a chakra? A chakra (pronounced “cha”-“kra” with a resounding “ch”) is a center of energy. It is an important element in spiritual healing. 

Originating from Sanskrit, it literally means “wheel” by association with its function as a vortex of spinning energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body. Chakras are energy centers within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to to the immune system and emotions. 

We can commonly count 7 chakras positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, that is depicted through a specific chakra color, and governs specific functions that help make you, well, human. 

Wondering what healthy chakras feel like? The foundation to a healthy system consists of opening and balancing the chakras in order to create a sustainable, harmonious flow of energy. 

The number of chakras and their position varies considerably depending on which source you are consulting.

In conscientiology, a neoscience of consciousness, the model adopted includes 7 main chakras while acknowledging that the number of chakras can be in the order of tens of thousands when counting the secondary and peripheral ones.

The 7 main chakras:

1. Muladhara (root chakra)
2. Svadhishthana (or sacral chakra)
3. Manipura (or solar plexis chakra)
4. Anahata  (or heart  chakra)

               5.  Vishudda (or throat chakra)

               6.  Ajna (or third eye chakra)

               7.  Sahasrana (or crown chakra)

As healing occurs, the chakras are  better able to process energy and allow the flow of chi or prana which is life force energy.

 The healing skills used were developed by Dr. Barbara  Brennan, a former NASA physicist and creator of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, a 4 year healing school for healers. 

Find a place where you can lay down alone and undisturbed for a half-hour. Turn off your phone, close your eyes, and find a comfortable position. Take a few deep breaths in the beginning of the exercise. This can help to start the relaxation process. Stretching and a warm bath are also recommended if you need extra help to reach deeper relaxation.

If you are familiar with the closed circuit of energies and the vibrational state, spend at least five minutes working on it. Otherwise simply relax, try to get into a quiet frame of mind for about ten minutes.

When you feel that your body is relaxed, concentrate your attention on the Muladhara  chakra, or root chakra.  Envision yourself breathing through this chakra.  Take a deep breath in your nose and breathe out of your mouth while focusing on this energy center.  Continue this process of breathing through all of the chakras until you reach the Sahasrara or crown chakra.  

If you choose to continue to sit in meditation, focus on the Ajna chakra or third eye.  Close your eyes and look upward and inward,  Sit with yourself to see if insight comes.  

There are many ways of purifying chakras.  

Some people use breathing  techniques.  Some people do yoga.  Sound vibrations and chanting sacred mantras can be very effective in chakra cleansing.  Crystals that correlate with each of the main chakras can be used to stimulate chakra energy.  Energy healing can be used in conjunction with chiropractic work and acupuncture.

The Brennan Healing model helps a client to focus on a presenting issue for healing.  This presenting issue serves as a pathway in to the spiritual level for healing.  As the healing process unfolds, themes may be uncovered.  Energy healing facilitates a shift from the wounded self to the empowered self where the uniqueness of the person can be expressed and shared with the world.

A healing session consists of the client lying on a massage table fully clothed as energy is transferred to the client.

Do not worry too much if you don’t feel much or doubt your sensations.  Simply be open to the experience and allow yourself to deepen into the process of healing and connection with your inner self. 

After the healing, as you go about your day, you may feel tired or thirsty.  It is good to practice self care and to give yourself what you need.  You may experience spiritual insights that upwell from your core.  As this happens, blocks are lifted allowing the energy field to lighten and harmonize.  

Healing can occur individually and in groups  as in Family Constellation Healing.