Chakras Affected by CPTSD & How to Unblock Them.

When we experience prolonged trauma, the impact isn't just mental and emotional, it deeply affects our energetic body as well. The chakras, which are energy centers within the body, can become imbalanced or blocked as a result of the survival mechanisms we develop during trauma. These imbalances can manifest as physical ailments, emotional struggles, and a sense of disconnection from ourselves.

Healing the chakras holistically can help us release stuck energy, regain balance, and reconnect to our authentic selves. Let's explore which chakras are most often affected by prolonged trauma and some practical, holistic ways to begin the healing process.

1. The Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Location: Base of the spine

Association: Safety, security, survival, grounding

Impact of Trauma: The root chakra governs our sense of safety and stability in the world. Prolonged trauma can leave this chakra blocked, making us feel unsafe, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode. Symptoms include chronic anxiety, lack of trust in life, and difficulty feeling grounded or at home in your body.

Ways to Unblock the Root Chakra:

• Grounding Practices: Walk barefoot on the earth, spend time in nature, or practice grounding yoga poses like Mountain Pose or Child's Pose.

• Sound Healing: Use crystal singing bowls tuned to the root chakra frequency (C note, or 396 hz) during meditation.

• Affirmations: Repeat phrases like, "I am safe. I am grounded. I trust life to support me."

• Red Jasper or Hematite Crystals: Work with these grounding crystals by holding them, wearing them or placing them near your root chakra. Bracelets like this are wonderful: https://amzn.to/3VKkSOv

• Nutrition: Eat grounding foods like root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets) and red-colored fruits.

2. The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Location: Lower abdomen (below the navel)

Association: Emotions, creativity, pleasure, sensuality

Impact of Trauma:

Prolonged trauma often disconnects us from our emotions as a way to survive. The sacral chakra becomes blocked, leading to emotional numbness, creative stagnation, and challenges with intimacy or pleasure.

Ways to Unblock the Sacral Chakra:

• Emotional Release: Practice journaling, dancing, or creative activities like painting to express repressed feelings.

• Water Therapy: Taking relaxing baths, swimming, or spending time near lakes and oceans to connect with the water element.

• Affirmations: Say, "I feel my emotions fully and honor them. I deserve joy and pleasure."

• Carnelian or Orange Calcite: Work with these crystals to stimulate the sacral chakra.

• Yoga Poses: Hip-opening poses like Pigeon Pose and Goddess Pose are excellent for this chakra.

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

   
   

Location: Upper abdomen (Stomach area)

Association: Personal power, confidence, self-worth

Impact of Trauma: Trauma often diminishes our sense of power and self-worth, leaving us feeling helpless or incapable. A blocked solar plexus chakra can manifest as low self-esteem, lack of motivation, or feeling powerless in your life.

Ways to Unblock the Solar Plexus Chakra:

• Breathwork: Practice fire breathing (Kapalabhati) to stimulate energy in the solar plexus.

• Affirmations: Repeat, "I am strong. I am capable. I reclaim my power."

• Sunlight Therapy: Spend time in the sun to energize and balance this chakra.

• Crystals: Work with Tiger's Eye or Citrine to boost confidence and personal power.

• Yoga: Try core-strengthening exercises like Plank Pose and Boat Pose.

4. The Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Location: Center of the chest

Association: Love, compassion, forgiveness

Impact of Trauma: Trauma can cause us to close off our hearts as a defense mechanism, making it hard to trust, give or receive love. An imbalanced heart chakra can lead to feelings of isolation, bitterness and difficulty forgiving others or ourselves.

Ways to Unblock the Heart Chakra:

• Self-Love Practices: Spend time nurturing yourself with affirmations like, "I am worthy of love. My heart is open to giving and receiving love."

• Heart-Centered Meditation: Focus on deep breathing and envision green light radiating from your heart.

• Crystals: Use Rose Quartz or Green Aventurine to open the heart chakra.

• Connection: Spend time with loved ones or practice acts of kindness to foster connection.

• Yoga: Try Camel Pose, Cobra Pose, or Heart Opening Backbends.

5. The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat area

Association: Communication, self-expression, speaking your truth.

Impact of Trauma:

Survivors of prolonged trauma often suppress their voices out of fear or shame. A blocked throat chakra can result in difficulty expressing yourself, fear of speaking up, or physical symptoms like a sore throat or tightness.

Ways to Unblock the Throat Chakra:

• Journaling: Write down the thoughts and feelings you've been afraid to express out loud.

• Sound Healing: Listen to or play the crystal singing bowl tuned to the throat chakra (G note, or 741 hz)

• Affirmations: Say "I speak my truth with clarity and confidence. My voice matters."

• Crystals: Use Blue Lace Agate or Sodalite to support clear communication

• Sing or Hum: Using your voice to hum or sing can help release stuck energy in your throat chakra.

6. The Third Eye Chakra (Anja)

Location: Between the eyebrows

Association: Intuition, inner wisdom, clarity

Impact of Trauma: Prolonged trauma can make us distrust our intuition or struggle to see the bigger picture. A blocked third eye chakra may result in confusion, lack of direction, or feeling disconnected from your inner self.

Ways to Unblock the Third Eye Chakra:

• Meditation: Focus on your breath and visualize an indigo light at your third eye.

• Journaling: Write about your dreams, insights or moments of intuition.

• Crystals: Use Amethyst or Lapis Lazuli to enhance clarity and insight.

• Nature Connection: Spend time under the stars to reconnect with your higher self.

Healing from prolonged trauma is a deep, layered process that requires compassion, patience and intention. Addressing your energetic body, your chakras, can be a powerful way to release stuck energy, regain balance, and support your healing holistically.

Start small. Choose one chakra that resonates most with your current struggles and explore the suggested practices. Your body and soul are wise, they'll guide you toward what you need most.

Remember: You are not broken. You are healing. You are reclaiming your energy, your power, and your life.

Be Raw, Be Real, Be You.

Love, Sunny