Recipe for Chakra Chip Cookies

Most of us use the language of chakras every day whether we are conscious of it or not.  “My heart aches every time I see that Humane Society commercial with the Sarah Mclachlan mezzo soprano emotional background music.” Or “Ever since the move, I’ve just felt so ungrounded.” Or “That guy gives me the heebie jeebies.” We are all complex beings, and we need a systems approach that reflects the nature of our reality as emotional, mental, physical and spiritual creatures. The chakra system does just that. 

As I work through my masters in social work, I continue to be inspired and amazed at how well the chakra system captures the complexity of the human soul, while aligning with many western biopsychosocial models and theories. Maslow’s psychosocial model, for example, defines human needs as a hierarchical pyramid founded in physiological needs, and building up to safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization at the pinnacle. As you check out the chakra summary below, notice that it follows a similar structure.

In the chakra summaries below you also see a model of addictions based on the chakra model, as well. Using substances to fill in and match energetically what we are lacking in that chakra makes sense. I mean who hasn’t drowned out a bad break up with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked and a Nicolas Sparks movie. And I know I can’t be the only one who downs mac and cheese when I’m homesick? Much of the chakra system is intuitive, because it models what we already see in human behavior.

The chakra system also presents an interesting way to understand and conceptualize trauma. Most somatic issues, regardless of how they present, have two major roots: trauma or autoimmune response. Since trauma occurs from the outside in, there is generally a perpetrator, traditional energy healing suggests there must be a healer (whether a shaman or a therapist) to remove the energetic toxins. Now think about what age a child is when a trauma occurs and what kinds of mental, emotional, physical issues will develop. According to research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs Study), children with childhood sexual abuse experience chronic low back pain and digestion issues and self esteem. That’s second and third chakra right there, and most children need help and support in processing through the traumatic experience (a healer, therapist or supportive parent).

The cool thing about yoga therapy and energy work is it is tailored to a chakra based system. The entire person receives healing, not just one element of them. Last month I attended a workshop with Cyndi Dale, author of the book Energetic Boundaries. Here is an outline of some of the things she had to say on the chakras, supplemented with additional information from Carolyn Myss’s book Anatomy of the Spirit. Keep in mind, this is a super rough outline of an incredible complex system and much of the info comes from the sources above! 

1st—

This chakra has to do with your tribe, your physical family and support network where you feel safe and supported. This can also relate to how you feel within your larger society and culture. Balance here looks like feeling safe and at home, both within your immediate core family and within a culture, social and familial law and order.

Imbalances manifest as: sciatica, varicose veins, depression, immune related issues.

Physical gland associated with it: Immune System

Age of development: 1st – Infancy

Addiction associated with chakra: cocaine/alcohol.

2nd—

This chakra has to do with blame, guilt, and shame, power and control. Ethics and honor in relationships. Incest and sexual trauma hits this one hard. It is often a complete violation of an honor code.

Imbalances manifest as: Chronic low back pain, sciatica, ob/gyn problems, pelvic floor pain, sexual potency and urinary tract problems, blocks in creativity.

Physical gland associated with it: Sexual Organs

Age of development: 6 months to 2.5 years

Addiction associated with chakra: gluten, bread, dairy and every traditional comfort food. Energetics of that food are motherly and comforting. Can also manifest as sex addiction.

3rd—

This ckakra is the seat of our power, ego, and self-worth. It has to do with mental worrying, trust, fear and intimidation, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, personal honor, sensitivity to critique, care of self and others.

Imbalances manifest as: arthritis, gastric ulcers, colon/intestinal problems, pancreatitis, diabetes, indigestion, adrenal failure.

Physical gland associated with it: Adrenal Glands

Age of development: 2.5 to 4 years

Addiction associated with chakra: salt, corn, crunchy stuff, missing power. Caffeine and beer, as well.

4th –

This chakra is where our heart is. It is the realm of the emotions of love and hatred, resentment, grief, anger, loneliness and commitment, forgiveness, hope, trust.

Imbalances manifest as: Congestive heart failure, heart attack, valve issues, asthma, allergies, lung cancer, bronchitis, upper back and shoulder pain, breast cancer.

Physical gland associated with it: Thymus Gland

Age of development: 4.5 to 6.5 years

Addiction associated with chakra: deficit in heart means high love needs and can sometimes look like chronic searching for love, or addiction to wine, love, chocolate.

5th–

This chakra resting in our throat has to do with self-expression and speaking one’s truth. Choice and strength of will, following a dream, making decisions and manifesting.

Imbalances manifest as: raspy throat, chronic sore throat, mouth ulcers and gum issues, TMJ, scoliosis, swollen glands, thyroid.

Physical gland associated with it: Thyroid Gland

Age of development: 6.5 to 8.5 years

Addiction associated with chakra:  oral fixations, smoking, too much or too little talking.

6th—

This chakra is where our intuition rests. It has to do with self evaluation, truth, intellectual abilities, openness to other’s ideas, ability to learn and grow.

Imbalances manifest as: brain tumor, hemorrhage, stroke, blindness, deafness, full spinal difficulty, learning disabilities, seizure.

Physical gland associated with it: Pituitary Gland

Age of development: 8.5 to 14 years

Addiction associated with chakra: bulimia and anorexia (also in third chakra)

7th—

This chakra has to do with our spirituality and connection to a source greater than us. It’s our ability to trust life, spirituality, and values, ethics and courage, seeing big picture, faith and inspiration, devotion.

Imbalances manifest as: mystical depression, chronic fatigue, extreme sensitivity to light or environment.

Physical gland associated with it: Pineal Gland

Age of development: 14 to 21 years

Addiction associated with chakra: Addictions to isms, religion, cults, atheism, brain washing.

For more resources on understanding chakras, check out Cyndi Dale’s Complete Book of Chakra healing and Carolyn Myss’s Anatomy of the Spirit.