Chakra Balancing and Indian Head Massage
Following on from my last post about Indian head massage, I thought it would be helpful to explain the chakra system that underpins it. Spot the similarities to the theory behind shiatsu!
Introduction to chakras
According to many ancient faiths, including Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, there are non-physical energy channels in the body. See my post about shiatsu for more on this. In Hinduism, chakras are at the points where energy channels meet. ‘Chakra’ is Sanskrit for ‘wheel’ and describes the spinning energy at these nodes. There are many chakras in the non-physical body, but seven main ones: base (or root), sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, brow (third eye) and crown. Indian head massage covers the last three, which are known as the higher chakras and working on these can be particularly effective.
Anything that evokes an emotional response from us affects the non-physical energy channels, which in turn has an effect on the physical body. Each of the seven chakras is believed to influence an endocrine gland and a specific part of the body (see below).
In health, the energy is in balance, but stress can cause negative energy to block chakras, which leads to physical and psychological symptoms. Indian head massage can incorporate chakra balancing and so promote health and well being.
The base chakra (Muladhara)
Location: base of spine
Relates to: the Earth and nature, stability, survival (home, food, money/career)
Organs/body parts: pelvis, hips, legs and feet, adrenal glands
Balance: grounded, stable, consistent
Excess: possessive, overeating
Deficiency: anxious, fearful, undereating
The sacral chakra (Svadisthana)
Location: sacrum
Relates to: water, fluidity, emotions, pleasure, relationships of all kinds
Organs/body parts: gonads, kidneys
Balance: fluid, adaptable
Excess: over emotional or sensitive, sexual addiction
Deficiency: unemotional, set in ways
The solar plexus chakra (Manipura)
Location: navel
Relates to: self esteem, self confidence, self control, personal power
Organs/body parts: abdomen, digestive system, lower back, pancreas
Balance: confident, self control, playful
Excess: dominant, controlling, aggressive, manipulative
Deficiency: lacking confidence, weak willed
The heart chakra (Anahata)
Location: centre of chest
Relates to: love, joy, inner peace, compassion
Organs/body parts: chest, upper back, arms, hands, thymus gland
Balance: loving, joyful, content
Excess: clingy, greedy, jealous
Deficiency: shy, intolerant
The throat chakra (Vishuddha)
Location: base of front of neck
Relates to: communication, self expression
Organs/body parts: neck, throat, mouth, ears, thyroid and parathyroid glands
Balance: speaks from the heart
Excess: garrulous, interrupting, gossiping, not listening
Deficiency: difficulty with self expression
The third eye chakra (Ajna)
Location: centre of forehead
Relates to: vision
Organs/body parts: eyes, forehead, pituitary gland
Balance: intuition, wisdom
Excess: delusional, hallucitions, nightmares
Deficiency: lack of imagination and vision
The crown chakra (Sahasrana)
Location: top of head
Relates to: spirituality, thinking, decision making
Organs/body parts: scull, scalp, pineal gland
Balance: balanced perception of physical and spiritual worlds
Excess: disconnected
Deficiency: spiritual cynicism, dogmaticism
I love how so many ancient faiths have such similar theories about mind, body and spirit, but with differences in terminology and detail.
If you would like to experience an Indian head massage or are looking for a Christmas gift for family and friends, do contact me to book an appointment or to order a gift card. I also provide shiatsu and Swedish massage, which are both relaxing treatments too and promote well being.
