Anxiety and Chakra Balancing
The first thing you may notice is an increase in your heart rate. This quickly accelerates, until it feels as though the organ is literally about to burst out of your chest. Your breathing automatically speeds up, becomes shallow and labored, and you may begin hyperventilating.
The sweating begins, sometimes accompanied by dizziness, shaking, nausea, and a headache. Sometimes the symptoms are so severe that you wonder if you are actually having a heart attack and going to die. You try to maintain composure, as you are in the midst of a panic attack.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. There are five separate types: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Panic (or anxiety) attacks can be triggered by many factors, from the idea of that upcoming presentation at work, to going inside of a crowded store to buy groceries, to a reminder of past trauma. Some days are better than others, but it can be a struggle. Constantly feeling on edge leaves you utterly exhausted.
Anxiety can cause issues within the body as well. It raises the levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body, which are stress hormones. When we are feeling threatened, these hormones prepare our bodies for the next action, which is fight or flight. Sounds good, right? However, when the body and/or mind is constantly under stress, it can result in high levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body. This can lead to increased blood sugar levels, weight gain, high blood pressure, increased inflammation in the body, heart disease, and a repressed immune system. This is why it is essential to bring anxiety under control.
Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, exercise, mindfulness (focusing on the present moment) and mantras (repeating phrases such as ‘I am calm’) can help you to relax, as can therapy and medication management. You can also receive Reiki sessions for your anxiety. This process consists of channeling energy into your being to assist the body with healing itself. Reiki often involves balancing the chakras, which are the energy centers of our bodies. However, there is one specific chakra that I would like to focus on for this particular issue: the Solar Plexus chakra, or Manipura.
The Solar Plexus chakra is located in the upper abdominal area near the diaphragm, and is associated with the color yellow. This chakra represents will power, self-confidence, and wisdom. When the Solar Plexus chakra is unbalanced, it can result in insecurity, feelings of helplessness, oversensitivity, worry, low self-esteem, and being easily affected by stress. When meditating, it may be helpful to envision the solar plexus chakra emanating a bright yellow light.
While on your journey to overcome anxiety, consider purchasing our Brazen Oil. Its sweet fragrance will brighten your day, while the herbs it contains will stimulate the Solar Plexus chakra. And always, remember to BREATHE.