
by David Crow, L.Ac.
The contemporary chakra system is a mixture of numerous influences both ancient and modern. The oldest teachings and practices can be traced back through Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist tantric and alchemical lineages, but the majority of information now taught about chakras has been developed in the last 200 years through a synthesis of modern yoga, Theosophical philosophy, and New Age teachings. There are vast differences between the descriptions and purposes of the chakra system in the root texts written over 1,000 years ago and what is now popular; specifically, the correlations between endocrine glands and nerve centers, as well as psychological and emotional attributes given to chakras, are relatively recent developments.
According to more recent Western influences, the chakras are a system of bio-psychology that link mental and emotional states to the endocrine and nervous systems. While this is radically different than the original meaning and purpose described in ancient texts, it is one of the best systems for correlating essential oils to the chakras because of the direct influence fragrance has on the mind and moods through the olfactory, limbic, and endocrine systems.
If we look at the chakras through the lens of modern neurology we discover that their functions are found in different regions of the brain. Spiritual qualities such as emotional intelligence and empathy associated with the heart chakra, for example, are functions of the frontal lobe, whereas states of fear correlated with the first and second chakras are based in the amygdala. We can make correlations between aromatherapy and the chakras using this system because fragrance immediately affects neurochemistry. The most intriguing aspect of this model is the possibility that the chakras of the body are actually holographic projections of the centers of the brain.
The following is a brief description of each chakra according to ancient lineages and my suggestion of specific essential oils that may help to heighten its energy.
Muladhara Chakra
This center is referred to as the root or 1st chakra. It is said to be at the base of the spine below the sacrum. Anatomically it is associated with the anus and excretion, while energetically it is considered to be the foundation and support of the subtle nervous system.
In classical systems, this center is connected to the qualities of the earth element. We can easily associate essential oils with earthy fragrances and calming, grounding, and relaxing effects such as vetiver, jatamansi, and patchouli with this chakra. Vetiver especially is excellent in massage oil blends, helping to reduce muscular and nervous tension; jatamansi also has strong relaxant effects, but because it is a member of the valerian family it is strongly psychoactive and can give vivid dreams.
Svadhishthana Chakra
This center is referred to as the 2nd chakra. It is said to be associated with the sexual organs, and connected to the water element.
The most apparent correlation with essential oils would be those that stimulate erotic pleasure, such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and rosewood. These can be used in massage oils, aromatic baths, and for anointing, and are known to have strong effects on both male and female hormonal systems and sexual arousal.
In a broader sense, any of the oils that support relaxation will help activate sexual arousal and pleasure. Therefore, we can also add lavender and clary sage essential oils as support for this chakra.
Manipura Chakra
This center is referred to as the navel or 3rd chakra. It is associated with the solar plexus. The yellow color traditionally ascribed to this “Jewel City” symbolizes its association with the fire element. The navel region is often described as the location of the digestive fire, and from that association, we can link several species of essential oils.
The primary category of oils for this chakra is spice oils. Tulsi, cinnamon, clove, oregano, and rosemary are among the oils that will strongly activate our digestive secretions through the olfactory sense. Spice oils are the most dermo-toxic and dangerous of all the essential oils and should never be taken internally or applied on the skin; instead, simply inhaling them will stimulate the appetite, which is “enkindling agni,” the digestive fire, as is said in Ayurveda.
Activating the digestive fire using aromas of spice oils is an excellent example of the gut-brain axis, and the relationship between the nervous system, solar plexus, and digestion. The spice fragrances are carried through the olfactory system into the brain, which works through various mechanisms, including the vagus nerve, to stimulate the activity of the intestines.
Anahata Chakra
This center is referred to as the heart or fourth chakra. Depending on the source, this chakra is located in different locations, including the spinal nerves behind the heart, the thymus gland, and the heart itself.
Four categories of oils could justifiably be correlated with this center: those that increase respiratory power and prana, those that deepen meditation and relaxation, those that evoke spiritual moods such as loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy, and those that are associated with feelings of romantic love.
Because of its location in the center of the chest and its classical correlation with air elements, essential oils that improve respiratory functions are related to this chakra. Eucalyptus and conifer oils such as cypress would be the main group that fit this category. If we include the recent addition of the thymus gland to the model of this chakra, we could also consider that the respiratory oils assist the adaptive immune system, which is based on this gland’s function of maturing T cells, and thymus cell lymphocytes.
Rose oil is undoubtedly the supreme fragrance, associated with the spiritual and romantic aspects of the heart for centuries in various cultures. Sandalwood has also been described as one of the most spiritual of all fragrances. Both of these oils have a long history of being used in marma therapy to calm the mind, lift the mood, and evoke spiritual moods.
Vishuddha Chakra
This center is referred to as the throat or 5th chakra. It is said to be related to the element of space. The primary categories of oils that could be correlated with this center are those that support respiratory function and power, especially those that directly benefit the voice.
In the Tibetan system, the throat chakra is the center of enlightened speech, meaning that our words are expressions of wisdom rather than disturbed emotions. An excellent way to apply this teaching is to anoint the throat chakra with a drop of any essential oil that helps remind us to think before we speak, to measure our words carefully, and to be aware of the intention and tone of our speech. The sacred scents supporting the heart chakra's qualities are also applicable here, including sandalwood, frankincense, and rose, and any of the floral oils that cool the mind such as lavender, geranium, and rosewood.
Ajna Chakra
This center is referred to as the third eye and is said to be located between the eyebrows. Although the pineal gland has been known since antiquity, it has only recently been postulated that it is the location of this chakra.
Aromatherapy in general could be correlated with this chakra because of the close anatomical relationship between the sinuses, olfaction, and the brain. Specifically, oils that clear the sinuses, including eucalyptus, conifers, and frankincense are also oils that increase oxygenation, which in turn clears the mind, supports concentration and elevates the mood. These oils are also excellent for enhancing pranayama, which is the basis of most chakra practices, both ancient and contemporary. Through these combined actions, aromatherapy can be very helpful for overcoming drowsiness and mental dullness during meditation sessions.
Sahasrara Chakra
Known as the “1,000 petaled lotus,” this is said to be the 7th or crown chakra. Depending on the source of information, it is located at the fontanelle at the top of the head, above the head, or in several other possible locations.
By far the most esoteric of the chakras, with functions that are in the realm of deep meditative and spiritual dimensions, it is difficult to make simple correlations with aromatherapy. The easiest way would be to consider the long history of anointing the crown of the head with sacred aromatic oils during blessing rituals and ceremonies, which enhance spiritual moods and elevate consciousness. Traditionally, these were the “sacred scents”, such as frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, agarwood, and cistus.
You can find the oils mentioned in this blog at Anima Mundi Herbals.