Anahata chakra (Heart Chakra)
For all those of you, who are already dabbling with this realm, the Anahata chakra is the heart chakra. The heart chakra is located at the center of the chest. To speak with more clarity, it acts as a bridge between the upper and lower chakras. It also tends to connect the physical world with the spiritual world. It also guides us through relationships. The condition of the Anahata chakra determines how much love and empathy one has for the others.
You will learn about the intricacies of the Heart chakra as a part of yoga teacher training in rishikesh. This is one of the best courses, that schools like Hrishikesh Yoga School offers. You will learn about all the chakras in great detail. The health of the Anahata chakra is most important, as it resonates with the celestial realm. When your Anahata chakra functions well, you can hear various types of sounds unhindered. Other people may or may not hear such sounds. Before you delve deeper, it is good to explore its nature and characteristics.
Characteristics Of The Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra)
- Everything is governed by an element in this world. It can be your fingers, your nature, or your chakra. The heart chakra is governed by the air element. This air links with the lungs located close to the Heart chakra. This element is also one which rules emotions and expansion. When the heart chakra is healthy and shining, you will be able to see everyone in good light. Moreover, you will be receptive to others.
- Now, let us discuss about the colour of the heart chakra. The colour of the heart chakra is green in colour. It resonates with feelings of harmony, love, and balance. Green is a cool and calming shade. It also signifies growth and rebirth. However, on the other side, if it is negative, it can denote jealousy and a narcissistic attitude. Apart from green, the chakra also has connections with the colour pink, which is the colour of love. So, you will see healers using pink quartz to heal the heart.
- Like the other chakras, the Anahata chakra is also represented by a symbol. It is represented by a lotus flower having 12 petals. There is a smoky ‘Shatkona’ region inside, which represents the union of the male and female energies. The 12 petals represent the 12 divine qualities like joy, peace, love, compassion and kindness to name a few.
- Every chakra vibrates at a particular energy frequency. So does the heart chakra, which vibrates at a frequency of 639 Hz. The sounds of this frequency help in elevating the mood. Your emotions also get balanced manifold. If you listen to music at this same frequency, you will feel good.
- YAM is the seed mantra of the chakra. It controls the flow of Prana within the body and also resonates with Vayu.
Manifestations Of A Balanced Heart Chakra
If your Heart chakra is balanced, you will be quick to realize it. Learn about the same in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in rishikesh. Additionally, you will also be able to practice the same among the peer groups.
- The ancients mainly believed that the Jiva-Atman resides in the Anahata chakra. It is also regarded as the transition zone between the material life and divine consciousness. A balanced Heart chakra, will showcase feelings of love and compassion.
- A balanced Heart chakra is also in sync with nature.
- It is filled with unconditional love for all living things.
- You will observe that all your relationships are harmonious.
- You will be non-judgmental in nature.
- You will radiate a lot of compassion for one and all.
- The surroundings will always be peaceful.
Signs That Your Heart Chakra Is Imbalanced
If you join the yoga teacher training course at the Hrishikesh Yoga School, you will be able to understand if the chakra is working properly or not. Moreover, your Heart chakra may be hyper active or hypo active. The signs and symptoms in each case will be a bit different from one another. The symptoms of a hypo active heart chakra are shyness, lack of trust in others, lack of self-love, a judgmental attitude, and a tendency to become anti-social.
On the other hand, the symptoms of an overactive Heart chakra are being overly empathetic, sacrificing your own needs for the sake of the others, putting all the blame for any situation on yourself, and dependency.
Apart from the above behavioural, mental and emotional symptoms, you may show certain physical symptoms as well. You may suffer from chronic back pain, breathing difficulty, blood circulation issues, or immune system deficiency. That is all about the background and psychology of the Heart chakra.
Healing A Blocked Anahata Chakra
- You can work on healing your heart chakra in a variety of ways. The first thing that you should undertake is Visualization meditation. The first thing that results in, is that you see yourself surrounded by the air element, and secondly you see a green circle at the centre of the chest.
- You can also stimulate the Heart chakra, to perform properly. Eat well, and things will start working. You should adopt the Sattvic food habits, just like the yogis. Leafy greens like Spinach and Kale are especially helpful. Moreover, their colour matches the colour of the Heart chakra. However, before you incorporate fresh greens in your diet, you should set an intention for yourself.
- You can also practice affirmations. They tend to work quite well. You should say things that you want to achieve, however, in the present tense. It should seem from your words, that you already have them all. You can write down all your affirmations as well. It will help in sending the message across to the universe.
- Practice Karma Yoga. This is an important practice, which you must undertake to activate the Heart chakra. You should experience each moment as it comes, as a part of this practice. Do not expect anything from others, while performing mundane tasks. Letting go of the expectations is one of the best practices here.
Yoga Poses That Act As A Heart Chakra Opener
If you join the sound healing course in rishikesh, you will become a lot familiar with the processes. Yoga is one of the best ways, by which you can open the Heart chakra.
- Bridge Pose – It is the Setu Bandha Sarvangasana which we are talking about here. It is basically an inverted back-bending pose, which anyone, having any fitness level can practice. It is an asana that stretches the spine, neck, as well as the chest. It is very common in Vinyasa Yoga. However, you have to solidify your stance, by practicing it in Hatha Yoga style. This is one of the asanas, which can prepare the body for more difficult back-bending poses. Your body resembles a bridge in this pose. Although this pose is quite simple, you need proper guidance in the beginning. You must enroll for the 300 hour kundalini yoga ttc, to get proper guidance on the same. Furthermore, you must stretch the body according to the limits. No one can tell that better, than you. The pose works on the back muscles and the abdomen as well. The muscles of the neck and shoulder are also opened, as a result of practice.
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana – This is another pose, which you can practice for heart opening. Apparently, it might look similar to the Bhujangasana. This is a heart opener in the true sense of the word. This is also called the Upward Facing Dog pose, as you resemble a dog, who is stretching. It mainly depicts humbleness and loyalty. The hands and wrists in this asana, are directly positioned under the shoulders. The pelvis and a part of the thighs are off the floor, as you perform the asana. This is where it differs from Bhujangasana. This asana also helps in curing digestive disorders and respiratory disorders. You will also be able to get rid of mild depression. Additionally, you will also get some postural therapy. It gives the spine a good stretch.
- Bow Pose – It is the Dhanurasana, which we want to highlight here. Your body will resemble a bow, which is ready to strike, in this pose. It is one of the intermediate level back-bending asanas. Apart from healing the Anahata chakra, you will also be able to heal the Manipura chakra. It also reduces Kapha dosha. If you lead a sedentary life, then this is the best asana for you. You can also lose belly fat, while practicing this asana or pose. If you are doing it for the first time, you can place a blanket under the belly. Moreover, if you are unable to hold the ankles, you can use a yoga strap as well. This is one of the asanas, which help in opening up the Heart chakra.
These are a few of the asanas or poses, which you can practice for heart opening. Additionally, you can check with the best yoga school for more knowledge.
Mudras For Heart Chakra Opening
You can also practice the Apana Vayu mudra to open the heart chakra. It is a category of therapeutic mudras, which can be done with one or both hands. It also has the power to bring one back from the dead. If you have emotional heart conditions, you can practice this mudra. In this mudra, you first have to sit in a secluded corner and sit in a meditative pose. Extend both or one of the hands forward, with the palms facing upwards. Fold the index finger and allow it to rest on the palm. Bring the tips of the thumb and the middle finger and ring finger in contact. The little finger will be kept straight. Your elbows should be straight. Breathe normally, as you practice this mudra. Many yoga schools also call it the Hridaya mudra. This mudra prevents the occurrence of heart attacks. Moreover, it also balances the three doshas. If you practice this mudra daily, you will also be able to improve your digestive fire. You can practice this for 2 minutes every day for maximum benefits.
Use Heart Chakra Stones and Oils
- You can also strengthen your heart chakra, with the help of gemstones. Rose Quartz is one of the stones, which you must use. The stone that we are talking about here is turbid and translucent. It has a pale pink colour. You will often find it being carved into various figurines. It is a healing stone, and can increase love and compassion. You can wear a pendant made of the stone, which will fall right above the heart chakra.
- Emerald is another stone, which is green in colour and resonates with love. You will get success in love, if you wear the stone on a daily basis. Many couples also wear these stones on their engagements and marriage ceremonies. The stone also depicts foreverness and radiates a lot of hope. You can wear this stone as a pendant or a ring. Keeping it closer to the heart is always better.
- Moreover, you can use essential oils like Sandalwood, Lavender, and Jasmine to evoke love in all your relationships. You will find that harmony resides around you, when you wear such scents. You can either put some oil in your bath oil, or massage yourself with the same, mixed in a carrier oil. Furthermore, you can use it in perfumes.
If you want to activate the Heart Chakra, then these are the things that you need to do. If you keep the heart happy and satisfied, life will be easy. You will also be calm and relaxed all the time.
