If you have dug into the history of or simply the practice of, yoga, even the tiniest amount, you have probably seen or heard the word "chakra" at least once.
Yoga and chakras are not mutually exclusive - they can, and often are, practiced separately, but are also closely linked. This will be the first in an eight-part series of blogs where we will explore the association between yoga and chakras more in-depth.
This post will be a general overview of the chakras and what they are, and then, the following posts will delve more into each specific chakra.
Photo by Susanna Marsiglia on Unsplash
The term "chakra" is first mentioned in the Vedic texts, although not in the same context as is thought today. In the Vedic texts, Chakra is actually a king who turns his wheel of power to maintain his vast empire.
In Sanskrit, chakra means "wheel" and with the history noted above, that makes sense. In it's most basic explanation, chakras arose because of the belief that humans exist in two planes, one being the physical body and the other being a spiritual/emotional, non-physical body (many Western religions would refer to this as the soul). There are other nuances that vary between Buddhism, Hinduism, various religions of Ancient China, and Chinese Acupuncture, but that is generalized background.
The chakras act as a link between the physical and non-physical body. There are seven chakras that correlate to seven points in the physical body, with each chakra having a spiritual/emotional purpose. The belief is that when there are issues with a certain chakra's emotional essence, this can also manifest at that correlating point in the physical body.
Root Chakra: Located in the base of the spine/tailbone area, this chakra correlates to one's physical identity, and assists with stability and grounding in one's mood. When blocked, issues could manifest as constipation or other bladder/colon issues, as well as feelings of insecurity.
Sacral Chakra: Located just below the belly button and above the pubic bone, this chakra relates to ones sexuality and creativity. Issues with your sacral chakra could present as low back pain or impotency, or as feelings of low self-worth.
Solar Plexus Chakra: Located in the upper abdomen/stomach area and coordinates with one's self-esteem and confidence. Problems with your solar plexus chakra would be evidenced by ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, and low self-esteem.
Heart Chakra: As the name implies, this chakra is located in the center of the chest, at the heart, and is reflective of one's love and compassion. Concerns with one's heart chakra would show up as heart problems, asthma, feelings of loneliness, and isolating oneself. Those with blockages in their heart chakra also tend to put others before themselves, to the point of their own detriment.
Throat Chakra: Located at the throat (obvious, I know), this chakra is one's communication center. Voice and throat problems, as well as tooth or mouth issues are ways you would know your throat chakra is blocked. Those with a blocked throat chakra tend to gossip, speak first and think second, and generally have trouble expressing themselves.
Third Eye Chakra: Located between the eyes, it is also called the "brow chakra", and correlates to one's intuition and imagination. Concerns with the third eye chakra present as headaches and hearing/vision problems. People who have trouble listening to others or seem to be know-it-alls would be thought to have a blockage here.
Crown Chakra: Located at the top of the head, right where you would place a crown, this chakra coordinates with your brain and nervous system, as well as your connection to your life's purpose. When the crown chakra is blocked, one may seem to be narrow-minded or stubborn.
How do the chakras relate to yoga? It is thought that certain yoga asanas, or variations of these asanas, can assist in opening a blocked chakra.
In the following weeks, starting with the root chakra and continuing up from there, we will explore each chakra in more detail, including which asanas would be beneficial for that chakra.
I am looking forward to this series, and hope you will continue to join me!
-Charlene
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