Wellbeing

Have you got a Blocked Chakra?

Balancing your body’s natural energy system could be the key to your best ever wellbeing

We all know that our body and mind need to be healthy for us to feel at our best, but if things feel out of whack and there seems to be no physical or mental explanation, the cause could be coming from somewhere deeper inside. “We all have a system of powerful energetic centres, known as chakras that are located throughout our body,” says expert healer Katy Meade-King, “The word chakra translates as ‘wheel’ because they are meant to spin like vortexes, enabling the body’s natural life force energy to circulate. This flow can become blocked due to stress, illness, trauma or a specific injury and any stagnancy will affect the vibrancy of all the chakras as they are so interconnected. The aim, then, is to keep the flow running smoothly and this can be achieved by being more present in your body. Using your breath consciously can help you to do this and enables you to reset emotional and physical disturbances. It also allows you to be more spiritually open.” Learn more about the seven major chakras and how to keep them in good balance below.

The root chakra (represented by the colour red)

This is located at the base of the spine between the legs and transmits the flow of vital life force energy necessary for physical existence. It resonates with feelings of safety, security and vitality.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms for an excess of energy in the root chakra are aggression, reacting out of fear, stress, resisting change, being materialistic and feeling trapped in a heavy body. Symptoms of an energy-deficient root chakra are restlessness, feeling disconnected from your body and not feeling secure.

Rebalance it: Take time every day to establish a regular grounding practice. Walk barefoot in your garden, focusing on how your feet feel with every step. My favourite exercise involves visualising tree roots growing out of the soles of my feet and spreading deep into earth.

The sacral chakra (represented by the colour orange)

This is located in the lower abdomen or sacrum area. It connects to our human experience of feelings and emotions, sensuality, intimacy and desires. For a balanced sacral chakra we must have good connections and relationships with others, with healthy boundaries and trust.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms of excessive energy here include hypersensitivity, excessive emotions, over dependence and compulsive behaviour. Symptoms of a low energy flow include being unemotional, guarded, creatively blocked and having poor social skills.

Rebalance it: Make time to do something creative, like drawing, writing or cooking. Re-establish trust and intimacy with yourself and your physical body. You can do this by spending an extra five minutes after your shower massaging moisturiser into your skin and reconnecting to your body.

The solar plexus chakra (represented by the colour yellow)

This is located beneath the rib cage, roughly two fingers above the belly button. It is the centre of our personal power, self-worth and also courage.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms of too much energy here include being self-centered, arrogant and stubborn. Symptoms of low energy flow are reduced spiritual energy, feeling powerless, the inability to trust your decisions and lack of purpose.

Rebalance it: Fill your thoughts of past achievements and do something spontaneous or out of your comfort zone.

The heart chakra (represented by the colour green)

This is located in the centre of the chest and is associated with love – love for others and the world around us, but importantly self-love. It is the centre of compassion, understanding, inner peace and healing.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms of excessive energy here include jealousy, poor boundaries, codependency and being overly empathetic. Symptoms of deficient energy include being inwardly/outwardly critical and judgemental, suspicious of others and sometimes unforgiving.

Rebalance it: You cannot harmoniously give and receive love from another if you cannot do the same towards yourself. Practise being gentle with yourself and show loving tenderness in all that you do.

The throat chakra (represented by the colour blue)

This is located at the centre of the throat. It is the energy centre of expressing and speaking your truth and communicating with clarity and is related to being able to listen and hear others.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms of too much energy here include gossiping, being loud and an inability to listen. Symptoms of an under-active throat chakra include a fear of speaking up, difficulty with self-expression and being secretive.

Rebalance it: Try singing, listening to music or writing to express your feelings.

The third eye chakra (represented by the colour purple)

This is located at your brow and is your intuitive centre which is associated with our innate psychic abilities. It is the place of awareness, imagination, self-realisation, perception, invention and vision.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Symptoms of excessive energy here include having difficulty concentrating, feeling stuck in the past and having nightmares. Symptoms of low energy include a lack of imagination and difficulty visualising.

Rebalance it: Practise visualisation meditations, breathing and grounding to release the narrative of unhelpful thoughts by becoming more present. Use your imagination by creating a vision board or making time to play.

The crown chakra (represented by a pale violet colour)

This is located on the top of the head and is your spiritual centre with the highest vibration of energy.

How to tell if it’s blocked: Signs of excessive energy here include being addicted to all things ‘spiritual’, excessive self-righteousness, a lack of connection with the body or a need to intellectualise. Symptoms of low energy include materialism, self-indulgence, cynicism or an unwavering belief system.

Rebalance it: This spiritual centre cannot be in balance if any of your other chakras are blocked. In order to achieve harmony you must be grounded and creatively expressive, have healthy boundaries in your relationships, be trusting in yourself, feel purposeful, live with compassion and have clarity.

Katy Meade-King is a professional medium, energy healer and intuitive development teacher. She works to empower others by guiding them to reconnect to their highest self. For more information, visit her website soulspirit.co.uk or follow Katy on Instagram @soul.spirit.katy