Chakra 101: Knowing Your Energy Center
This post is contributed by One Drop Member – Jenson Ong.
In the next few posts, I will be writing on our energy centers – what we usually call “chakras”. This is an esoteric topic which is usually not accessible by many. I hope to make the topic as easily understood as possible to all who are interested. In subsequent posts, I will also share how we can bring them back into a state of harmony through Yoga asanas and the use of essential oils.
On the physical level, our chakras correspond to major nerve centers in our body. If we refer to the ancient hindu drawing as shown, we can see that there are multiple regions whereby there are high degree of nervous activity (the darken regions). The seven chakras that we are familiar with, are just seven of the many nervous centers along the middle of our body. Not only are the seven centers closely linked to the main nervous system, they also correspond to the glands in the endocrine system.
We live today as a sum total of all our past experiences (in this life or past lives). Our life at present, determined by our actions past and present, will affect our life in the future. The content of our chakras is formed by repeated patterns from our day to day actions. These repeated daily actions, habits, way of thinking, together with external factors like upbringing by parents, influences from society and culture, and situations we are born into all constitute what we store in our chakras.
These stored data in turn affect our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Thus, when one is said to be “stuck” in a chakra, this means that someone may have an underdeveloped or overemphasis chakra. This creates imbalance in our body which may result in physical or emotional complications.
For most of us, one or more of our chakras is usually out of balance. We aim to bring the energies of the chakras into balance by clearing old blockages and heal old wounds. Through this process, we hope to bring our life back into a state of harmony. To find out which of your chakras is out of balance, check out this online quiz: Chakra Quiz. Do read the next few blog post abt the different chakras.
Jensen is a member of OneDrop. If you like Jensen’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Jensen or sign up directly here.
A Detailed Look at the Chakras
This post is contributed by One Drop Member – Jenson Ong.
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO ACT”
The Solar Plexus chakra (Manipura) is located in the solar plexus, and is associated with personal power, will and self-esteem. Its element is fire. The colour representation is Yellow.
The Solar Plexus chakra control our wills, our energy level, our sense of self worth and power. We see purpose in our life. Past trauma due to authoritarian and dominate parents and/or mentors, feeling shamed and belittled have an effect on this chakra. These past experiences manifest today as low self esteem, weak will, easily dominated by others, being passive, unreliable, low energy or overly competitive and arrogant.
A healthy Solar Plexus chakra allow us to a sense of confidence, a sense of self worth and a sense of power and will to act on what we believe in. We have the confidences to meet challenges and believe that we have the strength to overcome them.
This Chakra governs the digestive system, liver and gall bladder. An unbalanced Solar Plexus chakra may give us digestive troubles, chronic fatigue or hypertension.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the Solar Plexus chakra back into balance.
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Sandalwood
- Purification
- Transformation
- Harmony
Oils applications: Inhalation, bottom of feet, solar plexus.
THROAT CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO SPEAK”
The Throat chakra (Vissudha) is located at our throat area, and is associated with communication, creativity and self expression. Its element is ether. The colour representation is Blue.The throat chakra controls our communication and self expression. Its here that we learn to find our own voice. Past lies and living with secrets, not being allowed to express ourselves, being caught up with the opinions and judgment of others can cause blockages in this chakra. This may result in us having a fear in speaking of speaking our own truth.We have a voice that is not heard by others, we are either introverted and shy or gossipy and talk too much.
When this chakra is balanced, we become good listeners, and our voice is resonant with others. Other people are receptive to what we have to say, and we communicate clearly and truthfully.
This Chakra governs the throat, ears, mouth, shoulders and neck. An unbalanced throat chakra may lead to sore throat, neck and shoulder pain, thyroid troubles.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the heart chakra back into balance.
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Thieves
- Believe
- Valor
Oils applications: Inhalation, back of neck, big toe, thumb.
THIRD EYE CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO SEE”
The Third Eye chakra (Ajna) is located in the middle of the forehead, above the eye brows. This chakra is associated with intuition, imagination and self reflection. Its element is Light. The colour representation is Indigo.
The third eye chakra commands and controls all of the lower chakras. Its main faculty is perception. When we grow up not being able to make sense of the world around us, we become insensitive, we lack imagination, we become obsessive, have difficulty concentrating.
When balanced, we have good perception and our overall perception is good, we have good memory and we are able to think symbolically.
This Chakra governs the eyes, base of skull and brow. An unbalanced heart chakra may lead to vision problems, headaches and nightmares.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the heart chakra back into balance.
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Sandalwood
Oils applications: Inhalation, under the nose, middle of forehead.
SACRAL CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO FEEL”
The sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) is located in the lower abdomen, and is associated with emotions and sexuality. Its element is water. The colour representation is Orange.The sacral chakra strongly influences our sensation, our ability to enjoy life and to change. Past emotional and sexual abuse, overly strict parents and mentors, and poor nurturing are some of the events in our upbringing that can cause constrictions in this chakra. The effects can manifest as sexual repression/sexual addiction, denial of pleasure/pleasure addiction and resistance to change (not going with the flow, poor/overly rigid).
A healthy sacral chakra allow us to experience pleasure (in healthy doses), able to nurture yourself and others, and able to adopt easily to change.
The sacral chakra governs our womb, genitals, kidney, bladder and lower back. An imbalanced sacral chakra may lead to sexual problems or urinary trouble.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the sacral chakra back into balance.
- Grapefruit
- Jasmine
- Orange
- Rose
- Inner Child
- Harmony
Oils applications: Inhalation, bottom of feet, below the naval.
CROWN CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO KNOW”
The Crown chakra (Sahasrara) is located at the top of the head, and is associated with consciousness, understanding and self knowledge. Its element is thought. The colour representation is violet/white.The crown chakra is the centre of spirituality, universal consciousness that connects to our highest and finest self. This chakra is more difficult to define as its realm of authority goes beyond normal ability of understanding and perception. It is generally closed for most of us.
When this chakra opens up we feel an interdependence and interconnectedness with all life. Our journey of inner healting continues.
This Chakra governs the central nervous system. An unbalanced crown chakra may lead to depression, alienation or confusion.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the heart chakra back into balance.
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Vetiver
- White Angelica
Oils applications: Inhalation, under the nose, top of the head.
HEART CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “TO LOVE”
The Heart chakra (Anahata) is located in the heart, and is associated with love, peace and self acceptance. Its element is Air. The colour representation is Green.The heart chakra controls the physical and emotional heart. Past abuses that impact this chakra are unacknowledged and unresolved grief, emotional dominance of another, not being loved, and being the recipient of conditional love, an experience of betrayal. This can result in depression, a sense of loneliness , a fear of intimacy, being clingy and jealous.
A healthy and balanced heart chakra brings about a sense of peace, compassion, empathy, healthy emotional boundaries.
This Chakra governs the lungs, heart and circulatory system. An unbalanced heart chakra may lead to asthma, coronary diseases or lung diseases.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the heart chakra back into balance.
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Rose
- Believe
- Joy
Oils applications: Inhalation, bottom of feet, heart area.
ROOT CHAKRA – OUR RIGHTS “HAVE”
The root chakra (Mooladhara) is located at the base of the spine, and is associated with survival. In the masculine body it is in the perineum, between the urinary and excretory organ. In the female body its location is at the root of the uterus, in the cervix. Its element is earth. The colour representation is Red.The root chakra strongly influences the physical body. Past physical abuse, experiences of abandonment, major illness or surgery, can each seriously affect this chakra. We feel insecure, disconnected from our body, are sluggish, we can’t relax and be still. The chakra is directly linked to the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones, including sex hormones and cortisol. Cortisol helps you respond to stress. A poorly working adrenal gland in people who are under mental, emotional, or physical stress.
A healthy root chakra grounds us, connecting us to the earth, providing us with a sense of security and stability. In doing so, it strengthens our immune system giving us good health and optimal vitality. We are comfortable with our body.
The root chakra governs our legs, feet, bones, and large intestine. An imbalanced root chakra may lead to obesity, anorexia, sciatica and constipation.
A number of Young Living essentials oils (YLEO) can be used to complement your attempt to bring the root chakra back into balance.
- Cedarwood
- Idaho Balsam Fir
- Vetiver
- Abundance
- Grounding
- Valor
- Harmony
Oils applications: Inhalation, apply on the sacrum, back of the neck, bottom of feet.
The use of YLEO, when coupled with seated meditation or your yoga practice, can bring your experience to a new level.
- If you are interested to know more or try some of the essential oils. Its my pleasure to support your needs. Please drop me a note here.
- If you are keen to explore the use of YLEO in your yoga practice, check out my yoga schedule here.
References:
- Tony Murdock, Healing through Chakras
- Tracy Griffiths and Ashley Turner, Aroma Yoga
Jensen is a member of OneDrop. If you like Jensen’s articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils, please feel free to get in touch with Jensen or sign up directly here.
7TH HEAVEN ESSENTIAL OIL COLLECTION
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
The 7th Heaven Essential Oil Collection was an old oil collection made up of 7 oil blends, chosen specifically by Gary Young. The purpose of this kit is to help give us an experience by encouraging a feeling of tranquility that allow us to be in the space of higher spiritual awareness. A space of higher spiritual awareness and attunement, where we may find peace, balance and understanding.
The 7 oil blends in this collection are:
Awaken
helps balance one’s state of mind and emotions through self-adjustment by allowing a gentle change toward renewal and balance, enabling one to make a transition, and reach one’s highest potential. This fragrant combination of is comprised of Dream Catcher, Forgiveness, Harmony, Joy, and Present Time.
Dream Catcher
an exotic formula containing sandalwood, blue tansy, juniper, and other essential oils that enhances dreams and visualization, promoting greater potential to realize your dreams and stay on your path. It may also protect from the bombardment of negative energy. Use before retiring for a beautiful night’s rest.
Gathering
helps collect our emotional and spiritual thoughts, helping us focus on achieving our highest potential. The oils of northern lights black spruce, vetiver, frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, cinnamon, rose, geranium, and ylang ylang may help us channel through chaotic energy and get to the heart of the matter; improving determination and effort.
Humility
helps us heal ourselves through the seeking and giving of forgiveness. Its use offers a chance for deeper spiritual awareness, and the opportunity to begin healing and find peace. It is powerful when used with Forgiveness and Gathering.
Inspiration
has been found to be effective for enhancing meditation, prayer, and inner awareness. The combined oils of cedarwood, spruce, sandalwood, frankincense, myrtle, vetiver, geranium, ylang ylang, bergamot and coriander have been used by Eastern and North American native peoples to increase spirituality.
Sacred Mountain
brings about a feeling of protection, strength, and security. The oils in this blend—spruce, ylang ylang, fir, and cedarwood— represent the ancient Eastern philosophies, which emphasize finding sacredness within one’s self.
White Angelica
combines oils which were used during ancient times to increase the aura around the body, bringing a sense of strength and protection. Its frequency protects against the bombardment of negative energy.
How to use (suggested way):
- Sacred Mountain in the diffuser
- Inspiration on the crown
- Gathering on the face or temple
- Awaken on the center of the forehead
- Humility on temple or behind the ears
- White Angelica on palm and sweep down from top of head, to neck, shoulders then down your chest and go all the way to your feet
- Dream Catcher on your pillow
The above is just one of the way to use the oils. Explore and find the combination that best works for you to feel the benefits. Like The Feelings Kit, I will suggest you take the time to use each oil slowly, enjoying the unique aroma of each blend so beautifully created.
The Egyptian people are very in tune with their needs when they oil. They believe that the more fragrance they are, the closer they are with their gods. The Egyptians, including the kings – pharaohs and queens as well, will oil themselves several times a day. Taking example from them, lets put the oils on with the concept in mind that we are anointing ourselves with the sacred oils that had been created for us, knowing that the oils are here to benefit us physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Note: Although the 7th Heaven Collection had been discontinued, we are still able to purchase the individual oils from Young Living US and Singapore.
If you like my articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils or have further clarifications, please drop me a message here or email me at fabulana@gmail.com. If you are ready to sign up as member to purchase, you can click here. I would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.
AROMA ROUTINE APP AND BRAINWAVE SCAN
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
Aroma Routine is an app developed by Young Living Japan office for you to post and share your daily oil routine uses…it is free but and available currently only on IOS. You may check it out here. (Those on Android…like me…do not despair, it is projected to be available for Android users in August 2018).
It is an app developed with sharing in mind. You may update your own aroma routine and share your profile or simply store it privately for your own viewing but access it to show/share with your team and friends. Have a fun and interactive session exchanging aroma routine ideas. Better yet, you may browse the aroma routine of our famous Young Living celebrities like Lindsey Moreno or our awesome (and cute) French Lavender Farm Manager – Nicolas Landel. Nicolas is very popular in Japan…according to the country manager…hehehe…
Ok! So the highlight of this blog post is finally here…introducing the…*drumroll*… BRAINWAVE SCANNER!
I was very excited to see the Brainwave Scanner in the YL store at Young Living APAC Convention last weekend. I’ve been following Dr Olivier Wenker on Facebook and understand that he had been developing this with Young Living Japan team. Using NeuroSky mindwave mobile headset to connect to the Brainwave Scanner (an in-app purchase in the Aroma Routine app) and you will be able to get reading from your brain reaction to the oils.
Reactions to the aromas are sorted into the following eight categories in the Aroma Scan:
- Clarity – Aroma helps to clear and unclutter mind.
- Concentration – Aroma increases ability to focus and concentrate.
- Energy – Aroma enhances energy level and motivates.
- Relaxation – Aroma relaxes and releases tension.
- Refreshing – Aroma refreshes and allows you to take a break from all thats troubling you.
- Sleepiness – Aroma helps to relaxes and sleep.
- Familiarity – Familiar scent and brain does not response to it.
- Low Reaction – Aroma does nothing and brain does not like it.
A numeric value will be recorded according to the above eight categories and the higher the value means the more intense is the reaction.
Brain age allows you to measure your brain age. A higher activity brainwave recording will mean you have a younger brain age.
The scan results will help you to determine what scents to use and bring more fun into your aroma life. I bought a scan and I can’t wait to experiment with it! You can get the scanner from Amazon here.
If you like my articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils or have further clarifications, please drop me a message here or email me at fabulana@gmail.com. If you are ready to sign up as member to purchase, you can click here.
I would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.
WHY I LOVE SAVVY MINERALS
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Kaye Ng.
Its been ages since I last wrote a blog post! GOSH! But with the new launch of the Savvy Mineral range coming to Singapore, I wanted to share thoughts and tips I have learnt from using SM on myself the last few months since I got my hands on them last year.
Ready? Here goes:
LETS GET THE BAD 💔 OUT OF THE WAY FIRST
Its a messy affair! Yup its MESSY ALRIGHT! You will find the powder and colours all over the sink and if you use the colours dry, you will find that you need more pigments and more layers to achieve the look you want. For me… that’s a major downer – the mess. BUT that being said I’ve found a way around my “problem” and you just need to get used to the “mess” if you are anal like me – FOILING.
FOILING
Foiling is a technique that gives the make up you put on a metallic shimmery look. I was never a fan of such shimmery looks. However there are benefits to foiling. Firstly, your make up becomes hyper pigmented. Means a little goes a long way. Secondly, you are applying the make up WET, so it doesnt fly everywhere! WHOOOPPPIE!
The first picture shows you the difference between using the make up dry and with water (foiling). You can see how the colours pop alot more with water added. You can also use the Savvy Minerals Spray too if you wish.
The second pic is for those of you who want a darker colour, but do not want so much powder flying everywhere and DO NOT WANT THE SHIMMER! BLEND! Once you blend with a blender brush, most of the shimmer will be gone, and you will be left with a nice dark tone. Lovely right? So this is how you can play with your make up to reduce the flying powder, either glam it up or tone it down!
Now lets talk abt what I do LOVE about this range of SM and how you could use the makeup for yourself
10 REASONS WHY I ❤ SAVVY MINERALS + TIPS
1. The foundation is awesome. It is light and it goes on without feeling heavy and making you look like some chinese opera singer. Best way to put it on – with the mineral spray den blend it it into your skin.
2. It doesn’t make your face oily and cakey and it covers all those hideous pores! In fact it absorbs the oils on your face! MAJOR LOVE because you wont be oily shiny by the end of the day! haha.
3. It last all day! Well at least on my skin it does. I have combination skin, and the makeup last from morning to night without me looking like my ghostly state at the end of the day.
4. The make up is buildable! You know how with other makeup, if you get too much blusher on your brush and brush it on to your skin, you might get a very pink patch on ur cheek that is hard to remove? Well, I’ve found that with the SM range, its very easy to build up colours and remove colours. If you have too much colour, just swipe it off lightly with a tissue and blend the rest in. If you didn’t get enough, just pick up a little more and add it. ITS SO EASY TO USE AND REALLY FORGIVING even if you are a make up noob.
5. Its super versatile! If you want your make up light, use them dry, if you want your make up to pop and go all glam glam, use it wet! ONE MAKE UP FOR NIGHT AND DAY! On top of that, you can use any of the products anywhere on your face. I personally use the darker foundation colours to do contouring.
6. Shimmer and shine – yup this range is shimmmerryy! I wasn’t a fan of this initially, but I’ve come to enjoy how the shimmer can brighten your skin and make you look just a tad more glamorous even if you are just headed out to the supermarket! hahah I’m frivalous this way! If you find that the makeup is too glitzy, just blend it in a little more and use it dry. This will help remove the glittery bits.
7. Moisturizing for your lips! I LOVE IT! I wore the lip gloss and lip stick together and was amazed how I could still feel it on my lips at the end of the day! Super long lasting and very moisturizing! I always use the lipstick followed by the lip gloss to give my lips an extra pop. I assure you, your lips will stay super moisturized with this combi.
8. The Multitasker is a must! This is one product that can be used as an eyeliner, eye shadow, eyebrow filler and to cover white hair. 4 products in one and it works gloriously! If you don’t like 4-in-1 products, you are not a woman! HEH. But honestly what’s not to love? You save money and use one prdt only!
9. Make your own colours. If you cant find a colour you like, or the foundation colours dont fit you exactly… MIX IT UP! I like to mix my eyeshadow and foundation colours. Try adding some diamond veil to your foundation too to give it a shimmery sheen like those korean dewy looks!
10. Keeping the best for last – SAFE! THIS MAKEUP IS SAFE. Safe for me and safe for my little one if I wanna swipe some blush on her while I get myself made up. Safe when I kiss her with my lipstick on. ❤
SO GO ALL OUT. Love the SM make up and try it once it hits our shores!
If you are interested in trying out the Young Living oils, or would like to find out more do drop me an email at kaye@onedrop.sg or sign up here to buy the products.
