Our physical, spiritual and mental health are closely intertwined. Our chakras are an important part of our being and are essential to our good health and like the rest of us; they are affected by external factors, whether environmental or spiritual. To stay in good health, you need to take care of all of you - chakra cleansing is an important part of caring for yourself. When your chakras are working properly, you?ll have the ideal energy flow through your body and your entire being will benefit.

Body, spirit and mind need to be in harmony with each other and chakra cleansing can keep these elements in balance; like getting regular exercise, it?s just another part of living a healthy lifestyle.

These are some of the chakra cleansing techniques which have been used for millennia:

*Smudging: This is burning herbs and plants to clear away negative energies which can block your chakras. White sage is an especially potent herb for this. Burn some white sage in a room with the doors and windows closed for a few minutes, letting the smoke fill the room.

*Auric brushing: Brushing your chakras with gems and crystals can cleanse your chakras; however, you should leave this to a professional. Improper auric brushing can do more harm than good.

*Diet: Eat a healthy, well balanced diet and get plenty of water and pure fruit and vegetable juices. Get adequate sleep every day as when your body is in good shape, your chakras will also benefit.

*Your chakras will remain clearer if you get regular exercise and practice breathing techniques.

*Spend some time in a natural setting. This can even be a park or your back yard but spending some time appreciating nature will go a long way towards chakra cleansing.

*Color therapy: Each of your chakras has a corresponding color and can be stimulated and cleansed of negative energy by visualizing these colors or by looking at them.

*Music: Music is a powerful means of chakra cleansing as well as a way to activate chakras and boost the function of the endocrine system.

*Mental Exercise: By keeping your mind active and endeavoring to learn new things, your chakras will stay more active and free of blockages.

*Meditation and reflection: Take a few minutes each day to think things over. Not only will you get perspective on the events of the day, you will also find this to be a good technique for chakra cleansing.

*Love yourself: You cannot give or receive love until you first love yourself; love causes the production of brain chemicals which produce a sensation of well being and is also healthy for your chakras.

*Be in touch with your emotions: When you can't accept or process your emotions you'll be incapable of effectively expressing how you feel to other people; and repressing your emotions will lead to a negative energy buildup which can keep your chakras from sending energy through your being.

*Use your creativity. When you allow your creativity to have a place in your daily life, you keep your energy flowing properly and will start enjoying your life more.

*Past lives: To get the full benefits of chakra cleansing, you have to be open to learning from the lessons of your past lives. You can gain insight into yourself which will facilitate the process of chakra cleansing.

*Be the change you want to see in the world: Live your life in accordance with the principles of honesty, respect and trust.

*Prayer: Prayer can calm your mind and make you more aware of your spiritual side, including your chakras. Like meditation, prayer is a powerful means of chakra cleansing.

All of these chakra cleansing techniques can work for you and should be practiced regularly. It may not happen overnight, but when you keep up using these chakra cleansing methods, you'll start to see the benefits and have a higher quality of life.