First and foremost we must start by saying there is limited research supporting the health benefits of essential oils, however, there are studies supporting the benefits of essential oils aiding in lessening stress and anxiety. Many people do claim and enjoy the benefits of using essential oils to balance their chakras. You can enjoy these benefits by experimenting yourself but keep in mind the safety precaution in using essential oils. Today we will focus on root Chakra essential oils in a series we will call oils for Chakras.
Essential oils Safety First
Do a patch test before using any essential oil and even before that consult with your doctor to make sure it won't interfere with any medication. You can do a patch test by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil first and testing it on a small area of your body.
Consider those in your environment as well before diluting and using oils, as children and pets cannot tolerate certain oils or certain levels of oil exposure. Research is always useful before using any oils.
What are Chakras?
“Chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” which refers to the energy centers in your body.
Your chakra, wheels or disks, are spinning energy with each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. Your chakras function optimally when they are open and balanced. When your chakras are blocked you can experience physical or emotional symptoms in relation to that chakra. Most identify with several main chakras that run along your spine.
These chakras sit at the root, or base, of your spine and rise to the crown of your head, however, there is said to be 114 different chakras in your body. We will discuss in our series the 7 main chakras but today we will focus on the root chakra.
Root Chakra
Your root chakra is an earth element and located at the base of the spine, it is responsible for feeling “grounded”—for a sense of safety and security. Also known as Muladhara —Mula meaning “root” and adhara meaning “support". It’s in this chakra that we hold past memories as well as those from past lives, and it’s our deepest connection to the earth.
The color associated with this chakra is red and its element is earth. When it’s balanced and open, you feel:
safe
secure
fearless
strong immune system
stable weight
grounded
energetic
trusting
healthy self-esteem.
Shadow or negative aspects commonly associated with the root chakra include:
low self-esteem
anxiety
quickness to anger
restlessness
aggressiveness
feeling the need to control
arrogance
worrying about your basic needs for survival which are food, shelter and money.
Essential oils for root Chakra
Cedarwood: helps with connection and loneliness, helps to calm and relax, natural decongestant, grounding earthy aroma
Clove: joy, prosperity, abundance, treats digestive and respiratory problems, energizing, fights bacteria and fungus
Cypress: creates emotional balance, helps with feelings of anxiousness, aids in calm feelings while also energizing
Frankincense: helps treat depression and anxiety, provides tranquil, calming and spiritual grounding, helps deepen meditation and calm the mind, immune and respiratory support
Ginger: stimulates circulation, helps digestion, anti-nausea, used for natural pain relief
Myrrh: brings focus, harmony and aides in cleanliness, relieves stress, provides relief for upper respiratory infections, helps to relax and sooth sore muscles
Patchouli: grounding, stabilizing, inspires self-confidence and love for your body
Rosemary: aids in transitions and with adjusting, banishes negativity and brings protection, perfect to use when feeling worn out, aids in memory, improves blood circulation
Rosewood: natural antidepressant, improves alertness and blood circulation, aids in digestion. This essential oil endangered therefore, seek alternative oil if possible.
Thyme: provides natural pain relief, inspires bravery and courage, helps with respiratory irritation, boosts immune system
Vetiver: tranquil, grounding, helps to calm and stabilize, helps to bring awareness
White Fir: alleviates pain in sore muscles and joints, energizes the body and mind, helps with respiratory function, brings feelings of stability, energy and empowerment, helps to stimulate mind while relaxing the body
Ylang-ylang: soothes fearfulness, evokes optimism and cheerfulness, lessons tension and stress, helps to balance hormones.
You can buy/make aromatherapy mixtures or you can also use essential oils alone, like a few drops in your bath’s epsom salt or mixed with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil for a massage or dabbing onto certain parts of your body.
There are other things you can do to open your root chakra such as yoga, sound healing, eating healthy, Reiki and many other therapies you can seek out to better ones self.
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