What is the meaning of the Chakras in respect to psychology?
Adaptation of an article by Ulrike Banis, MD, ND
Psychosomatic conditions are characterized by complaints without conventional explanation, with patients frequently diagnosed with a ‘somatopsychic disorder’, however this does not lead to treatment. Fortunately, ‘Psychosomatic Energetics’ helps the patient better understand what is making them ill and provides a pathway for effective treatment.
The body’s energy centres, based on the study of chakras from ancient India, equate well with the body’s autonomic centres as well as the hormonal glands of the endocrine system. Besides performing physiological functions, the chakras are also responsible for certain psychological and energetic roles in the body.
Chakra 1 the root chakra, RED, represents connection. When we are children, we need to have primary trust in life, and feel welcome in the world and within our families. Experiencing trauma at an early age can lead to emotional conflicts that become stored in the 1st chakra. These conflicts indicate a lack of trust and a sense of not feeling grounded. In order to express these feelings, symptoms arise in the uterus, ovaries, prostate, bladder, vagina or hips and legs with associated conditions including chronic enlarged prostate, vaginal infections or leg ulcers.
Chakra 2 the sacral chakra, ORANGE, teaches us how to deal with our own strength, courage and stress. We have to learn to use our power wisely, not always going beyond our boundaries. The organs that speak to us on this level are: the intestines, lower back, kidneys (that react to our fears) and the adrenals that produce stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
Chakra 3 the solar plexus chakra, YELLOW, is reflective of our need to learn to identify (digest and assimilate) what is useful and what is harmful; and to be able to let go (excrete) of these negative emotions that result in pain, grief, or anger. The emotions can be connected to allergies and addiction. The organs including the liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas produce symptoms including poor digestion from lack of digestive enzymes or high blood sugar.
Chakra 4 the heart chakra, GREEN, is where the lungs, heart, thymus gland and breasts are located. The central energetic issue is trust, as trusting oneself, trusting others and trust in life. It is more than pure coincidence that heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death. While factors such as smoking, improper nutrition, being overweight and lack of exercise are causes, an overlooked factor is a feeling of anxiety leading to a ‘broken heart’. In addition, when our emotional immune system is affected, we can directly correlate the thymus gland to a weakened immune system and autoimmune conditions.
Chakra 5 the throat chakra, LIGHT BLUE, is related to communication, expressing ourselves and being honest. With the throat as a gateway to emotions, the ability to communicate represents how we present ourselves to the outside world and the ability to listen and understand others. The conflicts can hide behind symptoms like tonsillitis, hoarse throat, timidness or stage fright. It can also trigger malfunctions of the thyroid, and hormonal or metabolic conditions.
Chakra 6 the third eye chakra, INDIGO BLUE, deals with finding a balance in one’s life, creativity, developing our intuition and coming to terms with others. We can find the conflicts behind symptoms like tinnitus, migraines, sleeping disorders, pain, soft tissue rheumatism or burnout syndrome. As the pituitary is the associated gland and acts as the hormonal conductor of the endocrine system, these conflicts can affect the balance of the endocrine system and many bodily functions.
Chakra 7 the crown chakra, VIOLET, relates to spiritual beliefs, our sense of life and sense of structure. Due to pace of change in life, many people find it increasingly difficult to cope with the world around them and their role in it. Numerous learning disabilities, neuroses, psychoses, family problems, addictions, and epilepsy are related, in addition to the overall homeostasis and the circadian rhythms of the body due to the connection with the hypothalamus. We need to positively change our patterns and deep-seated convictions in order to heal.
With a broader understanding of the psychological meaning of psychosomatic symptoms, the practitioner is able to gain greater insight concerning patients’ conditions. Through energy testing with the REBA test device and using homeopathic remedies (Chavita and Emvita) these underlying conflicts can be addressed easily.