In Chakras and yoga part two we will continue to look at the different chakras and yoga postures to balance them.
Disclaimer-Please note that this article chakras and yoga part two is written for information purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or are unsure of any of the postures listed then please seek professional advice FIRST.
Anahata Chakra- the heart chakra, is located at the heart (at the center of the chest). It is symbolized by the colour green and a lotus with 12 petals. Its issues are love, acceptance and trust. It is the center of compassion. A positive balance in the Heart Chakra would be showing sensitivity and unconditional love for self and others. It is related to the immune and endocrine systems.
Postures to balance and activate this chakra include the fish, the pigeon and the camel.
Vissudha Chakra -the throat chakra It is represented by the colour blue and a crescent within a 16 petalled lotus. Its issues are communication, inspiration, expression and faith. A healthy balance in the Throat Chakra would be shown as fluent and clear thought, creative written and spoken expression and wisdom. It is related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Postures to balance and activate this chakra include the crocodile, half shoulder stand and the plough.
Ajna or the third eye chakra and is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. It is represented by a deep indigo blue colour and a lotus with two large petals. It is thought to be the point at which the two nadis (energy channels) Ida and Pingala merge becoming the center that controls all higher mental activities including psychic, emotional and mental intelligence and insight. A healthy and balanced Third Eye Chakra would be shown by a keen imagination and intellect, strong intuition and deep spiritual awareness. It is related to the pineal gland which produces the hormones serotonin and melatonin.
Postures to balance and activate this chakra include the child and the pyramid.
Sahasrara, which means “thousand petaled lotus,” is the seventh chakra and is located at the crown of the head. It is represented by the colour white or violet and is considered to be the center of wisdom and pure consciousness. It’s issues are devotion, inspiration, selflessness and spiritual understanding. It is related to the pituitary gland and also connects to the central nervous system. Someone with a healthy and balanced Crown Chakra would have highly developed emotional awareness and may reach a higher spiritual state of bliss or unity with the divine.
Postures to balance and activate this chakra include the rabbit and the head stand and lotus.
Through awareness of the chakras and yoga practise you can align and balance your chakras. Through the movements and postures of yoga, you can learn to focus your concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in your body. This can enable you to release areas where there is blocked or stagnant energy that is out of synch with the rest of your body. By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras, overall balance and alignment can be achieved. This spiritual energy is known as Kundalini energy. Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through your system, controlled and purposeful movements such as yoga can be extremely beneficial in realigning your chakras in a way that can be of enormous benefit to you in your physical and emotional wellbeing.
This was Chakras and Yoga Part Two, if you missed part one click HERE
