Potential Risks and Side Effects of Chakra Healing

What is Chakra Healing?

Chakra healing is a type of energy healing that focuses on the chakras. Chakras refer to energy centers in the body that correspond to specific organs, emotions, and aspects of human consciousness.

According to ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts, there are seven main chakras located along the central channel of the body from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra contains its own energy frequency and serves distinct functions.

The premise behind chakra healing is that blocked or unbalanced chakras can manifest in emotional, spiritual or physical health issues. By harnessing the energy of the chakras, practitioners aim to restore balance, wellbeing and vitality.

Techniques Used in Chakra Healing

Some techniques used in chakra healing include:

• Using crystals, essential oils or colors associated with each chakra
• Yoga poses and breathing exercises to open chakras
• Visualization and meditation to energize chakras
• Chanting mantras linked to each chakra
• Reiki and energy healing to clear blockages
• Acupuncture or acupressure on chakra points
• Eating foods connected to support each chakra

What are the Potential Side Effects of Chakra Healing?

When performed correctly by an experienced practitioner, chakra healing is generally considered safe with few side effects. However, there are some potential adverse reactions to be aware of:

Emotional Release

Removing energy blockages can trigger an emotional release or catharsis. This often takes the form of crying, anger or fatigue. With blocked emotions brought to the surface, some people may re-experience associated trauma and pain.

While unpleasant, emotional releases allow people to process and let go of old wounds to emerge feeling renewed. But for those with severe trauma, the experience may become overwhelming without proper support.

Headaches and Fatigue

In some cases, a newly opened or rapidly spinning chakra can result in headaches, dizziness or fatigue. Nausea may also occur as stagnant energy begins flowing.

These symptoms tend to be mild and temporary. But those new to energy work should pace themselves by slowly opening chakras over multiple sessions. Continuing daily activities after healing can also help integrate shifts in energy.

Sensory Overload

With amplified energy flow between balanced chakras, people can become hypersensitive to sights, sounds, other peoples energy and emotions around them.

Staying grounded during and after healing helps stabilize intense sensory input until the nervous system adapts to higher frequencies. Spending time in nature, meditation, breathing exercises and sleep may ease overload.

Psychological Effects

In rare circumstances, chakra healing could worsen certain mental health conditions or trigger latent psychological issues by bringing subconscious patterns to light.

Those with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, severe anxiety, PTSD or other instabilities require care when approaching energy work by ensuring proper medical support is in place.

Who Should Avoid Chakra Healing?

While most people can safely benefit from chakra healing, the following groups may want to exercise caution or avoid it:

• Women who are pregnant fetal development relies heavily on moms chakra energy
• People with pacemakers or medical devices energy frequencies could interfere
• Those taking psychiatric medications or with mental health conditions
• Individuals with severe trauma or PTSD
• People prone to psychedelic side effects or psychosis
• Anyone on blood thinners due to circulatory stimulation risks
• Children under 5 years old whose chakra systems are still forming

Its best to consult your doctor before receiving chakra healing if you have any chronic illnesses, take medications or are pregnant.

How To Choose a Chakra Healing Practitioner

As with many complementary therapies, there is limited regulation around chakra healing practices. This makes it crucial to vet potential energy healers thoroughly.

Here are some tips on selecting a qualified chakra practitioner:

• Look for legitimate training credentials from accredited programs
• Ask how long they have been practicing and with how many clients
• Request referrals from past clients you can contact
• Verify membership in professional healing associations
• Choose someone well-versed in ancient Hindu texts on chakras
• Ensure they incorporate spiritual principles from yoga or Buddhism
• Select a practitioner you feel comfortable opening up to and trusting

What to Expect During Your First Session

Generally, initial appointments involve:

• Discussion of your current challenges, intentions, medical history and goals
• Evaluation of your chakra energy using intuition or clairvoyance
• Explanation of findings around energy deficiencies and blockages
• Chakra healing method tailored to your needs like reiki, crystals or meditation
• Confirmation of next sessions and suggestions for self-care

Arriving well-hydrated, avoiding stimulants and wearing comfortable clothes helps facilitate the flow of healing.

You may feel subtle warmth, tingling, heaviness or coolness around specific chakras during balancing. Stay open and surrender to the experience.

Integrating Your Session & Grounding

While profound shifts can occur immediately, integrating higher chakra energy requires dedication over time through:

• Journaling about insights gained
• Adopting lifestyle adjustments suggested by your practitioner
• Practicing yoga, meditation, and breathing routines daily
• Repeating mantras and positive affirmations
• Wearing chakra healing stones and colors
• Spending time in nature
• Consuming light, organic foods
• Limiting stimulant intake
• Staying well hydrated

Grounding techniques help stabilize the effects of accelerated spiritual growth by keeping you rooted in the present moment.

The Bottom Line

When learned properly, chakra healing serves as a valuable way to bolster health, process emotions, open consciousness, align with purpose and raise vibrancy. But the power of energy work also warrants caution.

By selecting an accredited healer, allowing integration time and utilizing grounding practices, most people can safely enhance their lives through chakra healing. Those facing significant mental or physical health conditions may choose to avoid or modify techniques under medical guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.