Chakra Healing: A Journey to Wholeness Through Practice and Presence

Madhavi Rao
May 6
7 min read

When I first began exploring chakra healing, I didn’t fully understand the depth of this ancient system. But over the years—through my personal practice, my group classes, and the honor of guiding others on their wellness path—I’ve seen how powerful chakra work can be. It's more than theory or philosophy; it's a lived experience that shows up in how we breathe, move, speak, connect, and grow.

A peaceful environment promoting chakra healing through meditation.

What is Chakra Healing, Really?

Chakra healing comes from ancient traditions—rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy—but it’s incredibly relevant in our modern world, where stress, disconnection, and overwhelm seem to be constant companions.

In my own life, chakra healing has helped me find clarity in moments of emotional fog, strength when I felt depleted, and a deeper sense of purpose when I’ve felt spiritually lost. It’s helped my students find peace during grief, balance during life transitions, and courage to step into new phases of their lives.

The seven chakras are subtle energy centers that run along the spine—completely invisible to the human eye, yet deeply felt in our physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. Each chakra is connected not only to a different aspect of our well-being, but also to one of the five elements of nature, reminding us that we are both human and divine, earthly and ethereal.

Root (Muladhara) – Earth Element
This chakra is all about stability and grounding. For me, it became my anchor after cancer, helping me reestablish a sense of safety, support, and connection to the earth beneath me.
Sacral (Svadhisthana) – Water Element
Fluid and creative, the sacral chakra governs emotional expression and pleasure. When I feel stuck or disconnected from joy, I return to this energy center to allow feelings to flow again—like a river carving its path.
Solar Plexus (Manipura) – Fire Element
This fiery chakra fuels confidence, action, and personal power. Reclaiming this center through my yoga practice helped me speak up, set boundaries, and step fully into my voice as a teacher and coach.
Heart (Anahata) – Air Element
The heart chakra holds the essence of love, compassion, and breath. When I’m carrying grief or emotional heaviness, breathwork and heart-opening poses help me clear space for lightness and connection again.
Throat (Vishuddha) – Ether (Space) Element
This energy center governs communication and authentic self-expression. Speaking my truth through podcasting and teaching has helped me clear blockages here and honor my voice in a spacious, empowered way.
Third Eye (Ajna) – Beyond Elements
Often considered beyond the physical elements, this chakra represents intuition, perception, and inner wisdom. Nature walks have become my sacred time to listen inward and let guidance rise from within.
Crown (Sahasrara) – Pure Consciousness
This chakra connects us to the infinite—to the universe, Source, or divine. Through meditation and mantra, I remember I’m not alone in this life; I’m supported by something far greater.

When one of these centers is blocked or overactive, it shows up. I’ve seen it in my own body—tight hips when I feel ungrounded, digestive issues when I’ve lost my sense of direction, or throat tension when I’m not speaking my truth.

Group yoga session emphasizing chakra healing and balance.

How Chakra Healing Has Supported Me (and My Students)

There are so many ways to work with the chakras. Over the years, I’ve integrated these into my personal practice and into the classes I teach:

Meditation: I love using mantra and visualization during meditation. Sometimes I’ll guide my class to sit quietly and visualize each chakra as a glowing wheel of light. Personally, I often start my day with a simple breath meditation at my altar, tuning into what energy center needs my attention.
Yoga: Each class I teach is subtly (or sometimes very intentionally!) connected to a chakra theme. Heart-openers like Camel Pose or Bridge Pose help us access compassion and release grief. Core work like Breath of Fire awakens the solar plexus and strengthens our personal will.
Sound and Vibration: Each month, I offer Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath sessions where we journey inward through the healing tones of crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other meditative sound instruments. These sessions create a space for deep rest, energetic release, and gentle reconnection to self. The vibrations aren't just soothing—they help clear energy blockages, especially when paired with guided relaxation and intention setting.
Crystals, Oils, and Rituals: I often suggest simple ways my clients can support their energy centers between sessions—like placing rose quartz near the heart while journaling or using sandalwood oil to feel more grounded during stressful days.
Group Energy: There’s something so special about practicing in community. Whether online or in person, the collective energy during a chakra-themed class or workshop often leads to deeper release and insight. We lift one another.

Crystal bowls, chimes, and a gong rest in a serene space, gently illuminated by candlelight and a glowing salt lamp—inviting deep relaxation and healing.

What Can Chakra Healing Do For You?

When you commit to tuning in and working with your chakras regularly, here’s what you may start to notice—just like I have, and like my students have shared with me:

Physical Relief: Chronic pain can sometimes shift just by working with breath, gentle movement, or emotional release. One of my clients noticed her long-standing back pain eased once she felt safe enough to open up emotionally (hello, root and sacral chakra healing!).
Emotional Balance: When I’m out of sync emotionally, I know which chakra to look at. Overwhelm? It’s usually my solar plexus. Disconnection? My heart. Chakra work has helped me ride the waves of life with more grace.
Spiritual Clarity: Connecting to my third eye and crown chakras through meditation and silence has deepened my trust in my inner wisdom—and helped me support my coaching clients to do the same.
Deeper Relationships: When my heart and throat chakras are in balance, I’m able to show up more fully for my loved ones. I’ve seen this in group classes too—how healing ourselves allows us to show up more compassionately for others.
Resilience and Peace: Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, loss, big life transitions, or just everyday stress, chakra healing gives you tools to respond with more resilience.

Simple Ways to Begin Your Chakra Healing Journey

If you’re curious about starting (or deepening) your chakra healing journey, here are a few things that have helped me—and that I often recommend to my students:

Start small with daily breathwork or meditation. Focus on just one chakra each day. Light a candle, place your hand on the area of the body, and breathe into it.
Move your body with intention. Join a Kundalini or slow flow yoga class that incorporates chakra alignment (yes, I offer both every week!).
Use crystals or oils. You don’t need a collection—just start with one or two that resonate. I love using amethyst for intuition and rose quartz for heart healing.
Eat with the chakras in mind. Nature gives us what we need—think red foods for grounding (root), yellow for confidence (solar plexus), and green for love (heart).
Write in a journal. Reflect on what feels stuck, what you’re ready to release, and what you’re ready to receive. Gratitude practices are wonderful for opening the heart chakra.
Hydrate and rest. These are often overlooked but vital for energy flow.
Join a class or community. Being in group energy amplifies the healing. You’re always welcome in my home studio or online sessions—there’s something magical about healing together.

Walking the Path with Grace

Chakra healing isn’t a quick fix. It’s a practice—a sacred journey of returning to yourself, again and again. I’ve seen it help people soften where they once felt hard, open where they once felt closed, and strengthen where they once felt weak.

Whether you’re new to this path or have been walking it for years, I encourage you to trust the wisdom of your body and the rhythm of your own inner energy. There’s no “perfect” way to do it—only the way that feels real and nourishing to you.

And if you ever want a guide on this journey, I’m here. Whether it's on the mat, through breath and mantra, or through coaching and conversation—I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

About Me

Hi! I’m Madhavi, the Chief Motivating Officer at Prana Health Yoga & Wellness — and I’m so glad you’re here. My mission is H.O.P.E. — to Help One Person Everyday — through mindful movement, healing practices, and heart-centered connection.

I help individuals like you create healthier, more sustainable lifestyles — especially if you're navigating chronic pain, mental stress, or want to improve your health numbers in a lasting way.

My mission is simple:To help you lead a happier, calmer, more empowered life by making small but impactful changes that stick.

I've developed a personalized Health & Wellness Coaching Program that’s helped my clients transform their daily routines, reduce stress, manage pain, and feel better in their bodies — and I'd love for you to explore how it could support you too.

Let’s Connect! If you're ready to make lasting habit changes, reduce stress, or explore mind-body wellness options that fit your lifestyle — I’m here to help guide the way.

Reach out here to learn more → https://www.pranahealthpc.com/contact-us