chakra meditation practiceBy Faye Martins 

Should one take precautions when practicing chakra meditation? This form of meditation is often taught in Yoga and Reiki sessions. Chakra meditation focuses on the seven major chakras, starting at the root and working up toward the crown. Similar to Kundalini Yoga, this type of chakra meditation can produce powerful channels of energy that run up the spine, energizing chakras along the way. While meditating on the chakras can create feelings of bliss and awareness, there is some controversy over its safety in certain situations.

 

Contraindications for Chakra Meditation

When done gradually with proper guidance, chakra meditation is generally considered to be safe. However, anyone who has the following conditions should avoid this type of meditation, unless they are closely supervised by an experienced meditation teacher.

• epileptic seizures

• mental or emotional conditions

• heart disease and other serious physical illnesses

• conditions requiring medication

 

Possible Effects of Chakra Meditation 

Chakra meditation produces physiological and psychological changes in the mind, body, and spirit. When done incorrectly or without proper guidance from a competent meditation or yoga teacher, unexpected side effects, such as the following sensations, can possibly occur.

• shivers along the spine

• feelings of electricity running through the body

• spontaneous motor movements

• nausea or headaches

• changes in breathing patterns

• laughing or crying unexpectedly

• audio or visual hallucinations

• anxiety, disorientation, or depression

• reactions to suppressed memories

• out-of-body experiences

• altered sleep patterns

• increased psychic ability

In spite of possible discomfort in cases where techniques are used to force the chakras to open too quickly, the many benefits of chakra meditation are undisputed. Opening the chakras provides an opportunity to get in touch with the deep energy hidden within the body, often creating mystical experiences and feelings of oneness with the world.

 

Some meditation experts believe that bad meditation experiences are more likely to occur when the person practicing the meditating expects a bad experience, is under a lot of stress, has long-term problems or suppressed memories from the past, or is undertaking the process without support and assistance from a well-trained guide. Fear of chakra meditation or negative expectations may also contribute to bad experiences. Anyone going through these symptoms should consult a knowledgeable therapist or health professional familiar with these issues.

When chakra meditation is correctly used to clear blockages in the body’s energy fields, it can help to prevent illness, improve mental and emotional stability, and open the soul to a higher level of consciousness. Chakra balancing practices are considered to be safe. There are many books and kits on the market related to chakra balancing.  The Chakra Balancing: A Guide to Healing and Awakening Your Energy Body, by Anodea Judith is one of my favorites. However, it contains CDs and you would need a CD player to get the most out of it. Anodea Judith has also written many books on the chakras.

Lastly, there is a growing number of people who say that chakra awakenings had negative effect on them. My feeling is I’m not looking for trouble at this point in life. As my teacher (Dr. Paul) often says: “Don’t take my word for it – Do the research.” I have never participated in a chakra awakening ritual, but if you dig into the subject on the Internet, you will form your own opinion before jumping into it uninformed. As for me, I would just rather be safe.

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

 

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