Ancient Wisdom Merges with Modern Medicine: The Link Between Chakras and the Nervous System and How Essential Oils Balance Stuck Patterns, Relieve Stress, Promote Clarity, and Enhance Emotional Stability

I recently provided information on my social media about using essential oils for balancing the chakras. It quickly became one of my most popular posts within my Essential Oils Recipe Group.

Although once dismissed as “mystical,” we are now discovering that ancient philosophies may align with modern science more than previously believed. For example, many of my articles provide information on how nature’s remedies (i.e., essential oils) can support all aspects of the mind-body-spirit through various lenses of healing.

In this post, I want to explore more about merging the science of conventional medicine with the wisdom of ancient traditions. Specifically, I will review the link between the chakras and the nervous system and how essential oils can be used as a modality to support these two avenues to healing.

As always, all the resources, references, and links to studies will be available in this accompanying article.

So, let’s get started.

 

Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Science: How the Chakras Link to the Nervous System

Chakras originated in ancient healing practices to help explain the mind-body-spirit connection and explore blocks to health. The earliest mentions of the chakras were found in the Upanishads in Indian Literature (600-300 BCE). Later, the first systematic descriptions appeared in Ayurvedic medical and Yogic traditions (300 BCE- 400 CE). Today, given the popularization of yoga, many are now familiar with this subtle energetic body referenced within the mind-body’s central regulating system.

The concept of mind-body medicine has revived the exploration of these early teachings and how they correlate with conventional beliefs. For example chakras are now being examined in relationship to our fascia, our nervous system, and our physical and energetic states. In fact, in a study review, it was stated that “chakras may be scientifically delineated, similar to acupuncture points and meridians which have unique electrical properties (Ahn et al., 2008) and possible anatomical correlates.”

Furthermore, it has been suggested that the seven main chakras align along the spine and closely parallel with the structure and function of the nervous system. According to an article in Annal of the New York Academy of Sciences this subtle body model maps with the central nervous system and offers a more complete, comprehensive understanding of it:

Meditation research has begun to clarify the brain effects and mechanisms of contemplative practices while generating a range of typologies and explanatory models to guide further study. This comparative review explores a neglected area relevant to current research: the validity of a traditional central nervous system (CNS) model that coevolved with the practices most studied today and that provides the first comprehensive neural-based typology and mechanistic framework of contemplative practices.

The subtle body model, popularly known as the chakra system from Indian yoga, was and is used as a map of CNS function in traditional Indian and Tibetan medicine, neuropsychiatry, and neuropsychology.

The study presented here, based on the Nalanda tradition, shows that the subtle body model can be cross-referenced with modern CNS maps and challenges modern brain maps with its embodied network model of CNS function.

It also challenges meditation research by: (1) presenting a more rigorous, neural-based typology of contemplative practices; (2) offering a more refined and complete network model of the mechanisms of contemplative practices; and (3) serving as an embodied, interoceptive neurofeedback aid that is more user friendly and complete than current teaching aids for clinical and practical applications of contemplative practice.

Within this fascinating article are descriptive tables and diagrams that depict how the chakras correlate to various brain regions at their hub. These brain areas are associated with the same regulating characteristics of the chakra circuit meeting at its center point. For example, the hub behind the forehead (sixth chakra) correlates to areas of the prefrontal cortex which rule executive control and planning.

 

The Vagus Nerve and the Chakras

Another example of the nervous system correlation to the chakra model is how the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, intricately intertwines with the locations of the chakras. Similarly to how the spinal cord serves as the main conduit for transmitting electrical impulses between the brain and body, the chakra system enables the flow of energy and communication throughout the body. This tenth cranial nerve not only helps to regulate bodily functions but also affects emotions and mental states, as do the chakras.

 

Essential Oils and Chakras

Essential oils have scientific evidence for favorably modulating our physical and mental health through biochemical, psychological, and physiological mechanisms. Additionally, their aromatic properties influence the limbic system—the brain area tied to emotions, memory, and behavior- which is directly linked to your sense of smell.

Essential oils also have deep roots in spiritual traditions. They exemplify how ancient wisdom can combine with mainstream medicine.

As the concentrated essence of plants, essential oils are said to embody the plant’s distinctive energetic vibrations. These vibrations are thought to resonate with and influence chakra energy, assisting in opening, balancing, and ensuring a healthy energy flow through the chakras.

According to an article on essential oils and chakras, each chakra connects with specific essential oils that match its unique energetic traits and roles. This blends with the conventional understanding of the inhalation of how aromatic molecules journey through the olfactory system to the limbic system, affecting the emotional and mental states associated with chakra wellness.

Some examples of essential oils that can aid in chakra balancing to release stuck patterns and promote clarity include:

• Grounding oils, such as vetiver and cedarwood, to aid the Root Chakra.
• Uplifting oils (e.g., rose and jasmine) to help to alleviate blockages and support healthy energy flow in the Heart Chakra.

In an upcoming article, I’m going to share more about chakras and essential oils. I have a Chakra Clearing with Aromatherapy exercise that I will post for you. It is by a renowned certified medicinal aromatherapist, licensed massage therapist, certified yoga instructor, yogic lifestyle coach, lecturer, educator, and inspirational guide. Her name is Rachel Jackson, and she appeared on the Essential Oils Revolution previously discussing the link between aromatherapy and Ancient Chinese Medicine, which I will also highlight.

 

Summary of Essential Oils and Chakras

With the revival of interest in ancient healing practices, researchers are using their understanding in biochemistry and psychology to translate how these traditional systems work into modern medical terminology.

Recently, the chakra system is being studied in connection to the fascia, nervous system, and both physiological and energetic states. Several studies have found evidence that the chakras intertwine with the nervous system and vagus nerve. These models offer an explanation of how chakras can impact physical and mental health in conventional medical language.

Essential oils are thought to aid in chakra balance, with the frequencies of different oils believed to align with and harmonize these distinct energy centers. Due to this, various essential oils can be used at the hubs of the chakras to stimulate this energy circuit and help to restore physical and emotional balance.

I’d like to hear how you merge ancient wisdom with modern medicine and which philosophy you most “resonate” with.

Comment below and stay tuned for part two.

Sending many blessings.

 

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Resources:

• Merging Science and Mind-Body-Soul Medicine: Honoring the Spirituality of the Season with Ancient Healing Traditions and Essential Oils: Part I (My article with references)
• The Holy Oils of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Spikenard: Merging Spirituality, Religion, Health, and Modern Medicine (My video article with references)
• Psychoaromatherapy: The Powerful Impact of Essential Oils on the Mind-Body for Better Mental Health and Stress Relief (My video blog with references)
• Aromatherapy and the Central Nervous System(CNS): Therapeutic Mechanism and its Associated Genes (Current Drug Targets, 2013)
• The Subtle Body: An Interoceptive Map of the Central Nervous System Function and Meditative Mind-Brain-Body Integration (Annal of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2016)
• Is There Scientific Evidence for Chakras (The International Journal of Healing and Caring, 2022)
• Essential Oils for Chakras (VBO)
• Frequency of Essential Oils Chart