Chakras and Mental Health

 

According to Yoga tradition, our energy flows through the subtle body, which is an aspect for ourselves that is invisible to the naked eye. It is sometimes called the energy body. The subtle body has seven major points called Chakras, which are believed to be energy vortices. When energy in a chakra is blocked, it causes imbalances in the body, mind, or emotions. These imbalances can show up as physical symptoms like poor digestion or psychological symptoms like worry or lethargy.

Understanding the distinctions between different psychological and therapeutic points of view becomes increasingly clear as one learns more about these centers and their characteristics.

According to some Eastern traditions, the seven energy centers known as Chakras are connected to both physical and emotional well-being.

Nevertheless, little is known about chakras and how they may contribute to the onset or treatment of anxiety.

In this work, the psychological components of each chakra are examined along with the outcomes of the synthesis or integration at each chakra.

What are Chakras?

Chakras are wheel-like energy centers in the body that influence emotional and psychological process, according to spiritual traditions in Buddhism and Hinduism. Chakra function is also assumed to be influenced by ideas, emotions and lifestyle decisions.

They are frequently compared to spinning wheels or vortices of energy centers that run the length of the spine, from the base to the top of the head. Although our body include more than 114 chakras, it is generally accepted that there are seven main chakras, each of which is connected to a certain psychological, emotional, and physical facet of human life, they are also known as the seven psychic centers or energy centers which impacts every person's mental health.

The connection between chakras and mental health:

Each chakra has a distinct effect on our mental health in terms of color, emotions, psychology, and physicality. Our stability and mental health worsen as the chakras go out of balance.

The Base: where instincts are found, our daily decisions are influenced by our thoughts, which in turn impact our general well-being. Also known as Muladhara, colored in red and situated at the base of the spine. Red is an energizing hue that awakens our physical life force and is warm, lively, and energizing. Our inner passions are sparked by red, and too much of it can aggravate and overstimulate.

When a person's basic needs are difficult to meet, their mental health will suffer. This is how the base chakra effects a person's mental health.

In addition, a person's mental qualities and inner stability are likewise linked to the base chakra, and when these are absent, their mental health will deteriorate once more. The expression of consciousness in its most physical form, the base chakra, is the one upon which all other chakras are based. Its main focus is on our fight-or-flight reflexes, which helps us survive. It is believed that mental health issues, like emotions of depletion, hopelessness, undergroundedness, anxiety and loneliness are brought out by blocked base chakra. Our capacity to feel grounded gives us clarity and helps us deal with stress in an efficient manner. Based Chakra imbalances can cause restlessness, erratic emotions, addictive habits, and a loss of interest in the "real world".

The orange sacral chakra: which affects our mental states, sensitivity, and femininity, also known as Svadisthana, is situated in the lower belly. Orange helps lessen depression  since it's a hue associated with wisdom and joy. This chakra's effects include promoting renewal and desire. When out of balance, a person suppresses their basic wants and feel uncertain, unstable, and unable to communicate their emotions.

Change, mobility, pleasure, emotions, creativity, self-assurance, and sexuality are all connected to this chakra. Unbalanced or obstructed results in reliance and a lack of enjoyment in life, both of which contribute to poor mental health.

Emotions originate in the unconscious mind and are the progression of consciousness through the body. They are our response to pleasure and pain and are also impacted by the Sacral Chakra.

The yellow Solar Plexus: is situated at the naval, also known as Manipurna. It influences our male traits and attributes. Yellow combats depression by boosting mental abilities and reviving a passion for life. This energy can cause anxiety and overthinking when it is present in excess. The union of being and feeling is found in this chakra. When someone is out of sync, they have a strong need for material stability, a wish to dominate, and a lack of faith in the natural flow.

Power, will, transformation, action, purpose, and self-worth are all connected to this chakra. Joy, laughter, and inner serenity are all experienced by the person when they are in balance. This chakra's state can vary from passive and inert to dynamic and active. It's through our free will to develop healthful habits that may improve or worsen mental health. Additionally, it is our will that makes it possible for us to overcome obstacles and achieve levels of well-being.

Our mental health is impacted by the way our intelligence molds our will, leads our actions, and creates intentions.

Imbalanced power leads to feelings of withdrawal, lack of power, and mental health issues. Depleted enthusiasm can lead to substance abuse and dependence. The struggle of power causes significance illness like warfare, political conflict, and environment crisis, resulting in social isolation and mental health issues.

The chakra system's center; The Heart Chakra which transforms our energy into emotions. Also known as Anahata, its color is green at the center of the chest, associated with love, balance, relationship, unity, and healing, affecting our ability to love, feel loved, and be compassionate towards others.

It's our spiritual center and core, this chakra brings the physical and spiritual realms together and gives each person their wholeness.

When needs are satisfied and a sympathetic bond is formed, a profound sense of inner harmony and tranquility is felt.

Since breath and air are connected to this chakra, mental transformation happens through breath. Good mental health depends on freedom and change, which are possibly made by this chakra's love. Our mental health is impacted by love and our relationships, and vice versa. Our mental health is wonderful when we have healthy connections; when they are out of balance, we feel attached and envious. The heart's chakra serves as the link between the bodies and minds: Mind & Body connection

These sentiments and emotions of heart's chakra are converted into artistic and physical manifestations at the Throat Chakra: The main concerns of this chakra are honesty, communication and truth. When in peak condition, the throat chakra allows for clairaudience, or hearing voices, and telepathic contact. This clairaudience skill could be associated with mental illness like Schizophrenia.

Our sense of knowing develops at the Third Eye Chakra, also known as Ajna, which is situated between the brows. Its color is indigo and it's a color that balances the brain's hemispheres and the connections between them, which has both spiritual and physical properties.

Deeper level of consciousness can be attained during meditation by using the color indigo. Obsessions can also be eliminated using this method.

Going beyond the mind and into the domains of knowledge and vision, the third eye is linked to psychic vision. An individual's hormonal balance and The third eye chakra are closely related, and this relationship is very important.

The third eye chakra is the hub of dreams, inner visions and spiritual lives; it also controls spiritual guidance and wisdom. Clear mental health is evident when we have the capacity for clear vision, inner knowledge, intuitive thoughts and sentiments that lead to constructive and life-improving activities, and enhanced cognitive capacities.

We integrate all the chakras for a comprehensive feeling of purpose at the Crown Chakra; also known as Sahasarara, it has the white hue that sits atop the skull. White symbolizes purification and cleanliness as well as physical and spiritual healing. A surplus of white might complicate old problems and cause depression. The crown chakra represents the harmony of our yin and yang, or masculine and feminine energies, as well as our capacity to experience blissful transcendental consciousness, super consciousness, and other states that are beyond the realm of human language.

By connecting to the person's higher self, their actual life purpose, and their relationship to the divine, the crown chakra has a direct impact on their mental health. People with mental illness frequently suffer a sense of meaninglessness and a lack of a genuine purpose when their crown chakra is out of balance.

This chakra may be the most significant in affecting mental health and wellness since it is physically connected to the brain, which is the hub of mental health.

Additionally, chakras have varying impacts on each individuals and govern various bodily areas. There are planets, principals, elements, and zodiacs that corresponds to each chakra.

The chakra system has been the subject of numerous investigations, and over 30,000 years of information have been accumulated about the chakras. Though they were embraced by other spiritual systems and adherents, the chakras' beliefs originated in India and are a component of the Hindu religious belief system.

Tips to heal your Chakras:

For the energy to move through the body and mind in a healthy manner, each chakra must be open and functioning. Every chakra affects a person's mental health, affecting everything from hormones to the brain.

In order to know whether your chakra is balanced or no, you have to answer these questions below:

• Base Chakra:

Are you afraid? Are you concerned about your money? Do you have a sense of disconnection from your body? are you underweight or overweight? Do you feel like a burden? Are you a mess?

• Sacral Chakra:

Are you feeling bad? Do you feel like you're not being creative? Are you a life without passion? Are you hesitant to commit to anything? Do you suppress your ego to sex? Is sex viewed negatively by you? Are you clinging to the past?

• Solar Plexus Chakra:

Do you lack confidence in yourself? Do you lack energy? Are you poor in determination and willpower? Are you not trustworthy? Do you frequently become angry or are you stubborn? Do you have intestinal problems? 

• Heart Chakra:

 Are you down? Do you hate people? Are you grieving? Have you got troubles in breathing? Do you have lung or heart problems? Do you put the need of others before your own? Do you fear love?

• Throat Chakra:

   Can you articulate how you really feel? Are you deceiving? Do you regularly have sore throats? Do you have trouble in listening to other people? Are you afraid to speak up? Do you talk too much?

• Third eye Chakra:

Do you forget things easily? Do you frequently get lost? Are you visually impaired? Do you frequently have headaches? Are you disconnected from reality? Do you find it difficult to focus? Do you get nightmares? 

• Crown Chakra:

Do you think your life has no meaning? Do you fear losing your life? Do you sense loneliness? Do you find silence or stillness difficult? Do you find it difficult to search within for solutions? 

Now after answering, it's time for healing:

Chakra grounding is the first and the most crucial step in rebalancing your chakras. Simply focusing on the here and now while lowering any worry or anxiousness is known as grounding.

 Sound healing:

It makes sense that the first chakra, which is all about protection, safety and survival, is most soothed by natural noises and calming music. 

Returning your first chakra to equilibrium can be facilitated by listening to the sounds of birds chirping or waves crashing. 

Try listening to a guided meditation that emphasizes peaceful sounds and nature if you don't have easy access to these natural noises. Try playing calming music in the background as you go about your day if you're not a fan of guided meditations. Attempt to rebalance your Sacral chakra might be aided by listening to music with a lot of bass.

Candle healing:

You will require either an orange or red candle for this chakra healing method. Red is connected with the Root chakra, and orange with the Sacral chakra. 

Sit with your eyes closed and light the candle to start. Breathe in and out while concentrating on the candle's frame and attempting to picture the chakra you're working with. 

If you are working with the Root chakra, concentrate on establishing stability, security, and safety.

 Explore feelings of creativity, nurturing, and sexuality if you're working with the Sacral chakra.

You should extinguish the candle when you're done with this meditation.

Nature walk:

Nature walk is the ideal chakra healing method if you're trying to restore balance to your third chakra. Make sure to take in as much of a beauty that surrounds you as you can. Make effort to pay attention to things like the air's scent and the chirping of the birds.

This will enable you to the here and now and assist you on letting go of any tension or worry you may be experiencing.

To conclude, the chakra system produces optimal mental and physical health by creating optimal health. A person should be pursuing a level of transcendence that frees them from illness and allows them to experience delightful states of freedom in order to maintain overall health and well-being.

According to some theories, the ego creates limiting beliefs and attachments for the sake of selfhood.

Final words

Chakra's effects on our mental health is an intriguing topic that never fails to captivate and motivate those who are interested in holistic well-being. The chakras and mental state are intertwined, which emphasizes how vital it is to maintain and balance these energy centers in our body. 

Through recognizing and resolving the imbalances in our chakras or energy centers, we can start a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and improved mental health that will change our lives.

Regardless of whether one views the idea of chakra from a psychological or spiritual standpoint, it is impossible to deny their impact on our mental states, which makes them a crucial instrument for our personal development and self care.

All love and support