Chakra acupuncture combines the wisdom of ancient Indian medical knowledge and Chinese acupuncture. In Indian traditional medicine (such as Ayurvedic medicine), the chakras are seven key energy centers. The word comes from the Sanskrit for wheel of light. In contemporary alternative therapies the two systems have been usefully combined, both in reaching a diagnosis and in treatment. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils add a third level to this way of healing.
Indian and Ayruvedic medicine recognize seven main chakras, though these seven are just the most important among many energy points in the body. The seven key chakras are aligned vertically, along the spine, from the groin to the top of the head. On the head are the crown and third eye chakras. Further important chakras are located in the throat, the heart, spleen and solar plexus regions. The final chakra is the root chakra, located in the groin area. The chakras are foci of spiritual energy that can be correlated with the organs that are important in the Chinese philosophy of medicine. Each chakra is linked to different spiritual energies. For example, the second, third and fifth chakras relate to sexuality, spiritual vitality, individual power and creative achievement respectively.
The chakras in Indian healing are integral to the free movement of energy around the body. They are also engaged in processing external energy flows and positive and negative influences in the individuals environment. Free energy flow is the source of spiritual, physical and mental health. Very similar ideas are found in Chinese medicine, which is concerned with the flow of qi around the body, in channels known as meridians. Qi includes both positive and negative energies, known as yin and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture at key organ locations to channel the energy flow. Both systems strive for equilibrium and the free flow of energies
In chakra healing today the correspondences and common goals of Chinese acupuncture and Indian chakra healing come together. Inserting acupuncture needles at the key chakra points renews the life energies and unblocks the pathways in the body.
To augment these treatments, aromatheraphy and essential oils can be incorporated into the treatment. Depending on the properties of the various oils, they may be applied to the chakra that is diagnosed as the root of the problem, or introduced into the persons energy field in other ways.
Inhaling the fragrance or anointing the hands and feet with a selected oil complement chakra and acupuncture therapy. Colour therapy may also be incorporated, to help choose the most effective fragrances for healing.
The three therapies combine seamlessly and for many offer the answer to their physical and emotional needs. Like other alternative ways of healing, chakra acupuncture with aromatherapy is a drug-free health path that takes into account that we are not just biological organisms but also spiritual beings.
