Chakras are the energy centres of our bodies through which our life force energy flows. In this article, we will explore the correct chakra order and their relevance in this article.
Introduction
The history of Chakras Order can be traced back to ancient India, where they were first mentioned in the Vedas, a collection of Hindu scriptures. It is believed that the chakras were first conceptualized as energy centres in the human body that influence our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The concept of Chakras was further developed in the Tantric and Yoga traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, the chakras are seen as pathways for energy to flow through the body. They are also believed to be responsible for our ability to connect with and use our spiritual power.
The Chakras have been used in Eastern healing practices for centuries and are now gaining popularity in the West. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the chakras may be real energy centres in the body. And many people have reported positive changes in their lives after working with their chakras.
However, there is still much confusion about how they should be viewed by traditional yogis who practice self-realization rather than just using them for physical healing.
The traditional yogic perspective focuses on self-realization or spiritual growth. In this tradition, the chakras are seen as gateways to higher levels of consciousness. By balancing the chakras, we can open ourselves to greater awareness and understanding. This process requires a radical shift in one’s mindset; it usually occurs only after years of meditating or contemplating Vedanta’s wisdom.
Whether you are seeking spiritual growth or wish to use this ancient knowledge for healing, it’s best to approach it with the right understanding as it was taught in the beginning; hence the order and process of healing, balancing, and ultimately opening the chakras for spiritual growth is of great relevance. Let’s explore its importance further in detail.
The Seven Chakras & its Order
The Seven Chakras or the energy centres are associated with different body areas and govern other functions. They are named in the following order beginning from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, bottom-up:
- The Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The first chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated with survival.
- The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The second chakra, located just below the navel, is associated with creativity and sexuality.
- The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The third chakra, located in the solar plexus area, is associated with power and will.
- The Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The fourth chakra, located in the heart, is associated with love and compassion.
- The Throat Chakra (Visuddha)
The fifth chakra, located in the throat area, is associated with communication.
- The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The sixth chakra, located between the eyebrows, is associated with intuition and insight.
- The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The seventh chakra, located at the crown of the head, is associated with spirituality and connection to the Divine.
Importance of Chakras for Working in the Correct Order
The Vedantic tradition teaches that there is a direct correlation between the chakras and the body’s subtle energy system. According to this tradition, imbalances in the chakras can lead to imbalances in the subtle energy system, manifesting as physical or emotional problems.
The practice of chakra balancing/healing is said to help us achieve a state of harmony and well-being. In this state, we can tap into our full potential and live our lives to the fullest.
As you begin to work on your chakras, it is important to do so in the correct order. Starting with the lowest chakra and working upwards to the highest will allow you to gradually adjust to the increased energy flow. Working on the chakras in the wrong order can result in an overwhelming feeling of energy, which can be difficult to handle. It can also show up as neglecting material aspects of life and focusing too much on etheric matters or vice versa.
Following the correct order also helps you prevent Spiritual Bypassing. We will pick up on this concept later in the article.
Takeaway
Working on your chakras in the correct order allows you to focus on each chakra and ensure that it is open and balanced. This can help you to identify any areas that may need additional attention. Concentrating on one chakra at a time can also help to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the process.
Working on Chakras in the correct order prevents Spiritual Bypassing
One of the most popular new-age trends is chakra opening or balancing. People are attracted to this for different reasons. This involves using various techniques to open the energy centres in the body located along the spine. Often, people who are interested in this are subconsciously practicing spiritual bypassing.
Spiritual bypassing is a term that psychologist John Welwood coined in 1984. It involves using spiritual rationalizations to avoid complicated emotional and psychological/fundamental development problems without clear-cut solutions! It refers to some people’s tendency to use spirituality to avoid dealing with their issues and problems, often resulting in imbalances in lower chakras.
Certain chakra-balancing practices can be used as a form of spiritual bypassing. For example, someone who avoids dealing with their issues may use some practice to feel better without addressing their problems’ roots.
There is nothing wrong with using any practice or technique to feel better temporarily. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of spiritual bypassing. You may be avoiding your personal growth and development if you are not careful.
Following the correct order and knowledge of chakra balancing, healing, and opening as prescribed in the ancient Vedanta teachings allows the practitioner to become aware of the thoughts and emotions blocking the flow of energy in each chakra. Hence, visiting and revisiting important aspects of each dimension of our human design in an orderly manner.
Takeaway
It is crucial to open/balance the chakra through ancient Vedantic prescribed order and methods to avoid spiritual bypassing. Spiritual bypassing is a term coined by psychologist John Welwood in 1984, which refers to “the tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices as a way of evading personal, emotional ‘uncomfortable’ issues, addictions, and responsibilities.”
How to Address Imbalances of Each Chakra Order
When one or more of our chakras becomes imbalanced, it can lead to physical, emotional, and even mental health problems. To maintain balance within our chakras, we must first understand what each one represents and how to address imbalances.
1. The Root chakra
Located at the base of the spine, is associated with safety, security, and grounding. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel anxious, stressed, or disconnected from our bodies. To address an imbalance in the root chakra:
- Meditate: On feelings of safety and security.
- Practice Asanas: To ground our bodies. (e.g., Mountain Pose or Tree pose)
- Eat: Grounding foods such as root vegetables.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Lam’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
2. The Sacral chakra
Located just below the navel, pleasure, creativity, and fertility are associated. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel creatively blocked, sexually frustrated, or emotionally repressed. To address an imbalance in the sacral chakra:
- Meditate: On feelings of joy and creativity.
- Practice Asanas: To release tension from the body. (e.g., Warrior III or Camel Pose)
- Eat: Lush foods such as fruits and spices.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Vam’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra
Located in the stomach area, is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel powerless, unworthy, or insecure. To address an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra:
- Meditate: On feelings of personal power and self-confidence.
- Practice Asanas: To build vitality in the body. (e.g., Half Camel Pose or Seated Twist)
- Eat: Power foods that are loaded with protein.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Ram’ (for 40 days 11 – 31 minutes)
4. The Heart Chakra
located in the centre of the chest, is associated with love, compassion, and forgiveness. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel unloved, resentful, or angry. To address an imbalance in the heart chakra:
- Meditate: On feelings of love and compassion.
- Practice Asanas: To open our chest area. (e.g., Cow Face Pose or Bridge Pose)
- Eat: Leafy greens and berries.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Yam’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
5. The Throat Chakra
Located in the throat area, is associated with communication, self-expression, and truth. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel like we can’t express ourselves, we’re being lied to, or we’re holding back our true opinions. To address an imbalance in the throat chakra:
- Meditate: On communication and self-expression.
- Practice Asanas: To release tension from the neck and shoulders. (e.g., Cat-Cow pose or Downward Dog)
- Eat: Foods that are calming for the throat, such as herbs and teas.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Ham’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
6. The Third Eye Chakra
Located between the eyebrows, is associated with intuition, imagination, and wisdom. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel like we’re not seeing the whole picture, being deceived, or not using our full potential. To address an imbalance in the third eye chakra:
- Meditate: On feelings of intuition and imagination.
- Practice Asanas: To stimulate the third eye. (e.g., Headstand or Child Pose)
- Eat: Foods good for the brain, such as Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Aum’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
7. The Crown Chakra
Located at the top of the head, is associated with spirituality, connection to the divine, and enlightenment. When this chakra is imbalanced, we may feel disconnected from our higher selves, lost or confused. To address an imbalance in the crown chakra:
- Meditate: On connection to the Divine.
- Practice Asanas: To surrender the body. (e.g., Corpse Pose)
- Eat: Foods good for the mind, such as dark leafy greens.
- Chant the seed mantra: ‘Aum’ (for 40 days, 11 – 31 minutes)
Takeaway
By understanding the role of each chakra and how to keep them balanced and in sync, we can maintain our physical, mental, and emotional health. When our chakras are balanced, we feel centered, connected, and wholesome.
The Bottomline
Balancing or opening your chakras is lifelong, but it can bring great rewards. When you can achieve a state of balance, you will find that your physical, emotional, and mental health improves. You will also find that you can better connect with your spiritual side. To improve your overall health and well-being, consider learning more about chakras and the correct way to practice their balancing, healing, and opening.
It is an ancient and effective method that sages and saints have used for centuries to attain higher states of consciousness. We highly recommend learning it through authentic traditional methods. You can also access our detailed course on ‘Understanding Chakras’ to learn, connect and understand balancing and healing practices in much more detail.
