Yoga and the Chakras: Focus on the Heart Chakra The Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra) “I love.” This chakra is located in the heart region of the chest. It is associated with social identity, trust, forgiveness, unconditional love, stability, patience, wisdom, compassion, and emotional empowerment. In Sanskrit, the heart chakra is called Anahata, which means unhurt, unstuck, and unbeaten. This chakra is represented by a gray lotus flower with 12petals. Within the lotus flower are two triangles intersecting, called a shatkona. This symbol in Hinduism represents the union of the masculine and feminine form. Green is the color most associated with this chakra, and its element is air. The 12 petals of the anahata chakra all match aspects of humanity: lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination, and defiance. Physiologically, the heart chakra is associated with the thoracic cavity and it governs the heart, rib cage, blood (circulatory system), lungs and diaphragm, thymus gland, breasts, and esophagus. When the heart chakra is unbalanced or blocked, it can manifest itself as upper back and shoulder problems, asthma, heart conditions, shallow or rapid breathing, and lung diseases. Emotionally, imbalance in the heart chakra is indicated by difficulty with love, lack of hope, despair, moodiness, envy, fear, jealousy, anger, and anxiety. As the center of compassion, when the heart chakra opens, you are able to identify with other people, plants, animals, and all life. The heart chakra is also the humanitarian center. You are also more likely to become involved with social causes when your heart chakra is open. A balanced and open heart chakra is exhibited by calm, confidence, and self-trust. A person with a developed anahata chakra is very sensitive to the feelings of others. They also have a highly sensitive sense of touch. Most practitioners of Reiki, a Japanese healing art, heal others by radiating energy through their touch, and they have strong heart chakras. Many yoga practitioners use pranayama (breathing exercises) to not only open their anahata chakras, but also meditate on positive thoughts. Opening your heart to the world can strengthen the heart chakra and bring peace and joy into your life.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:46:18 +0000
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