Author: Tanya Mansotra

Since exploring further into spirituality and completing my training in sound healing, I’ve discovered how deeply transformative this wellness practice is! With its roots in many ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese, sound has been used for its therapeutic effects on the mind and body. 

One of the things I love most about this wellness practice is its ability to promote healing on many levels. Whether I’m experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress, or spiritual disconnection, sound healing has the power to help me find relief and restore balance to my life. 

If you’re curious about learning more about this,it’s vital to understand that sound waves have the power to affect us on many levels, from our physical bodies to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. To harness this power, I have used a variety of tools, including singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, and gongs, to create a vibrational frequency that can promote relaxation, release tension, and restore balance to the body and mind.

Crystal healing is a wellness practice that works by using the unique energetic properties of crystals and gemstones to support all aspects of our wellbeing. When we use crystals for healing, we’re essentially tapping into the natural vibrational energy of the earth, which can help to restore balance and harmony within our own energy systems. 

The power of crystals isn’t a new discovery – they have been used for thousands of years for protection, health and emotional healing! During my studies, I learned that in India, Ayurvedic medicine has long recognised the healing properties of gems and minerals, and Native American tribes also have a rich history of using crystals in their healing ceremonies.

When working with crystals, I like to focus on setting intentions and using specific stones that resonate with my goals or needs. For example, I might use rose quartz to promote self-love, citrine to enhance creativity, or amethyst to support spiritual growth and connection.

When the radiant energy of the solar plexus chakra is stifled, it can cause a blockage that can wreak havoc on our physical and emotional well-being. It’s like a dam blocking the flow of a powerful river, preventing its natural force from flowing freely. This can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, such as digestive issues, weight gain, and adrenal fatigue, as well as emotional ones, such as feelings of powerlessness, low self-esteem, and a lack of motivation.

It’s important to be mindful of the factors that can contribute to the blockage of our solar plexus chakra. This can include negative self-talk, toxic relationships, and a lack of self-care. To prevent blockages from occurring, one must cultivate self-love and set boundaries that honour our inner power. It’s time to awaken the fiery passion within and unleash our true potential.

Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent and release blockages in the solar plexus chakra. By practising yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, we can connect with our inner power and strengthen our sense of self-worth. We can also engage in practices that stoke the flames of our inner fire, such as creative expression, journaling, or setting intentions that align with our highest purpose. Remember, the power of the solar plexus chakra resides within us, waiting to be unleashed.

Eating yellow foods 

A simple and delicious way to nourish your solar plexus chakra is to eat more yellow foods. Incorporating more of these sunny-hued foods into your diet can help to activate and balance this chakra, as they are associated with the colour of the solar plexus chakra itself. Yellow foods like bananas, squash, turmeric, and lemon are not only vibrant and pleasing to the eye, but they also contain nutrients that support digestive health and boost energy levels. By consuming yellow foods, you can tap into the healing power of nature and connect with the energy of the sun. 

If you want to take your solar plexus chakra balancing to the next level, consider incorporating a vegan or plant-based diet into your lifestyle. Eating a diet that is rich in whole, plant-based foods not only supports physical health, but it can also help to promote a more compassionate and mindful way of living. This can in turn help to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection with the world around us.

To use these crystals, you can simply place them on or near your solar plexus chakra during meditation or throughout the day. You can also carry them with you as a reminder of your intentions to balance your solar plexus chakra. If you’re feeling called to a certain crystal, trust your intuition and work with it in whatever way feels right for you.

Self-Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing that can be used to balance the chakras. With Reiki self-healing, you can focus on healing your own energy centres, including the solar plexus chakra. To do this, simply find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus on your breath. Place your hands on your solar plexus chakra and visualise a warm, healing energy flowing through your hands and into your chakra. You can also use symbols or affirmations to enhance the Reiki energy.

Self-Reiki can be a powerful tool for balancing the solar plexus chakra, as it allows you to connect with your inner power and promote self-healing. It can also help to release any negative emotions or thoughts that may be contributing to a blockage in this chakra. As a trained Reiki practitioner myself, I can attest to the healing benefits of this powerful ritual.

Are you curious about the ancient practice of smudging? For centuries, various cultures have used smudge sticks for their spiritual and energetic benefits. These bundles of dried herbs, leaves and flowers are ignited and used to cleanse and purify the energy of objects and spaces. It’s like waving a magic wand, except instead of spells, you get to banish negative energy and fill your space with good vibes! 

As someone who practises spirituality and meditation, I use smudge sticks as a part of my daily rituals to deepen my connection with the divine and to create a sacred space for myself. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog how I use a smudge stick during my candle-gazing rituals, as they help guide me to a more transcendental state of mind for meditation. 

But that’s not all that smudge sticks can be used for! The possibilities are endless, from enhancing uplifting or peaceful energy, to cleansing spaces and raising vibrations. If you’re still curious to explore the vast potential of smudge sticks, then read on for more!

Smudge sticks are an ancient and powerful tool used for a variety of purposes, but none quite as popular as cleansing and protection. When it comes to selecting a herb for this purpose, Sage reigns supreme. With a wide range of variations including Desert Sage, Cedar Sage, and the ever-popular White Sage, this herb has been revered by Indigenous tribes as a vital component of their spiritual ceremonies. And for good reason! Its potent aroma is known to repel negative energy and attract positivity, making it an essential addition to any sacred space.

But Sage isn’t your only choice when it comes to cleansing and protection – Juniper and Dragon’s Blood smudge sticks are also just as effective! Juniper is thought to have incredible protection qualities, with its smoke creating a barrier between yourself and negative forces. Dragon’s blood smudge sticks, made from the resin of Dragon trees, can help in strengthening your aura. 

To harness the powerful energy of these smudge sticks, I carefully light the end of the bundle and allow the fragrant smoke to permeate every corner of the space. I focus my intention on releasing any negative energy and welcoming in cleansing and protective energies to fill the space. I allow the sweet fragrance to envelope me, and take a deep breath, allowing myself to be fully present in the moment.

When I’m looking to bring in new and uplifting energy, I turn to lemongrass as a smudge stick. Its refreshing and citrusy aroma is believed to enhance mental clarity and promote positive energy. Using lemongrass in my smudging rituals helps me clear out any negative energy and fill my space with a renewed sense of optimism and positivity.

To incorporate lemongrass into my smudging ritual, I light the end of the bundle and let the fragrant smoke waft throughout the entire space. As the smoke rises, I envision a renewed sense of energy and optimism permeating the atmosphere, uplifting my mood and bringing a fresh perspective to my day.

Lavender is a herb I use for my smudge sticks when I want to bring forth a calming energy. It has a soothing scent that can promote relaxation and peace. We’re all aware of how potent lavender is for aiding a good night’s sleep, hence its popular use in room sprays and essential oils. However, burning a bundle of dried lavender is a far better natural alternative, as it eliminates the harsh chemicals that are often added into synthetic products. 

When I want to invoke calming energy, I light the end of the bundle and let the smoke spread throughout the space, making sure to reach every corner. As part of my nightly rituals, I visualise peaceful and calming energy entering into my space to aid a restful and restorative night’s sleep.

Also known as shamanic snuff, Amazonian Hapé is a psychotropic spiritual healing plant used for thousands of years in sacred rituals. Derived from a type of tobacco plant known as mapacho, Hapé isn’t to be smoked like cigarettes but instead administered through the nose.

While tobacco is the main component in Hapé, the final medicine is a mixture of other sacred healing plants. The exact mix of tree barks, leaves, seeds and roots also included is a closely guarded secret by each shaman, meaning each experience is slightly different depending on the combination of the other plants’ healing properties. The ingredients are combined and ground down with a pestle and mortar into a light-coloured powder before being strained through a fine mesh. 

Since Hapé is a psychotropic substance, it’s really important to pay attention to your set (mindset) and setting (physical environment). You want to create an internal and external space that feels safe and intentional. For your set, my advice is to go into the Hapé ceremony with a clear intention in mind. This could be to answer a question you’ve had, find guidance or deepen your connection with yourself. For your setting, choose a space that feels sacred to you with safe energy. If anything doesn’t feel right, it’s best to take a moment to pause, step back and only proceed if you feel comfortable doing so. 

It remains an ancient cultural practice that is still commonly used by Amazonian tribes to enhance their night vision while hunting, but it is fast becoming widely recognised for its additional spiritual healing benefits. These benefits include detoxifying your body, increasing visual perception, clearing pent-up anger, resetting your energetic field, treating ocular diseases and it can even be used in conjunction with other practices to heal depression, anxiety and addiction. 

Since the eyes are incredibly sensitive, administering Sananga can be uncomfortable, and I personally find it quite painful. However, the burning sensation only lasts a few minutes and is actually a big part of the ceremony and the plant’s healing powers. The ceremony leader will guide you through the pain with some deep breathing. Riding through the discomfort is worthwhile as you’ll reap the benefits of the endorphin rush that comes after. I usually experience a sense of detoxification, intense relaxation and overall feel much lighter emotionally and physically.

While it is a potent medicine, you can administer it yourself without a guided ceremony, so long as you double-check (and triple-check) your source is reputable and thoroughly educate yourself beforehand.

Since embarking on my spiritual healing journey, I’ve come to understand how integral it is for me to feel rooted. Connecting with the Earth on a deeper level helps me feel a sense of oneness and calm with myself, others and the world around me. Because of this, I have such a strong sense of gratitude for everything Mother Nature provides. And one of her many gifts is the power of healing plants.

I’ve enjoyed documenting my experience with spiritual healing plants and taking note of how each medicine makes me feel and draws me deeper into my inner self for some time now. In my last blog on the topic, I looked into the powers of Cacao and Blue Lotus, both of which are great if you’ve just started out experimenting with this type of healing. This blog, however, takes things a bit further by looking at slightly more potent plants: Amazonian Hapé and Sananga. 

Since both plants have the potential for more powerful spiritual transformations, I would advise you thoroughly research each medicine and read about other people’s experiences – which I hope this blog will help you with! When you’re confident in your decision, be mindful of your mental state and surroundings (which I go into more detail below) to make sure you feel as supported as possible to let the plants work their magic.

As mentioned, Hapé is administered through the nose, but it’s not snorted or inhaled, instead, it is blown forcefully up the nostrils. If served by someone else they will use a Tepi applicator instrument, and if serving yourself then you’ll need to use a v-shaped Kuripe pipe. 

It’s administered first to the left nostril, signifying death and then to the right for rebirth. It can feel a little uncomfortable when it’s blown into the nose, but this passes, and you’ll quickly begin to feel the effects. It instantly opens and cleanses the pineal gland and relaxes the body. Personally, I find it calms me while raising my awareness, making it perfect before a meditation. 

It goes without saying, always seek out a reputable practitioner to administer or supply Hapé!

Another Amazonian spiritual medicine, Sananga is made from the roots and bark of a shrub found in Brazil and the rest of South America. This healing plant is typically administered as a liquid eye drop, which is extracted by grinding the root and bark into a fine powder to release the juice.