According to Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, there are seven main chakras within the human body. Chakra, Sanskrit for "wheel" or "circle", are energy centers that correspond to major nerve centers in the body. Beyond the physical component, these energy systems are influenced by our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. This system of thought is amazing because it shows the intimacy between mind, body, and spirit and serves to illustrate exactly how emotional states (especially negative ones like despair or extreme stress) can culminate as physical manifestations in the body. Perhaps the more notable associations include stress and migraine headaches, anxiousness and tummy woes, or financial stress accompanied by lower back pain, and thus, are indicative of imbalances. When one or more chakras become imbalance, this energetic imbalance can radiate into and impact other areas of your life. In this article, we will be taking a look at potential imbalances, while exploring what foods have the ability to clear, charge, and balance certain chakras.
Eat the Rainbow: All living things carry life force energy. Consuming high-vibration foods that resonate with the major energy centers of the body is one of the best ways you can raise your energetic vibration and cultivate balance in your life.
Root Chakra Sakskrit: Muladhara
Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra represents innate survival abilities. This chakra grounds and connects you to the physical world.
Imbalances in this chakra can bring about feelings of insecurity, stress, fear.
Foods to consume:
Root Vegetables
Red Fruits – Pomegranates, Red Apples, Red Bell Pepper, Watermelon
Red Spices – Paprika, Red Pepper
Protein – Bone Broth, Lentils, Red Kidney Beans
Sacral Chakra Sanskrit: Svhadhisthana
Concentrated between the root and navel, feelings and sensations are the embodiment of this energy center. Based in emotion, the sacral chakra is associated with our emotional state, relationships, sensuality, and creativity.
Imbalances can lead to overly-emotional states (or the opposite: feeling disconnected from oneself), lack of sexual desire (or the opposite: an overindulgence), or dependency
Foods to consume:
Fresh Pure Water
Clear Liquids – Tea, Bone Broths
Orange Vegetables – Carrots, Orange Bell Pepper, Squash
Orange Fruits – Mangos, Oranges, Tangerines, Melons
The Solar Plexus Chakra Sanskrit: Manipura
Above the navel, near the diaphraphm, lies the solar plexus charka. This chakra resonates with one’s ego and self-esteem. Will-power, drive, clear judgements, and confidence in action stem from this center.
Imbalances can be reflective on excessive control (or the opposite: loss of control; helplessness), manipulative actions, or lacking clear direction/purpose accompanied by indecisiveness
Foods to Consume:
Yellow Produce: Bananas, Lemons, Yellow Bell Peppers, Squashes, Pineapples
Healthy, Complex Carbohydrates & Whole Grains
Gut Friendly Foods – Kombucha, Kimchi, Kefir, Probiotic Shots
Herbal Teas – Speriment, Ginger, and Chamomile
Heart Chakra Sanskrit: Anahata
Often referred to as the “House of the Soul,” this chakra resides at the center of the chest and is connected to our capacity for unconditional love, compassion, and trancendance of egotistical limitations.
Imbalances in the heart chakra may include feeling withdrawn, jealous, unforgiving, or codependent.
Foods to Consume:
Nutritious, Mineral Dense Green Vegetables – Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Bok Choy, Chard, Dandelion Greens, Collard Greens, Broccoli
Green Fruits – Avocado, Lime, Green Apples
Green Tea -
Herbs and Spices – Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme, Basil, Rosemary
Throat Chakra
Sanskrit: Vishuddha
Positioned at the neck’s center, this chakra constitutes expression of ourselves and is the communication center.
Imbalances may include excessive speech (or the opposite: fear of speaking), an inability to listen, or a lack of connection to one’s purpose.
Foods to Consume:
Blueberries
Herbal Tea
Stone Fruit – Plums, Peaches, Cherries, Apricots
Third Eye Chakra Sanskrit: Ajna
Centered between the eyebrows, this energy center is a reflection of our inner visions and intuition.
Imbalances in this chakra may be associated with a lack of clarity, inability to see the larger picture, feeling stuck, or rejection of spirit.
Foods to Consume:
Healthy Nuts and Seeds – Sprouted Almonds, Raw Walnuts, Macadamias, Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds
Purple Produce – Acai, Blackberries, Goji Berries, Eggplant, Purple Grapes
Water
Crown Chakra Sanskrit: Sahasrara
Located at the crown of the head, this energy center is our spiritual center, representing the spirit of our mind and body.
Imbalances can lead to isolation, lack of direction, spiritual disconnect, and an inability to set and achieve one’s goals.
While food does not necessarily impart on the crown chakra, these practices can bring balance to the crown chakra:
meditation
yoga
sunlight
use of incense and essential oils like sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh
Remember, certain foods exude a vibration that uniquely matches energy centers of body.
Next time you have a craving, examine your emotional and physical state? You might just find a connection. 😊