::: YOGItimes :::

Y O G I B E A U T Y		YOGItimes magazine for the modern yogi

			Beauty through Chakras by shannon rueger photography by jasper johal
			There are seven energy centers in the body, called chakras, that run from the bottom of the spine and extend to the top of the head like knots on a climbing rope. During the holiday season, or in times of stress, we tend to neglect our health and well being, letting the rope loosen. Poor diet, drugs, alcohol and negative thoughts can weaken the balance of our energy system and lead to illness and depression. Yoga and meditation help pull these centers into alignment, like pulling a slack rope taut. We have found some chakra healing products that serve to connect us to our wholeness during our beauty routine. Each chakra unites us with a special aspect of our being. The mooladhara chakra connects us to the earth. It deals with our essential survival needs. Red is representative of the root chakra and symbolizes strength. Smokey Quartz, Red Jasper, Hematite and Garnet help to ground, nurture and heal the body.
	The swadisthana chakra is the center of our emotions, sexuality and creativity. Orange is symbolic of our instincts, which are stored in the sexual organs. Carnelian and Tiger’s Eye enhance self- confidence, courage and strength. The nabhi chakra connects us to our intellect. It is the center of our personal power, self-esteem and self-discipline. Yellow is representative of self-love and confidence. Carnelian, Citrine and Sunstone encourage happiness, self-worth and a positive attitude. The anahata chakra is the ambassador of love. It is the center for compassion, forgiveness and relationships. Green is the color of the heart chakra. Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Malachite, Perdiot, Jade and Watermelon Tourmaline connect to the energy of the heart and serve to bring joy and acceptance, and to heal emotional pain. The visshudha chakra affects communication. Located in the throat, this is the source of creative expression. Blue is symbolic of communication. Turquoise, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Fluorite, and Azurite enhance creativity, create inner and outer peace and help to stabilize mind and emotions. The ajna chakra connects us to our spirit. It is the source of our intuition, reasoning and knowledge. Violet helps us to see things clearly. Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz Crystal, Blue Lace Agate and Charoite expand awareness, open the third eye and ground the spiritual self. The sahashrara chakra unites us with the divine. It provides us with meaning, purpose and a cosmic consciousness. White is a cleansing color. Amethyst, Quartz Crystal, and Labradarite help us think clearly, find contentment and stimulate intuition. Color and gemstones have been used for centuries to balance and aid specific chakra points: Energy Muse, an intentional jewelry line, has created a series of necklaces that place gemstones with healing properties over targeted chakra points. Energy Muse Chakra Necklaces available at energymuse.com. Necklace prices range from $140 to $250. Tony & Tina, a holistic cosmetic line, uses herbs, aromas and colors that correspond to the human chakra system. Each chakra has a vibrational frequency that matches the frequency of a corresponding color. Tony & Tina cosmetics range from $10 to $28 and are available at tonytina.com.