Chakras are etheric structures that process and transmute energy consciousness. Each major and minor chakra body has a specific function, and is also in relationship with the entire chakra system, in a similar way that the organs of the physical body work together. On this website we will explore how Relational Energy Therapy uses a developmental map of the chakras to show how each particular chakra grows sequentially, as we evolve from a prenatal infant self into a spiritually-aware, and individuated, adult.
A vital aspect of the auric field structure that makes this growth possible can be found in the phenomenon of chakra cords. We are all familiar with the umbilical cord that connects us to our mother prior to birth. Chakra cords are the invisible connecting links we have to those people who are important to us, or upon who we come to depend for our survival or self-identity.
To the psychic vision these cords appear as fine and transparent filaments capable of transmission or reception of our energetic connections. When seen energetically they look similar to the tendrils of a jellyfish. Sometimes this flow goes both ways (as in a healthy and mutually-supportive relationship), and other times the flow is mostly one-way, often draining one of the individuals.
The age of the cords is also a factor in relational energy healing. Aged cords are often tarnished with the accumulation of unresolved feelings or difficult memories, much in the way jewelry becomes encrusted with stains from lack of care, or use. Tarnished cords restrict the vitality of our lives by keeping us “hooked” into old relationships long in need of restoration, or resolution. By cleaning cords, and by also engaging in personal process work, we can come to release the grip of the past, and move fully into the present and create a more desirable future for ourselves.
Cutting the cord, and untangling the cord
You may have come across healers who advocate cutting cords. While certain toxic cords are appropriate to remove (see Junk Cords, below) many cords to others are deeply engaged with our chakra system, sometimes even infiltrating deep into the physical body. In my way of thinking, cutting a cord before therapeutic examination, such as to a parent or an ex-loved one, may exacerbate existing emotional pain by shocking us into a deep state of abandonment.
Rather than immediately cutting cords to escape emotional pain I almost always advocate judicious pruning, cord cleaning, and the energetic clearing of cords during personal process work. In this way the cords will “power down”, losing their charge and influence upon us, while we retain the nourishment and lessons the relationship brought to our lives. In the words of author Ken Wilber, we learn to “transcend and include” the relationship, and the past becomes part of our spiritual evolution. We learn to draw strength, compassion, and wisdom from the relationship, even though it may now be over. This work can be achieved even with those who have died, as the cords often remain attached long after the physical body of the other person has passed on.
Tangled cords are very common, and the first job of a Relational Energy Therapist is to untangle and energize cords in the chakra indicated by the client’s presenting issue. Imagine running your fingers through long, wet hair after a dip in the ocean, and you will get the idea of how a relational energy healer untangles cords.
Five common types of chakra cords
1. Junk Cords: analogous to junk mail or e-mail spam, junk cords casually hook into the lower chakras as part of a failed attempt to probe or control us in some way. I call them junk cords because they remain hooked into the surface of a chakra long after the probing from another has ceased. I often find excessive junk cords in clients with unexplained fatigue or who struggle with personal boundaries.
The classic example is the salesperson or telemarketer who tries to “hook” you into making a purchase you do not wish to make. As you walk away you feel affected or invaded in some way you cannot put your finger on. Junk cords are the easiest cords to remove as they only hook lightly into a chakra’s surface resembling fish hook at the cords termination point. The healer’s energy hand can release the hook and then send it back to the originator.
2. Transitional Cords: these are “feeler” cords that attach and detach rapidly, as we explore a connection with another person. They function to orientate ourselves to another, allowing us to receive or download information to this person, or to focus the transmission of thought-forms. Transitional cords touch us when the other is objective and curious, but not interested in forming a personal or permanent relationship with us.
All of us have experienced this as we ask for driving directions, or listen to a theatrical performance or lecture. It is a passive and yet focused way of connecting with others, one that does not infringe on our or another’s personal boundaries.
As transitional cords do not linger we have no need to detach them. However , extended or intensely curious attention will overcharge our chakras, producing such phenomena as stage fright, fear of public speaking, or shyness. Learning to tolerate being seen by others, warts and all, is an essential skill for the empowered individual. This is what allows us to make a stand for something important, or to make a verbal statement of intent, or a request for a change.
3. Attachment or Relational Cords: when we do accept or initiate personal contact with another we send attachment cords deep into the inner structure of the chakras, forming permanent or semi-permanent links to others. Typical examples of this are the bonds we form with parents, siblings, family members, and our children. We also attach these cords to long-term partners as well as others with whom we have bonded in an emotional or sexual way. These cords transfer both healthy and unhealthy energies from one to another, influencing us at many levels of consciousness.
An example of this is seen in the psychological concept of transference. For instance, if I am dependent upon my job I will probably cord with my boss in ways that are reminiscent of similar dependent relationships with male authorities from my past. As another example I may meet a man whose behavior triggers memories of the way my father acted towards me, and my interactions towards this person will be tainted with the unresolved feelings towards my father. I may find myself arguing with this man similar to the way I argued with my father during my upbringing. This indicates that I am in transference with him; my attachment cords are distorting my present experience by bringing in the past.
To heal dysfunctional attachment cords we must engage our personal process. We must be willing to examine the habitual beliefs and patterns of our lives, and explore alternative responses to unhealthy behavior. As attachment cords can go through the chakra and deep into the sushumna, and even wrap around organs, it may be necessary to remove them. An alternative approach is to graft or re-parent a new experience onto the cord, effectively “re-programming” the cord and adapting the experience in service of the individual rather than to her detriment. Chakra cord grafting can significantly change the impact of toxic or unhealthy attachment cords, and can re-write the relationship.
4. DNA (or Heritage) Cords: just as our bodies contain genetic coding from our ancestors, our chakras contain unresolved or habitual relational cords from past family members. Often we find ourselves repeating family patterns stretching back many generations. Just as a parent may hear herself speaking to her young child in the identical way her own mother spoke to her, so family relational patterns are held within heritage cords, unconsciously affecting the choices we make in our lives. By bringing these patterns to our awareness, and by re- patterning DNA cords, we can heal the past and begin to make new choices.
Work with DNA cords is indicated in such situations as dysfunctional partnerships or where we find ourselves repeating a common family pattern, bound and controlled by our family situation.
Working with DNA cords is similar to techniques used with attachment cords, except for the important distinction that the patterns involved will probably be linked deep into both the family and cultural matrix of the person. This makes repairing the damage and reprogramming the cords much more difficult. Ideally, DNA cord work is done in a group setting, which allows for a recapitulation of the original family-based pattern. However, slow and persistent changes to DNA cords (coupled with current-day attachment cord work) can erode the grip of the familial past and allow an individual to transcend chronic family patterns. These patterns are popularly known as karma (destiny due to previous actions), implying that our future is written ahead of time in the DNA cords of our ancestors.
5. Chakra Self Cords: we cord to others to explore relationships and experience the reality of the other, and we also cord to ourselves to provide a witness to self that is vital for a healthy adult. However , many of us were not supported in growing healthy self cords, due to poor parenting models or being raised in dysfunctional or alcoholic families. Co-dependent behavior is another way of saying “I get my reality from you (via relational cords) and not from my own sense of self (self-cords)”. In fact, I may choose you over myself, and have one-sided relationships based on inadequate self cord development.
Self cord work is a vital part of relational energy healing, and radically supports therapeutic growth and support by enhancing the “wiring” of contact to self. These cords can be identified as emerging from relational cords and implanting themselves back into the head of the chakra (usually on the outer chakra head rim).
How chakra cord work helps us heal
Cord healing can assist the client’s growth and healing when client and healer release energetic splits, conflicts, or other negative influences held within particular cords and their associated organs. The reparative healing concept of Relational Energy Healing holds that once the obstructive or life-negating issue is resolved it triggers the return of the natural growth of the chakra. This will reset the healthy relational needs of the client. Many times this will result the client’s relationships beginning to change. Some relationships may even fall away. The new pattern will make new options, or types of relationships, possible.
Change and transformation is about evolving towards the empowered and choice-driven individual. Reaction is replaced with response; choice replaces compulsion or addiction. Then we will grow closer towards our life goals, and towards our soul longing. We can choose to drop the pain of the past, and to embrace a creative and exciting present. We can learn to consciously participate in our own evolutionary unfolding.
© 2016 by Dean Ramsden. All rights reserved.
