If you have a yoga practice or attended a yoga class, you have probably heard the word “chakra” and likely you have wondered what is a chakra and what does it do?
Chakra means “wheel” and refers to energy points in the body. They have been described as colored spinning disks, open and aligned and each corresponds to an area of the energetic body that affects emotional and physical well-being.
Although there are literally hundreds of chakras in the body, there are 7 major chakras that are commonly referred to.
At the base of the spine is the first chakra, “the Root”, working up the body the second chakra is “Sacral”, third “Solar Plexus”, fourth “Heart” fifth “Throat”, sixth “Third Eye” and finally seventh the “Crown”.
This diagram will give you a better visual of where each chakra is located on the body.
As February is referred to as “heart” month, for those that observed Valentine’s Day, the focus this month will be on the 4th chakra the “Heart”.
The Heart chakra is located just about the solar plexus, near your heart and in the center of your chest. Its color is green. The element associated with this chakra is air. The Heart is about our ability to love, show compassion, empathy, and forgiveness not only for others but also ourselves.
If the heart chakra is closed or needs balancing, it may be difficult to let go of grudges, likely the person is emotionally shut down, struggle to connect or express empathy to others or themselves, or they have codependent connections or relationships. Since this chakra is in the center of the chest, near the heart, issues or symptoms related to circulation, heart, or lungs are a good indication of an out-of-balance or closed chakra.
Ways to balance and open the Heart Chakra
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to open the heart chakra. Cobra, camel, boat, fish, and bridge poses a few good poses to do that will help to open the chakra.
Affirmations
Daily affirmations can help to change and improve negative attitudes and self-talk to a positive attitude.
Here are some examples of heart-opening affirmations:
I am open to love
My heart is full of joy
I love myself just as I am
I choose love and compassion.
Lifestyle changes
Making some changes in your life can help. Consider spending more time in nature, hiking or biking, and eating more green foods, like spinach, asparagus, kale etc. Try wearing green or brighter colors than you normally would.
Using Essential oils and Crystals
Rose quartz, Rhodochrosite and Malachite are great crystals to use to help open and balance the heart chakra. These crystals can be worn in jewelry (pendants, earrings, rings) or placed in a pocket or taken in a purse. Don’t forget to cleanse any crystals that are used either by placing them on a windowsill in the sun or moonlight or rinsing them in water. Rhodochrosite and Malachite is best cleansed by sun or moonlight and shouldn’t be put in water.
Essential oils like Frankincense, Geranium, Melissa, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Jasmine, Cypress and Ylang Ylang help with balancing the heart chakra. These oils help to promote feelings of comfort, nurturing and love.
Here are a couple of diffusing blends that I use in my practice. (You can purchase oils for these blends here: doTerra essential oils)
Loving Harmony
3 drops Rose
3 drops Neroli
3 drops Jasmine
Heart Chakra
4 drops Lavender
2 drops Ylang Ylang
Or
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Rose
1 drop Geranium
Reiki
Reiki helps to clear out heavy energy/emotions such as grief, sadness, and anger allowing healing energy to flow freely throughout the body. Through the release and clearing of these energies, chakras are aligned, balanced and open.
In my practice, I use a combination of essential oils, crystals, and Reiki. The crystals and essential oils used are intuitively selected and vary depending on the client. Each of my clients sets an intention for the sessions, e.g., to balance the heart chakra and during the session this area may receive more attention than other areas of the body. I intuitively listen to the areas the body tells me to focus on during the session keeping in mind the overall intention of balancing the heart chakra.
If you would like more information or have questions on essential oils or Reiki, send me a message or book an appointment. I would love to connect with you.
With Gratitude and Reiki Blessings,
Diana