Chakra Balancing Yoga - Leads to Better Physical and Emotional Health

Today's post is about Chakra Yoga, a really interesting and different way of looking at one's physical and emotional health.
I have taught Chakra Yoga Balancing Classes and have enjoyed seeing the results on my clients. I also practice this series when I can and always feel rejuvenated and energized after the practice. 

For most of us, the first question which pops into one's mind is "so, what's a chakra?"
Well, as the name suggests, the word 'Chakra' stands for 'Wheel'. This is a series of postures which re-balances our inner wheels!!

Keep reading..it gets interesting..

According to research, there are Seven main Energy Centers or Chakras in the body.These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one having certain specific functions. Any imbalance in the chakras leads to imbalance in that part of the body, leading to dis-ease.

The 7 chakras are:
1. Mooladhara Chakra - base of spine
2. Swadisthana  Chakra - at the navel area
3. Manipura Chakra - Solar plexus area
4. Anahata Chakra - Heart
5. Vishuddha Chakra - Throat
6. Ajna Chakra - Center of Forehead
7. Sahasrara Chakra - Crown of Head
So, Chakra Yoga Balancing series relates to this concept of re-aligning the chakra energies and bringing them to a state of balance and harmony.

I do understand that all this seems to elicit the response of "really?"
"Does she know what she's saying?"

I too started with similar doubts and questions when I started practicing and then teaching this series. 
But, I just practiced..breathed through the first doubt, the second doubt..till i completed the series and suddenly realised my chattering monkey mind was quiet for a few moments of blissful silence!! That was worth it!!

So, now its up to You..

Your mind will also have all the doubts, all the myriad reasons not to practice (no time, too much work, maid didn't turn up, no energy, very tired, tomorrow is always there - Believe me, I have heard most of the reasons, from my own mind and from others!!)
But, if you can persist and practice this series, which can take about 45 minutes, you will feel light, fresh and relaxed.

So, lets start. 

Have a light snack 30 minutes before practice.
Wear comfortable clothes which help you move and stretch.
If possible, mute your cell phone :)

• Start in a comfortable seated posture, hands in prayer position, lengthen your back, release shoulders down, close your eyes.
• Bring your mind and body to the present moment, as it is, with all its inherent imperfections.
• Breathe in and out 5 times, focus on lengthening the inhalations and exhalations. 
• Chant "OM" 6 times, either in your heart or aloud.

Balancing the Chakras - 

1. Mooladhara Chakra - This is at the base of your spine.
Tadasana / Simple Standing Posture - This pose grounds you in the present moment.
Stand on the mat, relax shoulders, chest and arms. Spread your toes and sink them into the ground. Deepen your breathing, focus on 6 - 8 deep breaths.

2. Swadisthana Chakra - This is at the navel area.
   Baddha Konasana Pose - Sit on the mat, slowly open your knees to the sides and pull the feet towards you. Go until the point where you feel the stretch deepening through both the thighs. Now, lengthen your back again, release hands on the feet or on the thighs. Practice deep breathing for 6 - 8 breaths.

                                        

3. Manipura Chakra - This is at the Solar  plexus area, just below the diaphragm.
   Warrior / Vira Bhadrasana Pose - Open feet 1 ft. apart, pivot right leg outwards, stretch     both hands at shoulder level, lengthen spine from base to crown of head, slowly bend the right knee, hold the posture here for 6 - 8 long breaths. 
That is to awaken the Warrior Goddess in you!!

 

4. Anahata Chakra - This is in the Heart area.
    Bridge Pose - Lie down on the mat, relax the body onto the mat, slowly bend your knees and bring the feet in towards your hips. Now, as you inhale, lift your hips towards the sky, feel the stretch deepening through the thighs and stay in the pose for 6 - 8 breaths. Let your hands relax by the sides of your body. Let your heart open and breathe with fresh energy!!

5. Vishuddha Chakra - This is in your Throat area.

   Ardha Ustrasana - Come to a seated position on your mat, now slowly sit on your knees and then come up on the knees. Place your hands on your lower back. As you breathe in, slowly look up, open up your throat and hold the pose for 5 breaths. This releases stagnant energy and balances your communication skills.

6. Ajna Chakra - This is in the middle of your forehead, between your eyebrows. This chakra can be balanced by simple Meditation. 

Sit comfortably on the mat, take back support if needed, lengthen spinal muscles, release hands onto thighs, close your eyes gently, soften your breathing and just glide with your inhalations and exhalations. Practice for around 10 - 15 breaths.

How does that feel? 

7. Sahasrara Chakra - This chakra is at the crown of your head. You can continue to practice Meditation to energize this chakra. Here, try to practice Awareness breathing for 5 minutes.

That's it!! We are done balancing our Chakras!!

This has been my practice when I feel frazzled with too many things to do or too many changes.

It has help ground me and bring me to a place of comfort and ease.

May it bring peace and ease to you too..

Namaste.

Asha