The Symbols of Chakras
Chakras are defined as an inner space voyage. In Yoga, these represent whirling vortexes of energy at the linking points between the mind…
Activate the Solar Plexus with Pranayama Exercises
Many standing Yoga poses and pranayama exercises help to strengthen and activate the Manipura Chakra. The Ha Kriya is a very powerful Kundalini Yoga breathing technique for activating and re-energizing the Third Chakra.
The Seven Main Chakras of Yoga
The word “chakra” literally means wheel. Traditionally, they are thought to be energy centers with the body. Chakras generally do not correspond to any western idea of the anatomy of the body. More commonly they are thought to be part of the subtle or astral body rather than the “gross” body. Kundalini Yoga attempts to awaken these energy centers though meditation. In Kundalini Yoga, seven Chakras are recognized (Tantric Buddhists recognize only four).
Yoga Poses for the Sixth Chakra
The Sixth Chakra is known in Sanskrit as the “Ajna Chakra.” This chakra is also known as the Third Eye Chakra. It is where spiritual…
Yoga and the Svadisthana Chakra
As the sun travels toward her yearly zenith point, her warmth and energy begin to permeate the earth, coaxing new life to emerge from its winter stasis. With each passing day, we begin to witness the perennial growth of abundant flowers and plants. The sunshine and warm temperatures also bring bears out of hibernation and the bees back to the business of making honey! Traditionally, the Incas worshiped the yellow color of the sun as a symbol of optimism, happiness, pleasure, and wealth.
Yoga and the Muladhara Chakra
The central chakra that forms the very root of our seat on the earth is the Muladhara Chakra, which is also aptly named the Root Chakra. According to ancient seers and Yogis, this chakra emanates the deep-maroon color of the red tulip. It is the first of seven chakras that follow our spinal column from the pelvic area all the way to the crown of the head. A balanced and healthy Root Chakra is integral to allowing us to stand in a balanced and healthy way on the earth.
Yoga Poses for the Second Chakra
The Second Chakra or Svadisthana Chakra is located in the lower part of the abdominal area below the belly button. The Second Chakra is…
Spring Green Leaves, Yoga and the Heart Chakra
Often, our bodies reflect our emotions, or the need to blunt our emotions, without us being consciously aware of this process. However, somatizing painful emotions by closing down your Heart Chakra will also block the flow of prana throughout your body. When pranic energy is not able to circulate through your body with ease, your vitality will likewise become diminished. Many different health problems can be directly linked to blocked energy throughout the body. In the long run, you may even develop heart or breathing problems if your Heart Chakra remains blocked for many years, hence the saying that he or she died of a broken heart.
Yoga Poses for the Fifth Chakra
There are many effective Yoga poses for opening up and re-balancing the Throat Chakra. All backbending asanas will open up the front of the chest, throat and neck. Many standing poses, including all three Warrior poses, will help to release tension and stress in the neck, shoulders and jaw. Inverted postures such as Shoulder Stand and Plow Pose will also help to balance the Vissudda Chakra. Ustrasana or Camel Pose is one of the most profoundly effective Yoga asanas for opening up the entire Throat Chakra area.
Yoga and Reiki Chakra Theory
Yoga and Reiki are spiritual healing arts based on the theory that the body contains seven major chakras, or energy centers. To understand how this works, we first need to first need to know the meanings of several words: