Chakras Explained: How Old Trauma Could Be Holding You Back
Do you feel like something’s just... off? Like you’re stuck in a rut but can’t quite figure out why? You’re so not alone. And here’s something you probably haven’t considered (because seriously, why didn’t they teach us this in school?!)—your chakras might have everything to do with it.
Let’s dive into these powerful energy centers that have been helping people heal, grow, and level up for thousands of years. Because once you understand them, everything starts to click.
What Exactly is a Chakra?
Think of chakras as your body's energy centers - they're like power stations that keep everything running smoothly. Just like you have a physical body, you've also got emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. They're all interconnected, and when one's out of balance, the others feel the impact.
When these energy centers are flowing freely, you're in alignment with your highest self. But when they get blocked? That's when things start to feel off - manifesting as anxiety, depression, physical pain, and that persistent feeling that you should be thriving but instead you're just getting by.
What Causes Blocked Chakras?
Just like tension can build up in your muscles, your energy centers can become blocked or imbalanced. Common causes include:
Emotional Trauma
Unprocessed emotions and past traumas get stored in our energy body. Whether it's childhood experiences, relationship pain, or recent loss, these emotional wounds can create energetic blocks.
Limiting Beliefs
The stories we tell ourselves matter. Negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, and fear-based thinking can gradually restrict your energy flow. Think of it like a garden hose with a kink - the water (energy) can't flow freely.
Physical Stress
Your physical and energetic bodies are connected. Chronic stress, poor posture, lack of movement, or physical injuries can impact your chakras. This is why practices like yoga can help release both physical and energetic blockages.
Environmental Factors
Your environment affects your energy. Toxic relationships, high-stress work environments, or spaces with stagnant energy can all contribute to chakra imbalances.
Neglecting Self-Care
When you're constantly giving without replenishing, your energy centers become depleted. Regular self-care isn't just a luxury - it's essential for maintaining healthy energy flow.
Your Chakra Lineup
1. Root Chakra (Base of Spine)
Color: Red | Element: Earth
This is your foundation - your anchor to the present moment. It's all about feeling safe, secure, and grounded. When it's blocked, you might feel like you're constantly on shaky ground. Signs include:
Persistent anxiety about basic needs
Feeling scattered and ungrounded
Lower back pain
Digestive issues that seem to come out of nowhere
2. Sacral Chakra (Lower Abdomen)
Color: Orange | Element: Water
Your creative and sensual center - think pleasure, joy, and emotional flow. When blocked:
Creative expression feels impossible
Emotional numbness takes over
Reproductive issues arise
Energy levels drop significantly
3. Solar Plexus (Upper Abdomen)
Color: Yellow | Element: Fire
Your personal power center! This is where your confidence and self-esteem reside. Blockages show up as:
Persistent people-pleasing patterns
Self-doubt that feels overwhelming
Digestive issues
An need to control every situation
4. Heart Chakra (Center of Chest)
Color: Green | Element: Air
The bridge between your physical and spiritual chakras, this one's all about love and connection. When blocked:
Relationships feel unnecessarily complicated
Self-love becomes challenging
Chest tension persists
Trust issues surface repeatedly
5. Throat Chakra (Throat)
Color: Blue | Element: Ether
Your communication center! When this one's blocked:
Words feel stuck at the most important moments
Speaking up becomes frightening
Frequent sore throats appear
Communication swings between oversharing and complete withdrawal
6. Third Eye (Between Eyebrows)
Color: Indigo | Element: Light
Your intuition headquarters! Blockages look like:
Constant second-guessing of your inner wisdom
Persistent brain fog
Unexplained headaches
Difficulty seeing beyond immediate circumstances
7. Crown Chakra (Top of Head)
Color: Violet/White | Element: Thought
Your spiritual connection to the universe. When blocked:
Disconnection becomes your default state
Purpose feels elusive
Overthinking takes over
Spiritual disconnection deepens
Moving Forward
If you're recognizing these patterns in yourself - don’t worry! We are human and will experience these ailments. Awareness is the first step to healing. Your chakras are like any other aspect of your wellbeing - they need regular attention and care to stay balanced.
Ready to explore deeper? I've created several resources to support your journey:
Download my FREE Ultimate Chakra Guide
Take the Chakra Quiz to discover which of your energy centers needs attention
Explore the Healing Through the Chakras course - your complete guide to energy healing
Remember, healing isn't linear - it's a journey of discovery and growth. Take it one step at a time, practice patience with yourself, and trust in your innate ability to heal. 💜✨
Ready to begin your chakra healing journey? Connect with me on Instagram or email me at lisakern@healthyholistichappy.com. I love nothing more than helping others find alignment.