Maybe you don’t expect to see a chakra clearing session mixed in with yoga classes. The western part of the world tends to be more focused on outward results, and you do yoga because that’s what you want. Results.

Strength. Flexibility. Toning. Gentle exercise for an injured or unconditioned body.

And you know nothing of chakras or chanting or all that other “woo woo” stuff.

The truth is, yoga, chakra clearing, and chanting work together to create harmony with your inner and outer world. They are all forms of meditation!

If you’re new to the woo, then this post will be helpful in understanding why I offer a Chakras and Sound Healing class through myYogaTeacher.

What are chakras anyway?

Chakras are energy points in your body that correspond to organs, nerves, and areas of our body that affect our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are all made up of energy! Everything is made of energy.

So it is no surprise that energy flows through and around us.

When your chakras or energy centers are off balance or blocked, you may experience negative emotional or physical symptoms related to a particular chakra.

The seven main chakras are:

1. Root chakra (Muladhara): Responsible for your sense of security, stability, and safety.

2. Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana): Responsible for sexual and creative energy and linked to how you relate to and connect with others.

3. Solar plexus chakra (Manipura): Corresponds to confidence, self-esteem, and helps you feel in control of your life.

4. Heart chakra (Anahata): All about our ability to love and show compassion.

5. Throat chakra (Vishuddha): Has to do with how we communicate verbally.

6. Third eye chakra (Ajna): Linked to intuition and imagination.

7. Crown chakra (Sahasrara): Represents your spiritual connection to self, others, and the Universe/God. Also linked to your life’s purpose.

How do you know if you have one or many – or any – blocked chakras? And what does clearing them even mean? Or do?

Clear your chakras and improve your life.

Having balanced chakras (or imbalanced ones) impacts all areas of your life. Chakras are receptors and emitters. They receive and give back energy. You will receive the same frequency of energy back from the world that you emit.

An easily relatable example of this is when you constantly see the negative attributes in someone’s character. The more you talk, think, and explore those negative things, the more you will find. This also works in reverse. When we love someone, we choose to see all the good things in them, which leads us to find more good things.

When you feel poor, you often act poor. So you receive more of the same. When you are unkind, you are often met with unkindness.

This is energy. Chakra energy.

Here are some physical signs you can use to determine if you have blocked or imbalanced chakras:

1. Root chakra: Stress about money, digestive issues, arthritis, problems in the legs, feet, tailbone or rectum, prostate issues.

2. Sacral chakra: Constant fear of betrayal, sexual or reproductive health issues, hip or lower back pain, urinary or kidney dysfunction.

3. Solar plexus chakra: Fear of rejection, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, pancreas or gallbladder problems.

4. Heart chakra: Fear of being alone, asthma, arm and wrist pain, jealousy or bitterness, upper back or shoulder problems.

5. Throat chakra: Fear being out of control, thyroid issues, sore throats, ear infections, trouble expressing yourself, neck and shoulder pain.

6. Third eye chakra: Moodiness or stubbornness, blurry vision or eye problems, sinus issues, headaches.

7. Crown chakra: Fear of alienation, rigid thoughts, analysis paralysis.

Regularly clearing your chakras through a guided chakra clearing session or by visiting an energy healer will help alleviate many of these symptoms.

And don’t rule it out as a part of your regular yoga routine!

Why we chant and other “weird” meditation practices

You may not feel comfortable chanting at the end of your yoga practice. Might want to check on your throat chakra about that (jk)!

Or maybe it’s just unfamiliar to you. Why do we do it? What’s the point?

Sound healing is real. The practice of using vibrations in order to relax and heal the body has been scientifically proven to be effective.

Traditionally, the chanting of “Om” (pronounced “AUM”) happens at the beginning and end of a yoga or meditation session. The letters AUM symbolize the divine energy of Shakti. Shakti is referred to as the “Great Divine Mother” in Hinduism.

The three main characteristics of Shakti are creation, preservation, and liberation.

The sound Om, when done correctly, vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hz, the same frequency as everything throughout nature. It’s a universal sound that helps us connect with ourselves and everything around us.

Chanting not only helps us open and close our practice, separating it from the rest of our day. It also helps slow down the nervous system and calm the mind.

Just as chanting helps calm the mind and connect and ground us to the present, “Namaste” shows respect and reverence for the experience, the Universe, and the other people around you.

It may seem weird to you, but think of it as a handshake of gratitude to your body, your instructor, and the planet that supports you both.

I encourage you to challenge yourself to a Chakra and Sound Healing session. Feel the difference in your heart, mind, and body afterwards. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. Do any parts of your body ache or hurt less? Is your mind more calm and focused? Do you feel more connected to yourself and nature?

These are some of the benefits you may experience!

Not sure about it just yet? myYogaTeacher offers a 2-week free trial where you have access to my class and many more! Group yoga, meditation, sound healing, and chakra clearing classes from the comfort of your own home.

All are welcome here!