The Sanskrit name of this chakra is svadhisthana, meaning one’s own place. The sacral chakra is associated with the parts of our consciousness that are concerned with food and sex. It is the communication from the physical body to the consciousness, about what the body desires and finds pleasurable. It is also where we distinguish a sense of oneself and how to establish relationships with others. This second chakra is associated with lessons on sexuality, work, creativity and self-protection. Continue Reading
The Root Chakra
The Sanskrit name of the root chakra is muladhara, meaning root support. The root chakra is associated with the parts of our consciousness that revolve around security, survival and trust. For most people, this includes issues with basic survival, as the root chakra concerns the energy and desire to be rooted in the physical world and self-preservation. When this chakra is in its clear state, we feel secure, present and grounded. A threat to survival causes tension in the root chakra which is Continue Reading
Getting to Know Your Chakras
Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel” or “vortex.” Chakras are not physical, but rather a solid ball of energy that interpenetrates the physical body. Chakras are facets of consciousness, similar to auras. Chakras however are denser than auras and interact with the physical body through the endocrine and nervous systems. Ayurvedic literature indicates there is a discrepancy in the number of chakras within the human body. Some theorists refer to one chakra; others refer to five, seven, Continue Reading
Castor Oil Packs for Self-Care
The use of castor oil has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Researchers in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine reported the presence of castor bean seeds in Egyptian tombs dating back over 4,000 years. Historical archives have also documented the use of castor oil in Africa, India, Greece and Southern Europe. Ancient Romans were fully aware of its healing capabilities when they referred to the castor oil plant as Palma Christi meaning the hand of Christ. The oil is extracted from Continue Reading