The chakras are energy centers in your body. There are seven in total and each one holds different energetic qualities relating to the unique physical, emotional, and spiritual components of your being. They also reveal the interconnectedness of your body and mind. The goal is for each of these centers to be in a state of balance, so one to live in an optimal balance in various areas of life.
The three lower chakras are more primal and the three upper chakras are more spiritual. They meet in the middle, in the heart chakra, Anahata, which encompasses a balance of these qualities.
Your heart chakra is also the place of love and connection. It is associated with the element of air. Physically, it is connected to your lungs, heart, chest, and upper back region.
If out of balance here physically, one may experience heart problems, trouble breathing, or poor posture in the upper body. Emotionally, there could be a guard up to letting love in, or a lack of discernment.
A happy heart chakra is seen as a healthy respiratory system, a healthy heart, and a proud posture. Emotionally it leads to healthy and meaningful relationships.
Yoga can help open each of your chakras! Different poses that stimulate different chaka centers, help find balance in these energy centers..
Here are 5 postures that open the Anahata chakra. Hold each of these for several breaths, and focus your attention on the center of your chest, the area of Anahata chakra, while performing each posture.
Bow (Dhanurasana)
Bow pose is a complex backbend posture that works against gravity and is powerful in strengthening the muscles of the back. Bow requires a powerful and equal kick of the legs and lift of the heart for an invigorating and even backbend and shoulder opening.
Sphinx (Salamba Bhujangasana)
Sphinx pose is a beginner-friendly and powerful heart-opener and backbend. This simple, yet powerful posture, can help heal lower back pain, open the shoulders and neck, and improve the area around the lungs and boost respiratory health.
Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Upward Facing Dog is a strengthening backbend that is commonly part of the Sun Salutations sequence.
Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana)
Wheel Pose is a deep backbend and shoulder opening pose. This uplifting pose stretches the entire front side of the body and connects all of the chakras.
Dancer's (Natarajasana)
Dancers Pose is a glorious heart-opening posture that challenges your balance while lengthening your chest and spinal muscles.
Camel (Ustrasana)
Camel is a deep heart-opening posture that strengthens your back while freeing your neck, chest, lungs, abdominals, and thighs.