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Unleash your true potential with these techniques
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Chakras are the 7 centers of spiritual energy in your body. Your energy or prana flows through these circular centers to keep your mind, body, and spirit aligned. However, if one or more chakras are blocked, it can throw you off kilter. So, how do you unblock or open your spiritual chakras to feel more like yourself? Take a look at this helpful guide to learn exactly what you need to do.
How to Open Your Chakras
Open your chakras through introspective activities like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation while visualizing your energy centers opening and balancing each other. Open your root chakra first, then slowly work your way up the sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Open & Unblock Your Chakras
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Root Chakra (Muladhara) The root chakra helps you stay physically aware and feel comfortable. When you open this chakra , you feel well-balanced, sensible, stable, and secure. You’re present in what’s happening and connected to your physical body. [1] X Research source If the root chakra is under-active, you might feel anxious, scattered, and even unwelcome in social situations. If it’s overactive, you might find yourself acting materialistic and greedy. Here’s how to open and balance your root chakra:
- Meditation:
- Ground yourself and sit cross-legged on the ground or in a chair.
- Rest the backs of your hands on your knees with the tips of your thumbs and index fingers touching.
- Close your eyes and visualize a red flower opening at the tip of your tailbone.
- Silently chant the sound "LAM."
- Yoga : Mountain pose [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Affirmations: “The earth is a safe place for me” and “I love and trust my body.”
- Crystals : Jasper or black tourmaline
- Essential oils: Myrrh and sandalwood [3] X Research source
- Meditation:
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Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana) Your sacral chakra deals with raw feelings, fluidity, and sexuality. If it’s open, you can release your feelings freely and go with the flow. [4] X Research source You’re open to connection and passion and might even feel more outgoing. If it’s under-active, you can get stuck in an unemotional or impassive state and have difficulty opening up to others. If it’s overactive, you might be overly sensitive and emotional and have a high sex drive. Here’s how you can open the sacral chakra and achieve balance:
- Meditation
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- Sit on your knees with your back straight.
- Lay your hands in your lap, palms up, on top of each other. Put your left hand underneath, let the palm touch the back fingers of the right hand, and let the thumbs touch gently.
- Concentrate on the space between your belly button and tailbone.
- Chant the sound "VAM."
- Yoga: Knee-to-chest pose [5] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source
- Affirmations: “I am creative” and “I embrace change.”
- Crystals: Carnelian or citrine
- Essential oils: Sweet orange and cardamom [6] X Research source
Advertisement - Meditation
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Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) The solar plexus chakra is connected to confidence, generosity, and joy. When it’s open, you feel an abundance of warmth, control, and empowerment. [7] X Research source If under-active, you may be passive, indecisive, and apprehensive. If it’s over-active, you might be arrogant and aggressive. You can open your solar plexus chakra by doing these things:
- Meditation:
- Sit on your knees, with your back straight.
- Put your hands before your stomach, slightly below your belly button. Let the fingers join at the tops, crossing the thumbs and straightening the fingers.
- Silently chant the sound "RAM."
- Yoga: Spinal twist [8] X Research source
- Affirmations: “I am open to new ideas” and “I am powerful.”
- Crystals: Yellow jasper or citrine
- Essential oils: Rosemary and spearmint [9] X Research source
EXPERT TIPDr. Karina Menali is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Menali also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental MedicineMeditating and chanting a mantra is the best way to open your chakras. Chakra centers have been activated this way for years, thanks to ancient yogic practices. Pairing meditation and mantras with yoga is also a effective technique.
- Meditation:
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Heart Chakra (Anahata) The heart chakra is all about love, caring, and endearment. When it’s open, you’re compassionate and friendly, always working in amicable relationships. [10] X Research source If it’s under-active, you might act cold and unfriendly. If it’s over-active, you may be over-affectionate towards others or even look selfish. Find balance and open your heart chakra by:
- Meditation:
- Sit cross-legged.
- Press together the tips of your index finger and thumb on both hands.
- Put your left hand on your left knee and your right hand in front of the lower part of your breastbone.
- Concentrate on the center of your chest.
- Chant the sound "YAM."
- Yoga: Fan pose [11] X Research source
- Affirmations: “I am worthy of love” and “I am lovable.”
- Crystals: Green aventurine or rose quartz
- Essential oils: Eucalyptus and rose [12] X Research source
- Meditation:
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Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) The throat chakra plays into self-expression and communication. When the chakra is open, expressing yourself is easy, and you might find yourself pursuing art and other forms of creative expression. If your throat chakra is blocked, you might have trouble expressing your feelings, frequently use negative words, lie, and feel disconnected from others. If the throat chakra is overactive, you might speak too much and have trouble listening. Unblock your throat chakra by: [13] X Research source
- Meditation:
- Sit on your knees.
- Rest your hands on your legs and breathe in and out.
- Concentrate on the area at the base of the throat.
- Chant the sound "HAM."
- Yoga: Neck stretch [14] X Research source
- Affirmations: “My honesty attracts honesty” and “I communicate clearly.”
- Crystals: Turquoise or angelite
- Essential oils: Chamomile and peppermint [15] X Research source
- Meditation:
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Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) The third eye chakra is all about insight. Opening your third eye is thought to provide a deep window into your spiritual life. [16] X Research source You can tell it’s open if you have excellent clairvoyance and tend to dream a lot. If it's under-active, you may look to others for guidance and have trouble thinking for yourself. If your third eye is overactive, you might daydream more often than usual. You can open your third eye by:
- Meditation
:
- Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position.
- Put your hands in front of the lower part of the breast, pointing the middle fingers away from you and the thumbs toward you.
- Concentrate on the space between your eyebrows.
- Silently chant the sound "OM" or "AUM."
- Yoga: The gaze (looking up toward your brows) [17] X Research source
- Affirmations: “I trust my intuition” and “I am one with the universe.”
- Crystals: Sodalite or lapis lazuli
- Essential oils: Clary sage and frankincense [18] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
- Meditation
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Crown Chakra (Sahastrara) The crown chakra is the most spiritual chakra and is linked to wisdom. When this chakra is open, it’s easier to be open-minded and aware of the world and its connection to yourself. If it’s under-active, you can get stuck in rigid thinking. If the crown chakra is overactive, you may intellectualize things all the time and might prioritize spirituality over bodily needs (food, water, shelter). [19] X Research source Try these steps to open your crown chakra :
- Meditation:
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Lay your hands on your stomach, with your left hand on top of the right.
- Concentrate on the area at the top of your head.
- Chant the sound "OM" or "AUM." [20] X Research source
- Yoga: Downward dog [21] X Research source
- Affirmations: “The world is my teacher” and “I honor the divine power within me.”
- Crystals: Amethyst or clear quartz
- Essential oils: Frankincense and vetiver [22] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
EXPERT TIPSpiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow RaajaEmily Christensen is a Shamanic Spiritual Advisor, Reiki Master, and the Founder of Rainbow Raaja based in Southern California and now King County, Washington. Emily has over six years of experience as a Massage Therapist and in using tarot cards, crystal therapy, light work (reiki, light codes, energy therapy), and shamanic healing. She received Reiki Master training from the Hands on Healing Institute. Emily is also a certified Bodywork Therapist by the California Massage Therapy Council and an Ordained Shamanic Minister with the Universal Life Church.To be truly effective with opening chakras with crystals, you have to believe in yourself. Listen to your own intuition and the crystal without second guessing yourself. After all, you know your body and spirit better than anyone else.
- Meditation:
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QuestionWhat exactly is a chakra?Dr. Karina Menali is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Menali also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental MedicineExpert AnswerChakras are "energy centers" in your body that correspond with your glandular system.
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QuestionHow can I open my chakra naturally?Dr. Karina Menali is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, Faculty Member at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Owner of Kai Wellness. She specializes in holistic health, Chinese herbal medicine, and functional medicine. Dr. Menali also helps patients through emotional and spiritual trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from The University of Massachusetts, Boston, a Master's from Emperor's College in Santa Monica, CA, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental MedicineExpert AnswerAccording to ancient Yogic practices, chakra centers can be activated through meditating, chanting mantras, doing specialized breathing exercises, using certain ayurvedic herbs, and doing physical exercises like yoga asana.
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Tips
- For a quick fix to balance your chakras, spend time in nature to reconnect with the natural world. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to sourceThanks
- Try to meditate on a daily basis, even if you don't have much time. It can be for as long as you want.Thanks
- Analyze your mind, body, and spirit to find out which chakra is blocked . Close your eyes and do a mental scan—how are you feeling? Then, target the chakra that seems off.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Before attempting to open your chakras, it's wise to make sure you already have experience with meditation. If you're completely new to meditative practices, quickly diving into chakra work could be overwhelming or even backfire. Instead, take time to build a regular meditation habit first. Once you've trained your mind to focus and you understand how to direct energy through your body, you'll be ready to start exploring your chakras. Rushing the process rarely yields good results.
- When you are focusing on opening the heart chakra specifically, try visualizing people who are close to you and mean a lot — like family, friends, or a romantic partner. Picture their smiling faces and recall moments you shared together. Tapping into feelings of love and connection with those around you can help activate the loving energy of the heart chakra.
- When first learning to open your chakras, don't worry if you can't seem to master every single one in just one session. Be patient with yourself and understand it's a process that takes time, practice and consistency. Work through the chakras systematically, focusing on one at a time over multiple meditations rather than trying to stimulate them all at once.
- As you chant the mantra sounds associated with each chakra, remember the goal isn't perfect pronunciation. Don't get hung up on vocalizing the sounds just right. Instead, focus on the vibration you're creating and direct your intention to opening and activating that particular chakra. The mantras are meant to be a guide, but the power comes from within you.
- To get the most out of any chakra work, create an environment where you can completely concentrate without distractions and truly sense the energy flowing through your body. Maybe light some candles or incense, play soft music, or do whatever helps you relax. Having the right setting makes it much easier to go deep within yourself.
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References
- ↑ https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2018/10/15/chakras/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chakras
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-are-essential-oils
- ↑ https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2018/10/15/chakras/
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/yoga/arthritis-friendly-yoga
- ↑ https://polaritytherapy.org/2020/01/21/the-chakras-essential-oils/
- ↑ https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2017/01/spiritual-wellness-seven-chakras/
- ↑ https://www.osmosis.org/answers/yoga-for-back-pain
- ↑ https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/mythbuster-healing-crystals-and-essential-oils
- ↑ https://u.osu.edu/vanzandt/2018/04/18/chakras/
- ↑ https://yogea.org/portfolio-items/neutrally-rotated-postures-high-lunge-low-lunge-fan-pose/
- ↑ https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/mythbuster-healing-crystals-and-essential-oils
- ↑ https://yogaeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/chakras.pdf
- ↑ https://spinehealth.org/article/stretching-back-neck-pain/
- ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/health-benefits-of-essential-oils
- ↑ https://d-nb.info/1173516476/34
- ↑ https://us.sahajayoga.org/chakras/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338895528_Psychological_Significance_of_the_Chakras
- ↑ https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/nelsons/WhatisSahajaYoga.pdf
- ↑ https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2021/june/benefits-of-yoga-for-kids-and-teens
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/are-essential-oils-safe-for-children
- ↑ https://thewell.northwell.edu/emotional-wellness/what-are-chakras
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/what-is-stress/
- ↑ https://utopia.org/guide/what-are-the-7-chakras-a-beginners-guide-to-the-chakra-system/
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342562977_A_Brief_History_of_the_Chakras_in_Human_Body
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/spend-time-in-nature-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety
About This Article
Article Summary
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To open your root chakra, which is related to how physically aware and comfortable you are with your body, use your body more by doing things like yoga, going for walks, or cleaning around the house. If you want to open your heart chakra, which relates to love and caring, meditate while holding your right hand in front of your heart and focus on how you want your life to change. Keep meditating until you feel completely relaxed. To learn how to open your other spiritual chakras, like your throat chakra, keep reading,
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- "I feel absolutely amazing. When I opened my crown chakra, I felt as if I was floating and not aware of my body at all. I am paraplegic and in a wheelchair, and this was best feeling. I want to do this again because i think my 3rd eye chakra is too open." ..." more
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"I feel absolutely amazing. When I opened my crown chakra, I felt as if I was floating and not aware of my body at all. I am paraplegic and in a wheelchair, and this was best feeling. I want to do this again because i think my 3rd eye chakra is too open."
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