Understanding the connections between Ayurveda and the chakras is essential for the holistic healing process. Both Ayurveda and the chakra system provide multiple methods for restoring harmony and balance to the body-mind system. The combination of Ayurveda and the chakras enables a more comprehensive and interconnected approach to well-being, addressing both the physical, mental, and subtler aspects of an individual.
In this article, we explain the relationships between Ayurveda and the 7 major chakras and related herbs for balancing the chakras. We’re going to discuss about each of the 7 chakras and the individual characteristics (doshas) and herbs of the energy centers.
Ayurveda and chakras
Are you wondering how Ayurveda is linked to the chakras? Perhaps you have heard about the 7 chakras, but you’re not sure what they are or how the imbalanced chakras can be balanced and the blockages of the chakras can be removed by using traditional and natural herbs. Here, we will explain the details.
Ayurveda and the Chakras
Ayurveda is a tradition in India for thousands of years. Ayurveda and the 7 chakras has a long history for healing, balancing and solving the physical, psychological and spiritual problems. The use of herbs and herbal combinations with yoga, mantra and meditations has many time tested combinational formulas to overcome the challenges of life.
Ayurveda means “the science of long life.” Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are dynamic forces or energies that govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body. When these doshas are in balance, an individual experiences good health. However, imbalances in the doshas can lead to physical and mental disturbances.
Chakras are psychic energy centers in the body, each resembling a spinning disk or wheel. They are associated with various aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The chakras are thought to receive, process, and transmit energy throughout the body and surrounding environment. When the chakras are not balanced, they can become overactive or underactive.Thus, the energy flow through the chakras is either too much or too little, resulting in imbalances in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
Combining Ayurvedic and chakra-based holistic healing protocols strengthens the three types of life energies: Ojas, Tejas, and Prana. The integration of Ayurveda and chakra healing protocols aims to optimize the flow of Prana, ensuring vitality, balance, and harmonious functioning of the body-mind complex.
How many chakras?
There are 114 chakras in human body. Among these 114 chakras, the 7 chakras are major, 21 chakras are minor and the rest 86 chakras are micro chakras. To improve the effectiveness of balancing, clearing, diagnosis, treatment and healing a combined approach of the 114 chakra system and Ayurveda is essential. Here, we discussed the ancient wisdom of the 7 chakras and Ayurveda in a holistic way.
Key Ayurveda Herbs and the Chakras
The key Ayurvedic herbs – medicinal plants and preparations associated with the 114 chakras are: Amla, Triphala, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Gurmarar, Neem, Turmeric, Ash Gourd, Brahmi, Shatavari, Shankhpushpi, Arjun, Yashtimadhu, Gotu kola, Pippali, Fenugreek, Haritaki, Black pepper, Ginger, Guduchi, and Guggulu. The Ayurveda “rasayanas,” are the special herbal preparations used to improve immune responses and to fight against inflammatory diseases. Ayurveda herbal remedies are considered natural products because they contain ingredients found in nature.
The 114 chakras are linked to human personalities. From the link between the chakras, human personalities and the Ayurveda herbs, many personality disorders can be cured. However, in the present world, getting proper authentic ayurvedic herbal preparation is almost impossible. Hence, home made preparations are the best. Home made Ayurveda preparations can align your chakras.
The Four Pillars of Ayurveda
The word “Ayurveda” has two components (Ayus + Veda), Ayus means “Long Life” and the Veda means “Science or Wisdom”. Hence, the word Ayurveda means “The Science of Long Life”. The practice of Ayurveda medicine is based on the concept of three major constitutional types (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) defined as “Prakriti” or “Tridosha”.
The four core component of Ayurveda is explained below.
The four pillars of Ayurveda are:
1. TriDosha – The three basic bio-energies – Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth) in the body.
2. TriGuna – Three basic properties – Sattva (the pure), Rajas (the dynamic), and Tamas (the inert).
3. Five Mahabhutas – Five basic elements – Earth, water, fire, air, and space.
4. Chorashi Ousodhi – The 84 main herbs. They have special 36 herbal combinations called Rasayana.
The Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and regulation of all bodily functions. The state of health has been defined as the presence of equilibrium in activities of these three Doshas. The Ayurvedic drugs are primarily derived from vegetable sources from the various parts of the plant like root, leaf, flower, fruit extrude or plant as a whole. The chakras are also related to the five types of foods. Proper Ayurveda techniques can balance your chakras and cleanse your aura.
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The 7 Chakras
A chakra is an energy center in the human body that receives, processes and transmits bio-information about particular aspects of feelings, energy, and experience. In Sanskrit the word “chakra” literally means “wheel”. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, glands, and areas of our energetic body that affect our spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.
The names of the 7 chakras are: Root Chakra (Muladhara), Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana), Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), Heart Chakra (Anahata), Throat Chakra (Vishuddha), Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna) and the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara). They run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
There are seven major chakras in our body in our spine but there are many powerful chakras in our body which are located throughout your body say on face, body, spine, armpit, legs, hands, nose, ears tongue, feet etc.
What do the 7 chakras mean?
Chakras are the energy vortexes. Each chakra has their unique emotional, personality, evolutional, and spiritual meaning. Each chakra has their own symbol, color, personalities, energy directions, evolution type and meaning. Chakras are always active in our human body. They can be under active, overactive or balanced. Every chakra has its impact on human mind and body you can balance all the chakras using Yoga and 7 chakras meditations. All balanced chakras aids in healthy body, mind and spirit and harmony among them.
To learn more about the 7 chakras – Read The 7 Chakras a Beginner’s Guide
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Three Doshas of Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
The doshas ensure that all the five elements are held together and exert their functions in synergism for the optimum function of the human body. The variations in Tridoshas are the basis for disease diagnosis and treatment in Ayurveda. These three major constitutional types (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are also known as “Prakriti”. Recently, researchers observed that this Prakriti classification of Ayurveda, has a genetic basis.
The relation between the 84 primary herbs of Ayurveda and the variations of the Tridoshas are the primary instrument for Ayurveda diagnosis and treatment.
The five elements combine in pairs to form the three bodily humours (doshas): Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). The doshas are types of energy: they are present in every cell of the body and are responsible for the processes which take place there. Doshas form the foundation for all life. The balance of these three doshas are the secret of health and happiness. The details of the three doshas are as follows:
Vata Dosha
Vata is like air and space. Vata dosha ensures that the movement of your body elements are smooth and efficient without any restriction. Vata types of people are exceptionally creative, communicative and full with ideas. They are easily enthused, but run the risk of spreading themselves too distracted by something new small resistance and get better after just after a short time.
Vata imbalance causes physical problems like constipation, hypertension, weakness, arthritis, restlessness and other stomach or digestion related problems. Excess Vayu in the body produces weak, irregular digestion, and causes gas.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta is like fire. Pitta acts as the heat energy, digests food at gross and cellular levels. It provides temperature, vision and color to the body. Pitta is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and transformation in the body. Pitta types of people are normally quick in thinking, high intelligence and ambition. Researchers observed that PGM1 genes are associated with the Pitta phenotype.
Pitta imbalances creates a situation like an overheated furnace, mood off, digestion and metabolic problems.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is responsible for our stability, immunity, and strength. Kapha is the cohesive and lubricating force that holds together the opposing elements water and earth elements. Kapha is based in the chest area. Kapha holds the cells together which forms the muscle, fat and bones in the body. At a spiritual level, it is primarily associated with terms such as love, courage, stamina, dedication, forgiveness and stability. Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine.
Kapha balanced people are normally, strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive.
Kapha imbalance causes excess mucus, allergies, and/or congestion and the body become lethargic and slow. This imbalance causes the mind become foggy and dull.
Sub-divisions of the three Basic Doshas
Each one of the basic doshas has got innumerable sub-divisions due to relative degrees and variations in interaction of psyche and body. The three basis doshas are further divided into the following 5 subtypes each:
- Vata: Prana, udana, Vyana, Samana and Apana.
- Pitta: Sadhak, Ranjak, Bhrajak, Pachak and Alochak.
- Kapha: Avalmabak, Tarpak, Kledak, Bodhak Shleshak.
The Eight Combitations of the Three Basic Doshas
There are a total of 8 combinations of Tridosha (the three basic doshas). They are as follows:
- Vata dominant – Earth and air is dominant.
- Pitta dominant – Fire element is dominant.
- Kapha dominant – Water element is dominant.
- Vata-Kapha dominant – Both air and water elements are highly active, but air is more active.
- Kapha-Pitta dominant – Both water and fire elements are highly active, but water is more active.
- Pitta-Vata dominant – Both fire and air elements are highly active, but fire is more active.
- Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance – Air, fire, water and other elements are in balance.
- Vata-Pitta-Kapha imbalance – Air,fire, water and other elements are in not balance.
The 7 Chakras and the the related hebs are discussed below.
The Root Chakra – The 1st Chakra
The root chakra is located base of spine, in the tailbone area. When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges. When the root chakra is blocked, we feel threatened, insecure and unsafe. The root chakra is associated with the Vata doshsa.
The Sacral Chakra – The 2nd Chakra
The sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen area, about 2 inches below the navel. It controls creativity and reproduction energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives. The sacral chakra is associated with the Vata-Pitta doshsa.
The Solar plexus Chakra – The 3rd Chakra
The solar plexus chakra is located in the upper abdomen area, near the navel. If this chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are confident and emotionally stable.
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The primary herb for the solar plexus chakra is Fenugreek. The solar plexus chakra is associated with the Pitta doshsa.
The Heart Chakra – The 4th Chakra
The heart is located in the center of the chest. The color of the heart chakra is green. The heart chakra makes bridge between the lower chakras (associated with the success in the material world) and the upper chakras (associated with the access to the deep divinity). If heart chakra is open, one can experience deep compassion and empathy.
If this chakra is blocked, they face difficulties in relationships. The heart chakra is associated with the Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance doshsa.
The Throat Chakra – The 5th Chakra
The throat chakra gives the ability to communicate with others and express the personal power. The throat chakra is located in the throat area. When it is open and balanced, one can express them truly and clearly. If the root chakra is blocked, and one feel difficulties in finding to say proper words and unable to express their oratory power.
Primary herbs for the throat chakra are Pippali and Yashtimadhu. The sacral chakra is associated with the Vata-Kapha doshsa.
The Third-Eye Chakra – The 6th Chakra
The third-eye chakra is responsible to see the big picture. It gives clarity, intuition and the long term vision. This chakra is located in the forehead. The blockages of the third-eye chakra can manifest headaches, lack of clarity of mind, and lack of concentration.
The primary herb for the third-eye chakra is shankhpusp. The third-eye chakra is associated with the Vata-Pitta doshsa.
The Crown Chakra – The 7th Chakra
The crown chakra is located at the top of the head. The color of this chakra is violet. This chakra gives access to the higher consciousness. When the crown chakra is blocked people become narrow-minded, skeptical, or stubborn. When this chakra is open and balanced, the crown chakra brings bliss and enlightenment.
The primary herb for the crown chakra is Brahmi. The crown chakra is associated with the Vata doshsa.
Gaining knowledge and tools about the chakras and the Ayuveda gives you more power and refines your ability to cultivate, manifest and balance your energy centers.
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Putting It All Together
We hope this guide has served you in your journey to a better understanding of the chakras and their Ayurveda herbs. Having a simple awareness of your chakras and the related herbs is not only good news for your physical body, but also for your mind and spirit. Ayurveda herbs are als helpful for balancing and healing the 12 meridians in the body.
Ayurveda preparations can balance and align your chakras and cleanse your aura too. Your diet and the herbs affect your thoughts and emotions all the time. Now that you understand the important herbs and the 7 chakras. So you can use them for healing and balancing the chakras.
Both Ayurveda and the chakra system offer various practices to restore balance. Ayurveda suggests dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and herbal remedies, while the chakra system recommends practices like yoga, meditation, and energy work. Combining these approaches provides a synergistic effect, addressing imbalances on multiple levels and promoting overall well-being.