You may remember that in March, I explored how, by applying the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, some believe that essential oils may be chosen to restore energy within the body, and that in April I focussed on the ancient Greek healthcare approach, discussing Hippocrates specifically, who believed that the moral and spiritual aspects of healing were important, and that attitude, environmental influences, and natural remedies were central for maintaining and restoring good health. This month, I conclude my research into alternative and ancient traditions by looking at the Chakra system.  This system originates from Buddhism and Hinduism, although both have different theories, with Buddhist literature mentioning four chakras, and Hindu texts stating seven: Root (Muladhara), Sacra (Svadisthana), Solar Plexus (Manipura), Heart (Anaha), Throat (Vishudda), Brow (Ajna), Crown (Sahasrara) - specific locations of each chakra will be discussed later.

Eastern tradition supports the view that the source of all a person’s energy comes from the ‘universal life force’ and that this energy is present in every living thing, entering the body through the air that is breathed, the food that is ate and through the chakra energy centres; it is believed that there are many things that can be done to increase the amount of energy entering the body to extend vitality and strength and emotional equilibrium.  These include having the right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.  All of which result in good health in mind, body and spirit.

It is said that the major chakra energy centres are responsible for connecting the physical body to the seven auric layers, also known as the subtle bodies.  It is believed that when all chakras are open and working in harmony with each other, a person experiences wellbeing, is blessed with good health in mind, body and spirit, and has a beautiful aura.  The chakra centres are linked to pathways, called Nadi, which run along the spine and carry energy from one chakra to another.  To achieve and maintain health, the chakra centres must be balanced with each other and the outside world.  If an unhealthy lifestyle is led, the chakras can become unbalanced or blocked.  This interferes with the body’s energy flow and a person may fall prey to illness. The aura is often clouded in people with unbalanced chakra energy.

Some believe that the power of touch itself cannot be underestimated in helping to increase the amount of energy entering the body and it is said that massage practitioners, who enjoy giving massage and helping others, not only provide a service but also, in traditions, such as Buddhism, receive great spiritual merit by doing so. While there are several different methods to use essential oils, Aromatherapy massage is, in my opinion, the very best way to experience beautiful, aromatic essential oil blends.

Essential oils for balancing the chakras

Many essential oils are reputed to help balance the chakras, some of which are shown below.  When creating a blend, this should, of course, meet the person’s needs, provide a pleasant aroma but not produce sensitivity or be contra-indicated for their use.  Essential oils are separated into three classes: top notes, middle notes and base notes.  While there are many ways to blend aromatherapy oils, a simple way to achieve a synergistic, balanced blend is to use a top, middle and base note in the ratio 4 drops: 8 drops: 2 drops.  It is worthwhile noting, however, that this is not always possible, for example, there are no top note essential oils for the root chakra.  This is probably because the oils that resonate most with this chakra are grounding rather than uplifting and so will be mainly base and middle notes.  In such situations, it is acceptable to use more drops of the middle or base notes.  Essential oils should never be used neat, but added in the correct proportion to a suitable carrier oil (or an alternative base such as a cream or lotion).  I recommend halving the number of drops of oil to the number of mls of carrier oil, so, if using 14 drops of essential oil, use 28ml of carrier oil / base.

Root Chakra

Position: Perineum

Chakra imbalance indicator: Fearful, Insecure, Lethargic, Materialistic, Possessive, Brittle nails, Constipation, Obesity, Problem with bones

Middle notes: Cypress

Base notes: Cedarwood, Myrrh, Patchouli

Sacral Chakra

Chakra imbalance indicator: Feelings of being unworthy, Frigid, Impotent, Oversensitive, Seeking constant reassurance, Unconfident, Infertility, Kidney and bladder disorders

Top notes: Petitgrain

Middle notes: Lavender

Base notes: Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Solar Plexus Chakra

Position: Solar plexus

Chakra imbalance indicator: Controlled by own emotions, Domineering, Judgemental, Quick tempered, Resentful of authority, Under-achieving, Workaholic, Digestive problems

Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Thyme

Middle notes: Chamomile Roman, Cinnamon

Base notes: Vetivert

Heart Chakra

Position: Between the breasts

Chakra imbalance indicator: Angry, Jealous, Needy, Selfish, Uncaring, Unforgiving, Circulatory problems, Respiratory problems

Top notes: Bergamot, Clary Sage

Middle notes: Geranium, Melissa

Base notes: Rose

Throat Chakra

Position: Throat

Chakra imbalance indicator: Arrogant, Dependent, Indecisive, Over-talkative, Poor communication, Stuttering, Rigidity around the neck and shoulders, Sore throats

Top notes: Eucalyptus globulus, Neroli

Middle notes: Chamomile Roman, Lavender

Base notes: Myrrh, Sandalwood

Brow Chakra

Position: Brow

Chakra imbalance indicator: Intellectually arrogant, Lacking discernment, Lacking discrimination, Lacking insight, Eyes and nose problems, Headaches, Sinusitis

Top notes: Basil

Middle notes: Rosemary

Base notes: Jasmine, Patchouli, Vetivert

Crown Chakra

Position: Crown of head

Chakra imbalance indicator: Attachment, Dissatisfaction, Egocentric, Exhaustion, Lacking motivation, Ungenerous

Middle notes: Lavender

Base notes: Frankincense

Blending your essential oils

Each of the essential oils in my Seven Chakra Balancing blend are indicated for more than one chakra, so a combination of all three synergistically balances all seven chakras.  This is a good all-round blend, which is easy to make and pleasant to use.

Seven Chakra Balancing Blend:

4 drops Bergamot
8 drops Lavender
2 drops Patchouli

Blend in 28ml of fragrance free Moisturising Lotion and apply every morning after showering.

Spiritual Balancing:

Sometimes we are so busy thinking about what we want that we forget to count our blessings for the things we already have in our lives.  Inhaling the meditative aroma of Frankincense essential oil while practising gratitude will help to restore a sense of balance and perspective and reduce dissatisfaction.  Simply place up to five drops of Frankincense into an oil burner or diffuser.

Christine Fisk
Consultant Aromatherapist

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