The 4th Chakra or Anahata Chakra is the halfway point between the 3 lower chakras and the 3 higher chakras. It literally means “unstuck sound” and is where we begin to tune into the subtle sound of the pulse of life. It is associated with the element of air and relates to our emotional thoughts, ideas and inspirations. Balancing the Anahata chakra allows us to release our emotional pain through unconditional love. The fourth chakra represents the unifying energy of love and compassion. When the heart center is blocked, there is a sense of alienation from others. When the heart center is open and flowing, you feel connected at a deep level to all beings in your life. The ancient Yogis believed that your “jiva atman” –personal spirit(soul)- resides in the heart chakra. It is where we begin to move beyond our material self to the divine self, connecting ourselves to the universe. As the heart center expands our seed of inner peace and harmony is able to open and grow. The color of the fourth energy center is green. When flowing, it is the green of nourishment; when congested, it can be green with envy.
PHYSICAL LOCATION: center of the chest
ELEMENT: Air
COLOR: Green
SENSE: Touch
FORCE: Equilibrium
AREAS OF THE BODY: heart, lungs, shoulders, arms
MUDRA: Lotus @ heart
BANDHA: Maha
MANTRA: Yum “I open my heart to——.”
When unbalanced/ blocked can manifest in:
Too little: loneliness, jealousy, bitterness, inability to forgive, pessimism, alienation, attachment, passive aggression, inability to love, judgmental, lack empathy , Too much: emotional flamboyance, overly dramatic, smothering behavior
Health issues: asthma, heart problems, circulatory system, and respiratory system
When balanced/not blocked can manifest in: Unconditional love, Harmony with nature, Positive neutrality, Harmonious relationships, Nonjudgmental of self or others, Compassionate and Peaceful
Asana examples that balance the heart chakra:
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Heart openers |
Triangle | Dolphin | Chest expansion |
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Lateral bends |
Crescent Warrior |
Upward Plank | Wheel |
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Back bends |
Downward Dog |
Camel | Bow pose |