Wheels of consciousness
A few years after my diagnosis of CFS, I felt an intense pull toward the chakras, captivated by their vibrant colors and apparent power. I believed I could uncover the cause of my irregular energy flow within these energy centers, and realign the chakras to heal Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
As I delved into the overwhelming amount of information available, exploring the chakras’ subtle energies opened a new realm of possibilities. I realized these energy points held the key to overcoming my traumatic experiences, anxieties, and health challenges, especially Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
At the same time, I discovered I could enhance my strengths and abilities by focusing on specific chakras. It felt like someone handed me a map of my consciousness, and I decided, “Today, I’ll work on my Solar Plexus to reduce my fear of failure.” The more I explored the seven energy points, the more I appreciated the transformative power of this tool.
The function of the chakras
The chakras are the centers of consciousness that generate the subtle energy within the layers of the aura. The aura cannot function without the presence of the chakras. Universal energy flows through the chakras, distributing into specific areas of the energetic field and ultimately reaching the meridians (energy channels) of the physical body. Often described as “wheels of light,” chakras spin like discs, generating energy at different vibrations that form your consciousness. Each chakra vibrates in one of the rainbow’s colors and corresponds to a distinct state of consciousness.
The lower chakras ground us in the material world, connecting us to survival, instincts, and physical activity. In contrast, the upper chakras influence relationships, intellectual processes, and spirituality, reflecting your personality and shaping how you engage with the world. Depending on which chakra is imbalanced, your mental, emotional, and physical well-being may falter.
The chakras work closely with the nervous and endocrine systems. They align with glands and transmit information to these systems through your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
This graphic illustrates the subtle energy system in both healthy and unhealthy states. Each chakra governs a specific body region and consciousness level. When certain areas face challenges, tuning into the affected chakra can provide more profound insight into the root cause of the imbalance.
1. Root chakra – Survival
When you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the Root Chakra often struggles. You may feel weak and tired instead of strong and active, which is it’s normally healthy state. This chakra governs the lower body, from the end of the spine to the feet.
At the height of my illness, my legs often tingled, ached, and felt stiff. At night, my body felt as heavy as a sack of potatoes. When I tried to turn over, my legs refused to cooperate, forcing me to awkwardly throw myself onto the other side. I began questioning what my body was trying to tell me. What deeper message lay behind my inability to move?
Your legs and lower body symbolize forward movement, activity, and self-care. The subconscious mind governs the lower chakras, and a vibrational dissonance in your energy field can disrupt the Root Chakra. During that time, I felt heavily dependent on my husband and avoided acknowledging the decision I faced: whether to stay in or leave my marriage.
2. Sacral Chakra – Security
Located in the lower abdomen, this chakra represents feeling safe and secure in your body and the world. A balanced Sacral Chakra fosters self-esteem and enjoyment in daily activities. When imbalanced, self-neglect and low self-worth take over.
For many with CFS, this chakra vibrates at a low frequency. Weight gain and reduced sexual vitality are common. I experienced early menopause, 10 years ahead of schedule, because my body lacked the strength to maintain my period. With it, my sexual desire diminished
The abdomen stores subconscious behavioral patterns, making them hard to recognize. I had to confront a long list of issues—poor eating and drinking habits, feelings of neglect, and low self-esteem. The Sacral Chakra teaches us about self-worth. Restoring strength and energy requires examining the hidden layers of emotions and behaviors within this area.
3. Solar plexus chakra – Willpower
The third chakra, located in the center of the stomach, embodies willpower and achievement. A healthy Solar Plexus Chakra allows you to pursue your goals confidently, while procrastination and fear of failure arise when it’s out of balance.
By tuning into this area, I realized it represented my ability to take action and manifest my desires in the world. Successful people radiate power from this chakra, drawing others to their presence.
During my time with CFS, my Solar Plexus Chakra often went into overdrive. I overcompensated, working too hard to meet expectations. Teaching fitness classes while battling CFS was a prime example. I pushed myself with excessive, strenuous exercise to prove my worth, leaving myself and others completely drained afterward.
4. Heart Chakra – Love
The Heart Chakra, located at the center of the chest, connects you to your capacity for love, compassion, and emotional depth. This chakra governs how you give and receive love, as well as your ability to feel understood and cared for.
CFS taught me to cultivate self-love, tolerance, and compassion as a way to heal not only this chakra but my entire system. After I took the time to explore these qualities, I consciously developed love for myself, my work, and those around me. As I let go of judgment and criticism, I felt love flowing from my heart into the world.
5. Throat Chakra – Expression
The Throat Chakra, located at the neck, represents self-expression and creativity. It holds the qualities of honesty and patience. When imbalanced, this chakra can lead to feelings of being unheard or unrecognized, causing stress and frustration.
As a child, I sought attention by being loud and disruptive, unaware of the deeper need to express myself and be acknowledged. This pattern continued into adulthood in subtle ways, creating recurring tension and a sense of inferiority.
I’ve learned to channel this energy into creative outlets and therapy, both of which help me find inner peace. Expressing thoughts and emotions through these avenues strengthens the Throat Chakra and relieves feelings of unimportance.
6. Third Eye Chakra – Awareness
The Third Eye Chakra, located on the forehead, is the center of thought, memory, and imagination. It helps you organize your ideas and process past experiences, making it a busy and highly active energy point.
Stress, a major contributor to CFS, directly impacts the Third Eye Chakra. This chakra regulates the pituitary gland, the master gland of the endocrine system, which transmits hormonal signals throughout the body. Chronic fear, tension, and overwhelm create a cascade of hormonal imbalances that exacerbate CFS symptoms.
To protect my energy, I now avoid stress whenever possible, whether it’s practical or emotional. My body and mind seem to reject it instinctively as if safeguarding themselves from further harm.
7. Crown Chakra – Spirituality
The Crown Chakra, located just above the head, connects you to divine energy and higher consciousness. It appears like a halo, a symbol often seen in religious art. This chakra allows you to transcend material concerns and find peace and freedom through meditation and prayer.
When I feel unwell, I turn to the Crown Chakra for calm and inspiration. Ignoring it, however, creates a feeling of disconnection from the universal energy that brings clarity and hope. I’ve always turn to this chakra for reflection and peace, finding it a reliable source of comfort and guidance.
A powerful insight into healing
Discovering the potential of chakra realignment for CFS
In my second year with CFS, I attended a workshop in Melbourne led by a woman who had developed her own healing method after battling the illness. The session took place in a church filled with people of all ages, many visibly exhausted and struggling.
The woman introduced her technique, which focused on healing the Third Eye Chakra. Through guided meditation, she led us to imagine our third eye as a muscle we could consciously open and close. As we visualized entering the chakra, I found myself in a beautiful valley, where I felt healthy and full of vitality.
This experience created a profound energetic shift in me. Although I couldn’t recreate the state on my own afterward, the workshop showed me the potential of connecting with the chakras.
Three examples of how to work with the chakras to heal Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Grounding and energizing: The Root Chakra
When I need vitality, I engage my Root Chakra through gentle movement like running or walking. It never fails to amaze me how effective this simple practice is in restoring my energy reserves.
Cultivating compassion: The Heart Chakra
To strengthen my capacity for love and kindness, I focus on the Heart Chakra by helping others in need. Acts of compassion deepen my connection to humanity and foster emotional resilience.
Seeking clarity: The Crown Chakra
When I need inspiration or a sense of universal connection, I turn to the Crown Chakra. This practice brings me peace, stillness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Conclusion
The chakras are more than abstract concepts or spiritual symbols—they are practical tools for healing, self-discovery, and growth. Through my journey with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I’ve learned to use these energy centers to reconnect with my body, mind, and spirit.
Each chakra offers insights into our physical, emotional, and spiritual states, guiding us to address imbalances and unlock our full potential. By exploring the chakras and applying their wisdom in daily life, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness, empowerment, and harmony. Whether it’s grounding ourselves with the Root Chakra, fostering love through the Heart Chakra, or connecting with universal energy via the Crown Chakra, the possibilities for transformation are endless.
For me, the chakras have become a map of consciousness, a guide for healing, and a source of strength. I hope that sharing this journey inspires you to explore your own energy system and discover the incredible power within you to heal and thrive.
