In using aromatherapy to influence or support balance in the chakras — seven energy centers located along the spinal column that exist in the etheric or energetic body — we can choose among a wide variety of essential oils that affect us in different ways. Some have correspondence to emotions, the scent of some bring a color to mind (think lemon and the color yellow), and some create a sense of peace that enhances our other balancing practices.
We can also use essential oils to help balance the chakras by treating any of the issues of the physical body, emotions, mood and spiritual connection that throw us out of balance.
Below are some essential oils that are connected with the seven different chakras that I suggest for bringing your chakras — and your body/mind/spirit — into balance.
Root/Muladhara Chakra — At the root, we can use essential oils to ground and connect us to the earth. Our sense of smell is associated with this chakra — which makes aromatherapy a powerful balancing agent for this chakra. Suggested oils: vetiver, patchouli, clove, cinnamon, myrrh and bergamot.
Sacral/Svadhisthana Chakra — We can support the second chakra with aphrodisiacal and joyful essential oils that remind us of the changing aspects of human nature— passion, creation and emotion. Suggested oils: ylang ylang, neroli, jasmine, sandalwood and citrus oils.
Solar Plexus/Manipura Chakra — For the third chakra, we look to oils that support a happy spirit — joyful, positive and encouraging, and those that are warming, energizing and connecting. Suggested oils: lemon, orange, grapefruit, helichrysum, myrrh, eucalyptus and juniper berry.
Heart/Anahata Chakra — Essential oils to consider for this chakra are floral oils connected with the emotion of love and leaf oils that open our lungs and chest. This important energy center is a link between the physical and the spiritual and can be the key to a happy, fulfilled life. Suggested oils: jasmine, rose, geranium, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and bergamot.
Throat/Visshuddha Chakra — The fifth chakra, center of communication and expression, is supported by essential oils known to encourage peaceful communication and those that are naturally cooling. Suggested oils: German chamomile and lemon.
Third Eye/Ajna Chakra — In aromatherapy, we work around this area with oils that are supportive to both brain function and oils with strong spiritual ties – specifically oils used for intuition and clarity of vision. The sixth chakra especially benefits from inhalation or diffusion of essential oils during the practice of meditation. Suggested Oils: rosemary, German chamomile, vanilla and frankincense.
Crown/Sahasrara Chakra — Many essential oils are used to influence the seventh chakra because of their long spiritual associations and associations with the practice of meditation. Suggested oils: sandalwood, frankincense, neroli, lavender, vanilla and jasmine.
To support your chakras with essential oils, diffuse any or several oils in your home. You can also dilute these oils and wear them as scents. (Concentrate on areas of the body that absorb essential oils well, such as pulse points, the bottoms of your feet or behind your knees.)
Whatever means you choose to incorporate essential oils into your life, they can help you find the balance you are seeking. Visit the Aura Cacia Chakra Center for more information and specific aromatherapy recipes to help you balance your chakras.