On a recent show, Dr. Oz said that our energy centers, the chakras, power health, something Tibetan monks have known for centuries. The show featured Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, an expert in the chakra system.

The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel”. A chakra is a vortex of energy that spins in relationship to the amount of energy present in our system. Dr. Chaudhary points to the sun as an important source of energy. When the sun’s rays fall on the earth at different vibrations, colors are expressed through the hues of plants, vegetables and flowers. Each color holds an energy or vibration, which nourishes a specific chakra; and eating a variety of colorful foods is an easy and effective way to help balance these vital energy centers.

Practitioners generally work with seven main chakras, which are located:  at the bottom of the pelvis, the navel, the solar plexus, the heart, the throat, the forehead, and at the top of the head. Each chakra correlates not only with physical organs, but a major endocrine gland, and psychological functions. For example, the first, or root chakra, relates to the large intestine, colon and rectum, the adrenal glands and is our source of grounding and connection to the earth.

A host of physical and emotional ailments may result from a blockage of freely flowing energy in the chakra system. In addition to physical activity and practices like yoga and Tai Chi, eating with a particular color in mind for each chakra, can help balance these energy centers. To remember the correspondence between the chakras and colors, use the mnemonic for the colors of the rainbow, ROYGBIV: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, which correspond to the chakras rising from root to crown.

To balance the 1^st chakra, eat root vegetables like beets and rutabagas, as well as red fruits like apples and pomegranates.

The navel chakra, associated with the reproductive system, the bladder and kidneys, is the source of sexuality and creativity. To balance this chakra, drink lots of water and eat orange foods like oranges, tangerines and carrots.

The third chakra at the solar plexus governs organs of digestion: the liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, small intestine and pancreas. This chakra relates to our identity and self-esteem. To balance this chakra, eat yellow foods such as sweet peppers, lentils and corn.

The heart chakra bridges the lower and upper chakras. In addition to the heart, this chakra supports the arms and relates to our ability to give and receive love and compassion. According to Dr. Chaudhary, love is the most nourishing energy of all, with the amazing ability to balance all the other chakras. To balance the 4^th chakra, eat green foods like broccoli, kale, chard and other leafy greens.

The throat chakra influences the sensory organs including the lips, tongue, nose, mouth and ears as well as the larynx and pharynx, and corresponds to the thyroid gland. The throat chakra links our hearts and minds and is where we express our truth. To balance this chakra think blue; kelp, blueberries and blue raspberries.

The forehead chakra reflects the brain, the face, nose and eyes, as well as, the pituitary gland and the sleep/wake cycles. It is also our intuitive or psychic center. To balance this chakra, eat indigo foods such as purple potatoes, blackberries, and purple grapes.

The crown chakra, associated with the pineal gland, is our connection to our higher self and our individual expression of divinity. The crown chakra infuses the body with life force and oversees the central nervous system. To balance the 7^th chakra, eat violet-hued foods like plums and eggplant.

Consciously eating for your chakras can be an easy and effective way to keep those good vibrations nourishing body, mind, and soul.

Beth Lambdin, MBA, MS, LMT and Brennan Integration Practitioner, specializes in balancing the body, mind and soul including the chakras and other subtle energies at the Cocoa Beach Wellness Center, 236 N. Atlantic Ave. For an appointment, call 321-298-2743, e-mail [email protected] or visit BethLambdin.com.