Balancing Your Chakras After Childbirth
The concept of chakras is deeply rooted in Eastern spiritual and metaphysical traditions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. Chakras are energy centers within the body, that interact with the nervous and endocrine systems. The flow of energy through these centers is thought to have a significant impact on one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
After childbirth, a woman’s body goes through significant changes, and the balance of her chakras can be affected. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to healing and balancing the chakras, with a particular focus on postpartum recovery.
Let’s take a look at each Chakra and how you might use Ayurveda to assist in the healing and re-balancing process post-birth.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The root chakra is associated with stability, security, and the sense of being grounded. When this chakra is open we feel confident and capable of dealing with stress. When it is blocked we feel threatened, insecure and unsafe.
Pregnancy, as it involves the creation of new life and the nurturing of a growing fetus, can enhance the connection to the root chakra, making us feel more grounded and secure. Post birth, the root chakra may continue to be activated, as caring for a newborn often requires a strong sense of stability, security, and grounding. However, the balance may shift as new responsibilities and challenges arise and if feelings of insecurity develop, you may need to work on balancing out this chakra.
To heal and balance the root chakra, Ayurveda suggests the use of grounding herbs such as Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting a sense of calm and stability. You could also add beetroot, carrots and potatoes to your diet to enhance the healing effects on your body.
As far as exercise goes, yoga and Thai Chi would be perfect to rebalance this chakra postpartum.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The sacral chakra is linked to creativity, emotions, and the reproductive system.
Pregnancy is a time of heightened emotional and creative energy for many women, so it may be seen as a time when the sacral chakra is more active or open. This chakra might still be highly active as you nurture your baby and experience a range of emotions related to motherhood. However, should you start to feel a lack of control in your life or a sense of overwhelm, it could be a sign this chakra is blocked.
Shatavari, an Ayurvedic herb, is often recommended for women. It supports the reproductive system, enhances vitality, and helps balance emotions, promoting creativity and emotional well-being. You could also add strong smelling spices to your diet such as cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, saffron, cumin and mustard seeds.
For exercise, in addition to yoga and Thai Chi, you could add in some dancing (any type, even in your living room)!
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The solar plexus chakra is associated with personal power and self-esteem. This chakra may be influenced by the newfound sense of personal power that comes with motherhood. As mothers, we need to make decisions for our child’s well-being, affecting our self-esteem and personal power. However, with all the challenges of motherhood, we may experience fluctuations in our self-esteem and sense of agency. If you find yourself feeling shame and self-doubt, your solar plexus chakra may be blocked.
To support the solar plexus chakra, Ayurveda suggests using herbs like Turmeric and Fenugreek. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion, promoting a sense of personal power and self-assuredness. Fenugreek stabilizes blood sugar, lowers inflammation and has also been known to increase milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. You can also add high quality fats, dairy products and oils to your diet. Ghee oil is a perfect example and can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
For movement, yoga and yogic breathing work well to rebalance this chakra. You could try Kapalabhati breathing. Take a deep inhalation through the nose, expand the belly out, and then follow through with a sequence of short and forceful exhalations through the mouth. With each breath out, the lower belly snaps back in toward the spine swiftly. This yogic breathing technique is purifying and tones the belly muscles, directing prana (life force) toward the solar-plexus.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The heart chakra is seen as the bridge between the lower chakras (material world) and upper chakras (deep spirituality). It is related to love, compassion, and relationships and when open, one may feel deep compassion and empathy. Many women experience profound feelings of love and connection during pregnancy, both towards the unborn child and their partner, which could be seen as an activation of the heart chakra.
The heart chakra’s connection to love and compassion may deepen as a you bond with your newborn child and experience the profound love that often comes with motherhood. If, however, this chakra is blocked, you may find you are having difficulty connecting in your relationships.
Re-balancing or heightening the activation of this chakra can be achieved with the use of Rose. Rose petals are traditionally used in Ayurveda to open the heart and promote feelings of love, compassion, and nurturing, helping you connect with your infant on a deeper level.
Massages using sandalwood and lavender oil also help open this chakra as do the foods honey and ghee. You could also try exercises that activate the pectorals like lady pushups, swimming, ballet and heart-opening yoga postures.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The throat chakra is associated with communication and self-expression. Pregnancy sometimes encourages women to communicate more openly about their needs, fears, and desires, opening this chakra. Once you give birth you may continue to activate this chakra by developing a keen sense of what your baby needs and becoming more attuned to your child’s cues.
If, however, this chakra is blocked, you may have difficulty expressing and speaking up for yourself.
Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal formula, can help maintain digestive health, ensuring a clear voice and supporting communication during this crucial time. You can also add sage to your diet. Sage is loaded with anti-oxidants and supports oral health. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which aids the body in clotting blood.
Other practices you could try include journaling, expressing your needs, stretching your neck regularly and exposing yourself to the color blue – wear blue clothes, look at blue images, hold a blue crystal.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The third eye chakra is linked to intuition, insight and helps us see the “bigger picture” in life. You may have felt a sense of heightened intuition during your pregnancy, which could be seen as an opening of this chakra. This intuition may remain heightened in the postpartum period, as mothers often develop a keen sense of what their baby needs and become more attuned to their child’s cues. On the other hand, a blockage of this chakra can be caused by lack of sleep which may manifest as headaches, lack of mental clarity and reduced concentration.
Brahmi, an Ayurvedic herb known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, can be beneficial. It helps improve concentration and mental clarity, aiding in intuitive decision-making. In addition, the powder Shankhpushpi helps to calm down the brain and relieve stress as well as anxiety. You can take Shankhpushpi powder along with warm milk or water to help boost memory and concentration.
For healing practices you can try more calming yoga poses like child’s pose, half tortoise and wide-legged forward fold. You can also try candle gazing to encourage deep focus as well as alternate nostril breathing to harmonize left and right brain.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The crown chakra is associated with spiritual connection and enlightenment. After giving birth it’s not uncommon to feel that the act of bringing a new life into the world has had a profound effect on your spirituality, opening the power of the crown chakra.
When this chakra is open, you have access to a higher consciousness bringing bliss and enlightenment. When it’s blocked you may feel skeptical, narrow-minded and stubborn.
Herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) are revered in Ayurveda for their spiritual significance. Tulsi can be used to enhance meditation, promote clarity of thought, and deepen one’s spiritual journey.
Smelling oils of lavender and frankinsense also stimulate the crown chakra, as does meditation and even just the practice of silence.
Clearing your physical and mental space of clutter will help unblock this chakra along with other spiritual practices like yoga, meditation, prayer and silent walks in nature.
Ayurvedic Diet in Postpartum Healing
Ayurveda is a powerful practice that can balance your chakras, cleanse your aura and enhance your lifestyle. For postpartum women, this ancient system offers simple practices and modalities for healing. Some general foods to include in your diet as a new mom, using Ayurveda as a guideline include:
Warm and Nourishing Foods: Ayurveda suggests consuming warm, cooked, and nourishing foods that are easy to digest. This can help replenish the body’s energy and support healing.
Ghee: Clarified butter or ghee is often recommended in Ayurveda for its healing properties. It is believed to lubricate the digestive tract and promote overall well-being.
Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas like ginger, fennel, and cumin can aid digestion and reduce postpartum discomfort.
Avoiding Cold and Raw Foods: Ayurveda advises against consuming cold or raw foods, as they are thought to be harder to digest and may disrupt the body’s balance.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with warm liquids, such as herbal teas or warm water with lemon, is important for postpartum recovery.
Spices: Ayurvedic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are often used to flavor foods and provide healing benefits.
Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda recognizes different body types or doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and recommends tailoring the diet to balance the individual’s predominant dosha.
Rest and Mindful Eating: Taking the time to rest and eat mindfully is also an important aspect of Ayurvedic postpartum care.
*It’s crucial to note that Ayurvedic practices should be personalized, and it’s advisable to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider for guidance on the most appropriate dietary choices and practices for your unique postpartum experience. Additionally, any dietary changes should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, especially during the postpartum period when nutritional needs can be specific to an individual’s health and circumstances.
For additional support and/or guidance on how to begin your postpartum wellness journey, reach out via email or social media anytime or checkout my 12-week signature postpartum wellness program, Mommy Makeover.
