Chakras are energy centers where your mind and body meet. We can’t see them, but we can picture them as swirling vortices of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy is the life force that keeps us vibrant and healthy helping to balance our whole system.

There are 7 main chakras, or swirling wheels of energy, that align with the spine. They contain bundles of nerves and major organs and work to balance the flow of energy in our body so that we can have a variety of experiences  – mental, creative, sexual, emotional, and more.

Since everything in our bodies is composed of energy, it’s important that the chakras stay open, balanced and fluid. If there are blockages, then health-giving energy can’t flow.

Now let’s explore how to keep the energy flowing in the third and fourth chakras.

The third chakra

The third chakra or solar plexus chakra is located between your navel and the bottom of your sternum and opens in a forward direction. Sometimes called the power chakra,

it is the source of feeling confident, empowered and able to bring your intentions into manifestation.

Signs of imbalanced energy in the third chakra

When the third chakra is out of balance, your self-esteem may be low, and you may feel powerless. You may find yourself disorganized and unable to focus on your activities during the day.  If your power chakra is overactive, you direct anger and aggression toward others and can become excessively critical and demanding.

How to get energy flowing in the third chakra

To bring the energy into balance in the third chakra, you can do the following:

1. Spend time near fire, the element of this chakra – relax in front of a fireplace or a campfire. Gaze into a candle flame. Get outside on a bright, sunny day.
2. Eat yellow foods like pineapple, bananas, summer squash and lemons.
3. Use the color yellow in your environment- hang yellow curtains, display yellow flowers, drink from a yellow mug.

The fourth chakra

The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, is located at the center of the chest.  It’s the bridge between the lower and upper chakras and the source of love, compassion and empathy. When the heart chakra is flowing with balance, you accept others and yourself. You are warm-hearted, loving and compassionate. You forgive easily.

Signs of imbalanced energy in the fourth chakra

If your heart chakra is underactive, you may feel unworthy, unappreciated or even unloved. You keep most people at a distance as you have a hard time trusting and connecting with others. You struggle with feeling compassion and empathy for another and don’t forgive easily.

If your heart chakra is overactive, your emotions overpower you. You may be filled with anger, grief or jealousy. Or you may be overly accepting of others without discernment, giving to others without restraint or saying yes to everything and everyone. You lose your sense of identity as your own powerful self.

How to get energy flowing in the fourth chakra

To bring the energy into balance in the fourth chakra, you can do the following:

1. Focus on your breath as the element of this chakra is air – practice breathwork exercises, focus on breathing in and out slowly, go outside and breathe in fresh air.
2. Eat green foods like lettuce, broccoli, limes and spinach.
3. Add green plants to your environment.

Having the energy of your chakras balanced and flowing will support you in living a life of vibrancy and resilience. Check back to discover more about the 5^th chakra in my next post.