Chakras Intensive – Part 1- Lower Chakras

Article by Angie Webster

Recently I wrote about the Chakras and Meridians, which was a basic explanation of the body’s energy system. In this article, the first in a three part series, I will go into more detail about the lower chakras, how we experience them in our bodies in our daily lives and how we might experience them if they were not functioning well. Reiki always works to balance all the chakras.

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, near the perineum. Imagine an upside down funnel whose neck connects to the base of the spine right between the legs. The opening of the funnel opens and extends downward, encompassing the legs and feet. We experience energy in this chakra when we are feeling very safe and rooted, or when we feel fearful. You may notice that when you feel this way, you feel strongly supported in your legs, or a magnetized sensation in the feet. This is being grounded. When we feel frightened or unsafe, we may feel “weak-kneed”, as if we need to sit down, or we may freeze in our tracks, unable take another step. The root chakra is very important as it supports our entire physical system, including the blood, the muscular-skeletal system, the immune system, the lower intestines, legs, feet and the skin. It also supports our individuality, courage and learning to be stable. When it is not functioning well, we may have issues with our knees, feet, legs, skin, blood, muscles or bones or have frequent injuries. Life issues may include being fearful or insecure, money problems (lack or greed), hoarding, blaming, anger and violence, or holding things in, tension or constipation. Gardening or other outdoor activities, as well as food and sleep help to balance the root chakra.

The sacral chakra is located about two inches below the navel. We experience energy moving in this chakra when we feel the tugging or the tingly butterflies sensation in our lower belly. These sensations are often related to sexual attraction or orgasm, feelings of maternal attachment or concern, or the feeling of pursuing our purpose in life. The sacral chakra supports the genitals, reproductive organs, intestines and bladder. It also supports our creative ability, our connection and healthy boundaries in interpersonal relationships, our personal purpose and it is our center for processing pleasure in this world. When it is not functioning well we may have issues in our intestines, our uterus and/or ovaries, our prostate, testes or genitalia, spleen or bladder. We may also have difficulty opening ourselves up in a relationship or have issues with possessiveness or jealousy. There may also be imbalances relating to food or sex, such as an eating disorder (anorexia or overeating), sexual obsession, impotence or lack of desire. Fertility problems are often related to a blockage in the sacral chakra of one or both partners. Swimming or other water activities, as well as activities that make use of creativity and the senses, such as dance or exercise are balancing for this chakra.

The solar plexus chakra is located midway between the sternum and the navel. We experience energy moving in this chakra when we have a “gut reaction” to something. When you are doing something that you know is wrong for you, you will feel a clenching or flipping feeling in your upper belly, or maybe you feel a burning there instead. Most of us feel something there when a situation is wrong for us. There is also slight feeling of lift and lightness in the same area when something feels right for us, making us feel happy, whole and complete. For this reason, this is also where we experience sensation most when we laugh and we are likely to experience some sensation here with most strong emotions. The solar plexus governs the pancreas, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, adrenals and greatly supports the nervous system. It also supports our personal power in the world, our will and how we function and conduct ourselves. This is where we master our emotions, desire and energy, either making good use of them or turning them into destructive forces. It helps us with responsibility and choosing appropriate action. When the solar plexus is not functioning well we tend to have digestive issues affecting the pancreas, liver, gallbladder or stomach, though the kidneys and adrenals may also be affected. We may also have problems in taking on too much, driving ourselves too hard, having an intense focus on recognition or power. A person having problems in this chakra may be competitive, domineering and overly full of energy or they may be the opposite and have low self esteem, very little will or drive and a low energy level. Finding ways that help you to face your fears or anger or otherwise safely and constructively express your emotions, such as journaling or communicating to loved ones or yelling into a pillow help to balance and heal this chakra. Laughter and inner self nurturing are needed as well.

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Angie Webster made a significant contribution to the Reiki community, with a particular focus on Animal Reiki, which she had a deep affection for. As a knowledgeable Reiki Master Teacher and Author, she conducted online courses on energy healing, herbalism, flower essences, and personal growth.
She is the author of “Animal Reiki: How it Heals, Teaches & Reconnects Us with Nature” and “Reiki from A to Z”. Currently, Angie has decided to retire from her professional life to devote more time to her health, family, and the little joys of life.