Yoga practice includes strengthening of the physical body as well as the subtle body. The subtle body, otherwise known as the energy body, is the part where energy, or prana, flows.
Chakras are spinning wheels of energy within the subtle body that align in the spine, starting from the base of the spine and ending in the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with, and governs, a specific psychological, physical and emotional state. It is essential that the chakras are kept open, fluid and aligned. Blockages can stop the flow of energy within the body. Yoga is one of the best ways to balance the chakras as the practice of yoga aligns the physical body, and thus the subtle body as well.
Listed below are brief descriptions of the main chakras, as well as yoga postures that can be used to balance and stimulate them:
Muladhara Chakra (The Root chakra)
Muladhara Chakra is known as the root chakra. ‘Mula’ means root and ‘adhara’ means place in sanskrit. It is named thus because it connects one to the earth and acts as a pillar of support for all other chakras in the body. Located at the base of the spine, it is associated with the skeletal system and the glands in the gonads. Its colour is red and its element is earth.
When blocked or unbalanced, the chakra can cause feelings of low self-esteem or self-destructive behaviours; however when balanced, feelings of strength and confidence are present instead.
Tadasana or Mountain pose is often used to balance this chakra as it builds a greater sense of balance and connectivity with the earth.
Svadhisthana Chakra (Lower Abdomen Chakra)
Located in the pelvis, this chakra is known as one’s dwelling place as it is where kundalini resides when awakened. This chakra is associated with the reproductive system and the adrenal glands, acting as a control over sexuality, appetite, creativity, desire, and feeling. Its colour is orange and its element is water.
When unbalanced, you can feel emotionally unstable or guilty, however when balanced, you feel creative, positive, and willing to accept change.
Deviasana or goddess pose is used to balance this chakra as the opening of the hips draws focus to the reproductive organs.
Manipura Chakra (Navel Chakra)
This chakra is located in the navel and solar plexus, and is associated with the muscular and digestive systems as well as the pancreatic glands. Mani means jewels and puri means city in Sanskrit, therefore this chakra is known as the city of jewels as it is the centre of fire and vitality in the body. It governs power, determination, intellect, aspects of personality, and self control.
It’s colour is yellow and its element is fire. When this chakra is blocked, you can lack courage or have low self-esteem; however, when balanced, you can build upon your inner energy and power.
Navasana or the boat pose can be used as it activates the core muscles.
Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)
Anahata means unstuck in Sanskrit. This means that the heart chakra is where the unstuck vibration of eternal sound lies. This chakra is associated with the circulatory, respiratory, and immune system as well as the thymus gland. Its colour is green and its element is air. It controls compassion, love, acceptance, emotions, and giving.
When blocked, one can become possessive or extremely dependent on others, as well as extremely isolated, resulting in unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships. When balanced however, this chakra can heal emotional wounds and result in an open heart which can lead to unconditional love and healthier relationships.
Utrasana or Camel pose can be used to open the heart centre as it requires the arching of the back and the opening of the chest.
Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra)
This chakra, located in the throat, is associated the metabolic system and the thyroid gland. Shuddhi means purification in sanskrit as this is the chakra where pure consciousness and creativity reside. It regulates expression, intuition, and communication. Its colour is blue and its element is ether.
When it is blocked, you may feel like you are unable to speak or that your are overly talkative. When stimulated, this chakra helps you communicate your emotions healthily and you become better at listening without any judgement.
Salamba Sarvangasana or the supported shoulder stand frees the neck and spine, allowing for focus on one’s breath, making it a good pose to help balance this chakra.
Ajna Chakra (Third-Eye Chakra)
Ajna means command in Sanskrit, as this chakra is where we receive commands from the higher guru, divine self, or our higher self. Its colour is indigo and its element is light. Located between the eyebrows, this chakra regulates the endocrine system and the pituitary gland. It is associated with insight, wisdom, self-awareness, spiritual awareness and self realization, or your sixth-sense.
When it is blocked, you can be close minded, overly logical, untrusting, and cynical. When it is activated, it opens the mind to many different perspectives and helps with the reception of wisdom that cannot be understood by ordinary senses.
Sukhasana (Easy pose) allows for greater concentration and calmness, drawing greater focus to the third eye region.
Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra)
Sahasrara means one thousand in sanskrit as this chakra is represented by a lotus with one thousand petals, and the centre containing pure consciousness. This chakra is where the individual consciousness unites with universal matter. Its colour is white or violet and its element is the cosmic energy. It is not actually located in the body but instead, hovers above crown of the head. It controls the nervous system and the pineal gland and is associated with universal consciousness, intuition, peace of mind, and connection with the divine. It helps you understand your own spirituality.
When closed it increases focus on material possessions for happiness but when open can help you feel free in any situation.
Savasana or Corpse pose can help open this chakra as it brings attention to your subtle body and the divine light, building a connection with your infinite self.
Written by:
Subhaga Laxman, RYT 200
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