An Introduction to the Chakras
Many of us approach yoga from the pure physical opening. I know that I did. When I first started yoga, 13 years ago, I had a specific aim – to stretch my body and decrease the pain in my body. I am happy to say that it worked. The journey to the release was a lovely, bumpy and interesting one! I realized that the physical pain was connected to my emotions, my thoughts, my worries and all of the layers of pain that I had shoved down into my body. It was a foreign concept to me.
As a physician, 10 years of medical school did not give me this awareness. I had no idea that the pain someone is experiencing in their life was actually connected to their emotions. Yoga was truly life transforming. I had no idea that this information was even available.
When we look at the chakra system – the energy centers – we can see that this knowledge is actually documented and well studied. It is only in our Western Medical domain that we do not give credence to this beautiful, awe-inspiring study.
The chakra system or energy centers in our body often become blocked by long held tension and low self-esteem. Physical postures have been well studied that correspond to each chakra and when done regularly can release the block from the body. As a result, we are able to live free of these old fears that are often stagnating our life.
The 7 chakras are believed to be arranged in a vertical line from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Chakra is a Sanskrit word which means wheel and these wheels are believed to spin. Each chakra is actually associated with biological functions in our body.
Through understanding the chakra system, we can se that our external life and internal habits, life limiting concepts, self-esteem and chronic mental tension can produce imbalances in our chakras. When left over a period of time, these chakras do not spin as they should. As a result, if the imbalance is left it can result in an actual physical disease and dysfunction.
Chakras can be rebalanced through regular practice of yoga postures and meditation. This allows the energy to balance and allows any energy to clear.
Personally, I have seen the amazing affects of yoga and meditation on clearing many diseases, including thyroid disease, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, chronic physical pain and more.
The practice of yoga is truly amazing and mind-boggling. Such an ancient art of healing has been well studied and documented in ancient texts. Western Medicine has its role, especially with the acute ailments.
If, however, you suffer from a chronic disease, it is more than likely related to an imbalance in your chakras that started many years ago. Regular practice can actually release and allow your body to step into its natural way of being.
Bottom line: role out your yoga mat, rain or shine, and practice. You will be glad you did!
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3 Spiritual Baths to Cleanse Your Aura From Negative Energy
Regularly cleansing your aura and your personal energy is an essential act. Whether or not you know it, you come into contact with various people and environments, all of which have their own energy vibrations. Not all of these frequencies are high and positive.
Thus, your energy field is constantly taking in and putting out vibrations, some of the vibrations (including your own thoughts, as well as external influences) are low and will bring you down if left unchecked. While our energy body is constantly readjusting itself to bring our energy back into harmony, the negative energies can linger and build up over time. A monthly salt water bath is an easy and very relaxing way to cleanse your aura of negative energy.
We’ve mentioned other methods before, so why a bath? It’s because it’s a great ritual that combines to tie in body and spirit. When you immerse yourself in a ritual bath, you are participating in an initiation to open yourself up spiritually.
Ritual bathing cleanses you from physical grime and negative spiritual grime, thus purifying both your body and your aura. It is a signal that you are willing to listen to your Higher Self and begin to trust something outside of your rational mind. It indicates that you are open to ask the universe to transform what you believe needs to be changed within yourself.
What is a Spiritual Bath?
We’ve mentioned other methods before, so why a bath? It’s because it’s a great ritual that combines body and spirit. When you immerse yourself in a ritual bath, you are participating in an initiation to open yourself up spiritually.
Ritual bathing cleanses you from physical grime and negative spiritual grime, thus purifying both your body and your aura. It is a signal that you are willing to listen to your Higher Self and begin to trust something outside of your rational mind. It indicates that you are open to ask the universe to transform what you believe needs to be changed within yourself.
Taking a spiritual or ritual bath is meant to cleanse and protect a person spiritually; therefore, making it different from a normal bath you might do every day. There are very specific directions to follow in order to maximize the effect. Among these instructions is not using any soap, shampoo, or bath oil, etc. Once you step into the water, you are entering a spiritual experience, so it’s important to distinguish regular bathing from ritual bathing.
Benefits of Spiritual Bathing
Though they are different, spiritual bathing or ritual bathing can have great effects on your physical wellbeing, as well. According to Gateways to Inner Peace, here are just a few benefits:
- The skin is an organ of elimination, and a saltwater soak will draw toxins and heavy metals from the tissues.
- The essential trace minerals your body needs are absorbed through the skin to enhance your health
- Skin conditions can be aided, as bacteria and other debris are also drawn from the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and rejuvenated
- Saltwater baths can help to relieve muscular aches and pains as well as sore joints
- Circulation is increased, which your body can always use
Other important notes before getting started: this first bath is to be used only once a month, as it is very strong. It’s recommended to try it on a Friday close to a full moon for the best results. Energy therapist Lidia Frederico also advises, “do NOT prepare or have the bath around 6 am, 12 noon, 6 pm, 12 midnight. This– this includes half an hour before & afterward (so NOT between 5:.30-6:.30 or 11:.30-12:.30 for both am & pm)!”
