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How to Meditate
Meditation is something everyone can do. Practicing can help improve your health and wellbeing.
Explore MeditationChakra Meditation
Chakra meditation focuses on the activation and re-alignment of the chakras — the energy centers in the body. When these are balanced, we can achieve a greater sense of energy and inner peace. If you feel you’re in a constant state of stress, seek spiritual growth, or simply wish to enhance your overall well-being, guided chakra meditations can set you on the right path.
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What is chakra meditation?
This article was written by Julie Skon.
Chakra meditation is a spiritual practice that focuses on balancing and aligning the seven main energy centers, or chakras, in the body. The chakras are believed to be spinning wheels of energy that correspond to specific body areas and influence various aspects of our well-being.
The origin of chakra meditation dates back thousands of years. The first recorded account of chakras is from around 1500 BCE in Indian yogic texts. Hinduism and Buddhism later used chakras as a map of the subtle body, representing the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human existence.
Today, many people find that regularly practicing chakra meditation helps them feel more grounded, centered, and connected to their inner selves and the world around them (some even say it fosters a greater connection with God). Chakra meditation techniques commonly involve visualization, chanting, and the use of specific colors and symbols associated with each energy center.
Julie Skon, a renowned Insight Timer meditation teacher, explains that “Chakra meditation offers a range of benefits from energetic release and alignment, to stress-reduction and nervous system relaxation.” These techniques can be practiced on their own or incorporated into other spiritual and wellness practices, such as yoga, reiki, or energy healing.
If you’re interested in learning more about chakra meditation, Insight Timer’s chakra meditation app offers thousands of tracks to choose from. Explore one of our free guided chakra meditation sessions below.
Chakra system
The word “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “disk.” These areas in the body represent energy centers, and when imbalances occur, physical, emotional, or spiritual issues may arise. As Julie Skon notes, “Each of the chakras have specific meaning and purpose physically, mentally, and emotionally. Because the energy of chakras can become blocked or out of alignment, learning to balance each chakra through meditation has layers of benefits.”
Explore Julie’s course, Ignite Your Wild Through Chakra Balancing and Alignment, to deepen your understanding and practice of chakra meditation.
While the chakra system isn’t scientifically recognized, the seven chakras are taught to be located from the base of your spine to the top of your head. These seven chakras include:
Root chakra
The root chakra, or muladhara, is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the color red and feelings of safety, security, and grounding. It is the foundation of energy, the entry point of earth energy, and is essential for feeling grounded, rooted, and connected to your body and the world around you. This chakra is believed to be connected to the adrenal glands, reproductive organs, and the skeletal system, particularly the legs and feet.
When the root chakra is imbalanced, we are likely to experience:
- fear
- anxiety
- insecurity
- disconnectedness from our bodies
- lower back pain
- digestive problems
- immune system disorders
As Julie Skon explains, “When your root chakra is out of balance, you may feel an overall disconnection within your body and a distrust with the decisions that you make as fears arise when we do not feel solid within ourselves.” Balancing the root chakra allows you to feel a sense of safety and security within your body, building a foundation within yourself for energy to flow to and from.
Sacral chakra
The sacral chakra, or svadhishthana, is located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel. It is associated with the color orange and creativity, sexuality, and emotional balance. It’s believed to be connected to the reproductive organs, kidneys, and bladder.
When the sacral chakra is out of alignment, we may experience emotional instability, creative blocks, sexual dysfunction, or reproductive issues. This misalignment may also present as physical problems like lower back pain, urinary tract infections, or menstrual disorders.
Solar plexus chakra
The manipura, or solar plexus chakra, is symbolized by a bright yellow color. Located in the upper abdomen, it is the center of personal power, self-control, self-confidence, and self-worth.
When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, individuals feel confident, motivated, and able to navigate life's challenges with ease. However, when blockages or imbalances occur in the solar plexus chakra, they can manifest as:
- a lack of self-esteem
- difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- a tendency to be overly critical
On top of this, physical issues may include stomach ulcers or indigestion.
Heart chakra
The heart chakra (known as anahata in Sanskrit) is the fourth chakra in the system, located in the center of the chest. This chakra is associated with the color green and is linked to love, compassion, empathy, and emotional balance.
A balanced and open heart chakra leads to a deep sense of connection with others, the ability to give and receive love freely, and a feeling of inner peace and joy. As Julie Skon explains, “The opening and alignment of your heart chakra allows you to feel pure love within and around you. You hold compassion for yourself and others, and forgiveness leads to healing.”
On the other hand, when this chakra becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, emotional pain, a fear of intimacy, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Physically, heart chakra imbalances may manifest as chest pain, high blood pressure, or respiratory issues.
Throat chakra
The fifth chakra, known as the throat chakra or vishuddha, is symbolized by the color blue and situated at the base of the throat. This energy center governs communication, self-expression, and the ability to speak one's truth.
When this chakra is functioning optimally, individuals find it easy to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and authentically. They also feel a strong sense of purpose and creativity.
However, when this chakra becomes blocked, it can manifest as a fear of speaking up, difficulty expressing oneself, or a tendency to engage in gossip or negative self-talk. Physical symptoms of a blocked throat chakra may further include sore throats, neck or jaw pain, blocked sinuses, tooth pain, or thyroid issues.
Third eye chakra
The third eye chakra, or ajna, is the sixth chakra and is located between the eyebrows. This indigo-colored energy center is the center of your intuition, where you “see” both internally and perceive the world around you. It is associated with intuition, wisdom, imagination, and spiritual insight. This chakra beholds your perception and a deep inner knowing that is utilized for guidance.
When the third eye chakra is balanced and open, individuals may experience heightened perception, strong intuition, a greater imagination, and a deep sense of connection to their spiritual side. According to Julie Skon, “When your third eye chakra is open, you have an internal guiding literally steering you in the right direction. You trust your instincts, and you follow them.” In contrast, blockages of this chakra can lead to feelings of confusion, indecision, and a lack of direction in life. It may also manifest as:
- difficulty concentrating
- headaches
- sleep issues
- vision problems
Those with an imbalanced third eye chakra may also struggle to trust their intuition or feel disconnected from their spirituality.
Crown chakra
The crown chakra, or sahasrara, is the seventh and highest chakra in the system, located at the top of the head. This chakra is associated with the color violet or white and represents our connection to higher consciousness, spirituality, and enlightenment.
When the crown chakra is balanced and open, individuals may experience a profound sense of unity with the universe, a deep understanding of their life's purpose, and a feeling of pure bliss.
On the other hand, when the crown chakra is imbalanced, we may feel disconnected, lonely, and lacking purpose. We may also struggle with existential questions, feel apathetic and cynical, or have difficulty finding meaning in life. Physical symptoms of a blocked crown chakra may include chronic fatigue or issues with the central nervous system.
Best chakra meditation techniques
If you’re curious about chakra healing meditation to balance your chakras, whether for beginners or advanced practitioners, the techniques below can help you along your journey.
Insight Timer has over 200,000 tracks, with over 80 tracks added each day. Explore more of these chakra balancing tracks below.
Visualization meditation
In chakra meditation, visualization techniques are often used to focus on each energy center. It’s common to picture them as spinning wheels of light in their respective colors, helping to balance and align the chakras.
Color visualization
Depending on the chakra you’re targeting, you may visualize a specific color and focus on that color throughout your meditation. This can help clear the chakra and guide you toward a higher state of being.
Symbol visualization
This technique involves focusing on specific symbols associated with each chakra, such as a lotus flower or a yantra, to help activate and balance the energy centers.
Mantra chanting meditation
Mantra chanting meditation often uses specific Sanskrit mantras or single syllables (also called seed mantras) associated with each chakra.
Root chakra mantra
For this chakra, “LAM” is the seed mantra chanted to promote a sense of grounding, stability, and connection to the physical world.
Sacral chakra mantra
“VAM” is the seed mantra used to stimulate the sacral chakra — enhancing creativity, emotional balance, and sensuality.
Solar plexus chakra mantra
With this chakra, “RAM” guides you toward improved self-confidence, personal power, and motivation.
Heart chakra mantra
The seed mantra for the heart chakra is “YAM,” which is linked to increased compassion, emotional healing, and love.
Throat chakra mantra
The throat chakra uses the “HAM” mantra to foster better self-expression, truth, and authenticity.
Third eye chakra mantra
“OM” or “SHAM” are mantras used to activate this popular chakra for enlightenment and spiritual growth.
Crown chakra mantra
“OM” or silence is associated with the crown chakra, promoting a connection to higher consciousness, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment.
Breath awareness meditation
Chakra meditation may incorporate deep breaths, alternate nostril breathing, and more breathing exercises. These help you let go of negative energy and set the stage for chakra-balancing chants and other techniques.
Energy focus meditation
Energy focus meditation is a technique that concentrates on the flow of energy through each chakra. In other words, it involves directing attention to each energy center, one at a time, to promote balance and alignment throughout the chakra system.
This technique uses specific frequencies, tones, and sounds associated with each chakra alongside chakra meditation or other energy-healing practices.
Benefits of chakra meditation
Stress reduction
Chakra balancing meditation offers a relaxing and calming practice that allows us to turn inwards and activate our rest-and-digest system. Studies confirm this dampens the fight-or-flight response, decreasing stress and helping us find deep rest and peace.
Emotional regulation
Chakra meditation can help with emotional regulation by promoting greater self-awareness, allowing individuals to identify and release stagnant emotional energy and stress. It also helps cultivate a sense of harmony within the body.
Spiritual growth
Individuals who practice chakra meditation find connecting with their inner selves easier. This practice fosters a deeper understanding of their life's purpose and promotes a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the universe.
Physical healing
Chakra meditation may promote relaxation, reduce stress, and encourage the flow of vital life force energy throughout the body. In turn, this can improve physical health and wellness.
Mental clarity
By working to balance and align the chakras, particularly the third eye chakra, individuals may experience greater mental acuity, enhanced decision-making abilities, and a clearer sense of purpose.
Resources and tools for chakra meditation
Insight Timer’s free meditation app
Looking to start or enhance your chakra meditation practice? The Insight Timer app offers a free, extensive library of guided meditations, including many focused on balancing and aligning your chakras for improved well-being.
Online resources and communities
Connecting with online meditation communities, like those on Insight Timer, can provide valuable support and tips to enhance your chakra meditation practice and support your overall wellness journey.
Premium chakra courses
Premium courses are available on Insight Timer for those seeking in-depth guidance on chakra meditation. These offer structured training to help accelerate your path to personal growth.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about chakra meditation
References
Running, A., Hildreth, L., & John-Henderson, N. (2022). Bioenergy for Stress Relief in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of community health nursing, 39(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/07370016.2022.2028061
Van't Westeinde, A., & Patel, K. D. (2022). Heartfulness Meditation: A Yogic and Neuroscientific Perspective. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 806131. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.806131
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