Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or disk. These spinning energy centers in the body convert subtle energy into chemical, hormonal and cellular changes in the body. The seven Chakras relate to the development and embodiment of different levels of human awareness and experience. Each one relates to a different level of consciousness, emotions, developmental stages of life,body functions, thoughts, colors and sounds.

Vibrational medicine and subtle energy healing bring chakras into harmony and balance when they are blocked or overactive.

Situated in a vertical line ascending from the base of the spine to the head, the seven major chakras are associated with a major nerve plexus and endocrine gland.

1.The root chakra is situated by the coccyx.
2.The sacral Chakra is located by the spleen.
3.The solar plexus chakra is located in the middle abdomen, below the tip of the sternum.
4. The heart chakra is located in the mid sternal region directly over the thymus gland.
5.The throat chakra is in the neck.
6.The brow chakra is located in the mid forehead.
7.The crown chakra is located on the top of the head.
Subtle energy systems descriptions relate to the energy that surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body. Chronic problems in the physical body, mental, emotional and spiritual imbalances, are the result of imbalances originating in the subtle bodies.

Subtle energy systems are descriptions of the body, mind and soul connections. We are complex and multi-dimensional beings. The human aura what we call all of the frequencies of vibration. It is made up of different layers of energy fields called subtle bodies. The following are four of the perhaps thousands subtle bodies:

The etheric body is the closest to the physical. It hugs the physical body like a second skin and has an active relationship to all of the chakras.
The emotional body is known as the astral body and is the seat of all emotional experience.
The mental body is the repository of our own personal thought forms and belief systems. It gives the energies of the emotional body focus and direction.
The spiritual/causal body is the most subtle. It forms the boundary between who we are and the universal field of “All That Is.” The Spiritual Body receives nurturing from the spiritual dimensions of energy and consciousness.

Balancing the Chakras Through Food

All energy comes from light. It sustains, transforms, vitalizes, rejuvenates, and warms. The rays of the sun fall onto the earth at different vibrations in the form of colors. Each of our chakras resonates with a color.

The energy of light has an intimate connection with our bodies. As the sun’s rays fall onto the earth, these vibrations are expressed through the color of the plant, vegetable, or flower – each color holds an energy that nourishes the individual chakras.

Eating a variety of colors with each meal is important in keeping the chakras balanced through food.

1st Chakra: The Root Chakra

Physical Body: The root chakra belongs with the large intestine and the rectum. It influences the function of the kidneys. The root chakra is associated with the adrenal glands.

Emotional Body: The root chakra is the source of grounding and connection to the earth.

This chakra corresponds to fundamental survival needs: food, shelter and ability to feel grounded, safe, and secure. Located at the tip of the coccyx (tailbone), this chakra is associated with the color red.

Root vegetables grow deep within the earth, and embody the energy of this chakra. Root vegetables help tap into the internal, lower core to create stability. Examples include beets, parsnips, and rutabaga. Any red fruits or vegetables, as apples or pomegranates, also support the first chakra. Protein is associated with this chakra because the lengthy process of digestion can be very grounding.

2nd Chakra: The Navel Chakra

Physical Body: The navel chakra belongs to the reproductive system, the testicles and ovaries, the urinary bladder and the kidneys.

Emotional Body: The navel chakra is our source of creativity and sexuality.

Two inches below the navel and rooted in the spine. It is the seat of our creative force, sexuality, sensuality, and emotions. It connects us to the world through movement, sensation, desire, and feelings.

To balance this chakra is drinking water. Our kidneys, associated with the navel chakra, filter 150 -180 liters of blood every 24 hours.

It is associated with the color orange. Foods that support this chakra are tropical fruits, seeds, nuts, and orange-colored foods (oranges, tangerines, carrots, etc.)

3rd Chakra: The Solar Plexus Chakra

Physical Body: The solar plexus chakra relates to the liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, small intestine, and pancreas. It is associated with digestion.

Emotional Body: The solar plexus chakra has to do with identity and self esteem. The solar plexus chakra controls motivation, ambition, and willpower.

Located just below the xiphoid process, a small cartilaginous extension of the lower part of the sternum, is the solar plexus chakra.
The third chakra is responsible for the transformative functions of the body, including the digestive organs, such as the stomach, pancreas, small intestines, liver, and gallbladder. If your digestion isn’t working properly you won’t receive all of the nutrients from it. It is here in this chakra that so many imbalances begin.

This chakra is associated with the color yellow. To gain a clearer sense of purpose and end procrastination, incorporate more yellow fruits and vegetables into your meals, such as yellow sweet peppers, yellow lentils, corn, etc.

Avoid processed white sugar for this chakra, as it will hinder its ability to perform. Eat more complex carbohydrates like oats, spelt, millet or brown rice.
Exercise forces digestion to work better.

4th Chakra: The Heart Chakra

Physical Body: The heart chakra belongs to the heart, the arms, and the thymus, a small organ in your upper chest. The thymus helps the body make white blood cells and is primarily active before birth and childhood.

Emotional Body: The heart chakra is related to our ability to love and is a source of compassion.

The essence of light is love, and love is what nourishes all of the chakras.
Ancient scriptures describe a place within the heart where the soul dwells: “Within the heart there is a luminous consciousness which is intelligent, imperishable and effulgent.” The heart chakra is the source of a loving, compassionate vibration that transforms feelings into emotional wisdom, kindness, and compassion. A healthy heart chakra has the power to transform love into healing for all.

Because love is the most nourishing energy, the heart chakra has the ability to balance all the other chakras through its expression of love.

It’s associated with the color green. Broccoli, kale, chard, and all other leafy greens are a great source of balance for this chakra. Also, when you cook with love, it infuses the food with this vibration and nourishes not just the body but also the soul by balancing all of the chakras.

5th Chakra: The Throat Chakra

Physical Body: The throat chakra is responsible for the sensory organs, including the lips, tongue, nose, mouth, and ears, as well as the larynx and pharynx. It has a very important effect on metabolism as it corresponds to the thyroid gland.

Emotional Body: The throat chakra links the heart and mind, and is the seed of expression for truth.

A healthy throat chakra will communicate and express the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the other chakras through sound in a way that is authentic and true.

It is associated with the color blue. Kelp, blueberries and blue raspberries are foods that encourage balance in the throat chakra.

6th Chakra: The Third Eye (Forehead) Chakra

Physical Body: It belongs to the brain, face, nose and eyes. Responsible for hormone function and secretion through the pituitary gland and sleep/wake cycles. The third eye chakra controls the “perception” functions of the body through the brain, eyes, and neurotransmitters.

Emotional Body: The third eye chakra is our intuitive or psychic center.

A healthy third eye chakra will create the path of internal visions and dreams, a heightened intuition with the realization of spiritual guidance and inspiration.

The color for this chakra is violet. Any foods of this color will help its function, such as purple potatoes, blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes, etc.

7th Chakra: The Crown Chakra

Physical Body: The crown chakra can be associated with the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland located in the brain, but is related to the whole being. It is the master chakra.

Emotional Body: The crown chakra is our connection to our higher spirituality, our higher self.

The crown chakra infuses the body with life force, allowing the entire individual to function as a divine creature. It oversees all the functions of the body through the central nervous system.

Foods like plum and eggplant can nourish this chakra. This chakra is different from the rest in one way: The crown chakra is in some ways more “spirit” than “matter.” Therefore, the crown chakra thrives on the sustenance that comes from sunlight, air and love.