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The truth within yogic philosophy is that the body houses seven chakras, which are otherwise known as energy centers. Most of us are not aware of these chakras (energy centers) and thus are unable to utilize them to our benefit. The cause of this lack of awareness includes factors such as low self-esteem and daily stress. This can be rectified by practicing yoga poses corresponding to each of the seven chakras.
The Seven Chakras And Yoga Poses To Correct Them
Sahasrara Chakra (Crown)
This chakra is the located right on top of the head and functions as the control system of the entire chakra system. Invoking this chakra symbolizes the completion of spiritual development and attainment of enlightenment. The chakra can get imbalanced both by excessive as well as no thinking. To help it attain a state of balance the best yoga pose is meditation. Deep meditation for as long as possible can help the mind get rid of the thoughts that have got accumulated inside it.
Ajna Chakra (Third Eye)
The third eye is located in between the forehead and is associated with the ability to see beyond the physical world. This chakra allows us access to communication means such as telepathy, and other capabilities such as intuition, imagination, clairvoyance, dreaming, and visualization.
Straining our eyes can burden this chakra. Wearing blindfolds during the entire class can help destress and rejuvenate this Chakra.
Visuddha Chakra (Throat)
Imbalances in this chakra can cause throat ailments, shoulder tension, neck stiffness, an underactive thyroid, jaw disorders, teeth grinding, and apprehensions while speaking. These can be balanced with the help of:
* Halasana (Plow Pose)
* Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
* Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
* Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Anahata Chakra (Heart)
Imbalances within this chakra result in an imbalance within the spiritual world (the upper three chakras) and material world (the lower three chakras). An imbalance between the two can result in loss of peace and harmony. This imbalance can be rectified with the help of:
*Gomukhasana
* Garudasana (Eagle Pose)
* Poses in which the back is bent
Manipura Chakra (Navel, Solar Plexus)
This is the fiery chakra. It is associated with warrior tendencies, self esteem and ability to transform. Imbalances in this chakra can make you sluggish, inert and unable to assert your will.
Imbalances in this chakra can be rectified with the help of:
* Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose)
* Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath or Breath of Fire)
* Navasana (Boat Pose)
* Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation)
* Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
* Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose)
* Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Leg Lifts)
*Warrior poses
Svadisthana Chakra
This chakra system helps correct the imbalances in the hip, sacrum, and genital region of the body. Masculine and feminine imbalances (between attainment of pleasure and denial of it for survival) are a result of the imbalances within this chakra. It can be balanced with the help of:
* Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)
* Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose)
* Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
* Upavistha Konasana (Open Angle Pose)
* Other hip and groin opener poses.
Muladhara Chakra
This chakra lies right at the root of the body. Imbalances in this chakra system result in prevalence of insecurity, anxiety and restlessness. It can be balanced with the help of:
* Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Pose)
* Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
*Salamba Balasana (Supported Child's Pose)
* Salamba Savasana (Supported Corpse Pose)
* Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
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