Chakras are energy centers along the spine, starting at the base of the spine and running up to the crown of the head. In Yogic and Hindu traditions, chakras are vital energy centers in the subtle body. They are not physical entities but are instead spinning energy vortices corresponding to specific nerve bundles, internal organs, and psychological and spiritual states. The word "chakra" means "wheel" or "disk" in Sanskrit, reflecting their dynamic natures. They are believed to be responsible for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each chakra corresponds to a different color, element, and sound. 

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Color: Red

Location: base of the spine

Element: Earth

Sound: Lam

Crystals: Lodesteone, ruby, garnet, bloodstone

Acupuncture points: DU-1/DU-2, REN-1/REN-2

The 1st chakra is the Root Chakra, associated with grounding, security, and survival. When it is balanced, we feel grounded, safe, and secure. We can meet our basic needs and have a sense of belonging. When it is blocked or out of balance, we may experience fear, anxiety, and insecurity. We may also have difficulty sleeping and grounding ourselves in the present moment. 

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Color: Orange

Location: lower abdomen, genitals, womb

Element: Water

Sound: Vam

Crystals: Carnelian, moonstone, coral

Acupuncture points: REN-6, DU-3

The 2nd chakra is the Sacral Chakra. It is located below the navel and is associated with creativity, pleasure, and sexuality. When the sacral chakra is balanced, we feel creative, passionate, and alive. We can express ourselves authentically and connect with others on a deep level. When the sacral chakra is blocked or out of balance, we may experience shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. We may also have difficulty connecting with others and expressing our true selves. 

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

Color: Yellow

Location: navel to solar plexus

Element: Fire

Sound: Ram

Crystals: Amber, topaz, yellow citrine, rutilated quartz

Acupuncture points: REN-14, DU-6

The 3rd chakra, the Solar Plexus Chakra, is associated with self-esteem, confidence, and personal power. When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, we feel confident, powerful, and in control of our lives. We can set boundaries and make decisions that are in our best interests. When out of balance, we may experience low self-esteem, doubt, and powerlessness. We may also have difficulty making decisions and standing up for ourselves. 

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Color: Green

Location: center of the chest

Element: Air

Sound: Lam

Crystals: Emerald, tourmaline, jade, rose quartz

Acupuncture points: Ren-17, DU-10

The 4th chakra is the Heart Chakra, associated with love, compassion, and empathy. When the Heart Chakra is balanced, we feel love and compassion for ourselves and others. We can connect with others deeply and build solid and lasting relationships. When blocked or out of balance, we may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and heartbreak. We may also have trouble forgiving others and ourselves. 

Throat Chakra (Visuddha)

Color: Bright Blue

Location: throat

Element: Ether

Sound: Ham

Crystals: Turquoise, aquamarine, celestite

Acupuncture points: REN-22, DU-14

The 5th chakra is the Throat Chakra and is associated with communication, self-expression, and truth. When the Throat Chakra is balanced, we can communicate our thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively. We can also listen to others and understand their perspectives. When this chakra is blocked or out of balance, we may experience difficulty speaking our truth or expressing ourselves authentically. We may also tend to gossip or speak negatively about others. 

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Color: Indigo

Location: between the eyebrows

Element: Light

Sound: Om

Crystals: Lapis lazuli, quartz, star sapphire

Acupuncture points: Yin Tang, DU-16

The sixth chakra is the Third Eye Chakra, which is associated with intuition, insight, and wisdom. When the Third Eye Chakra is balanced, we can see the world clearly and make wise decisions. We can also tap into our intuition and inner wisdom. When this chakra is blocked or out of balance, we may experience difficulty making decisions or seeing the truth of a situation. We may also be more susceptible to manipulation and deception.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Color: Violet to White

Location: top of head

Element: thought/spirit

Sound: none

Crystals: Amethyst, diamond

Acupuncture point: DU-20

The 7th chakra is the Crown Chakra, associated with enlightenment, spiritual connection, and oneness. When the Crown Chakra is balanced, we feel connected to our higher selves and to the divine. We can experience moments of peace, joy, and bliss. When blocked or out of balance, we may experience separation, isolation, and spiritual apathy. We may also have difficulty connecting with our inner wisdom and guidance.

There are many ways to balance our chakras, such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, mantra, crystals, oils, and energy healing. Acupuncture is a form of energy work that guides our "Qi" or life force throughout our body via the Meridian energy pathways. 

Two acupuncture meridians regulate the Yin and the Yang. The Yin channel, known as the Ren Mai or the Conception Vessel, starts at the Perineum (REN-1) and runs up the front of the body, terminating just below the lower lip (REN-24). The Yang channel, known as the DU Mai or the Governing Vessel, starts at the base of the spine (DU-1), runs up the spine, over the top of the head, and terminates just under the nose (DU-26). There are points on each Yin and Yang channel that map to the chakra points, which may be used to open and balance the chakras. When using acupuncture to balance the Root Chakra, we will be using the REN-2 point on the Yin channel (just above the pubic bone) and the DU-2 point on the Yang channel (on the sacrum).

When our chakras are balanced, we experience a sense of harmony and well-being. This balance can enhance our physical and emotional health and foster our personal growth, thus empowering us to live our lives to the fullest and reach our highest potential. 

Assessment: I will begin by assessing which chakras are out of balance and determining whether your body prefers a face-up or face-down approach. I will examine your tongue and pulse and determine the supporting acupuncture points.

Infarred Chakra Mat: I will determine if your body will enjoy the Infrafred Chakra Stone Therapy Mat during your treatment. 

Chakra Oils: Some people will need additional chakra-balancing oils through aroma therapy or topical application. Kinesiology will determine if oils are required, in what delivery format, and where to apply them if necessary. If you have any oil allergies, please mention this before your session. 

Sound Therapy: During your session, you will listen to Tibetan Bowl background music corresponding to the chakras.

Acupuncture: I will needle the appropriate points for the chakras and supporting balance points as you relax for 30 minutes.

Post-Treatment Check: I will recheck your chakras for balance once the treatment is complete!