Chakras 5-7

Fifth Chakra

Sanskrit- Vishuddha

English- Purification

Color- Blue

Element- Ether

Sound- Ham

Stone/Crystal- Sodalite

Location- Throat

Gender association- Masculine

General associations- Sound, speech, creativity, honesty, connectivity with inner self/truth, communication

Yantra symbol-

When Vishuddha is unblanaced, one may become very critical, over opinionated, dishonest, talk excessively and unable to listen to others. Because Vishuddha is located in the throat, one may experience dental problems, sore throat, and even shoulder pains.

When Vishuddha is balanced, one is able to communicate verbally, is confident in their beliefs and their ability to express them and is also able to listen to others.

Sixth Chakra

Sanskrit- Ajna

English- Perceive/command

Color- Indigo

Element- Light

Sound- Aum (Om)

Stone/Crystal- Lapis Lazuli

Location- Third eye/brow

Gender association- Feminine

General associations- Sight, intuition, wisdom, reasoning, memory, dreams, color, tune into higher self, what we see impacts us

Yantra symbol-

When Ajna is unbalanced, there is confusion, fuzzy thinking, aimlessness and poor memory. Some problems associated with the imbalance of Ajna are headaches, nightmares and learning disabilities.

When Ajna is balanced, one is also intellectually balanced and can think clearly. One is detached from worldly goods, is able to positively and clearly perceive the future and is more tuned in to their inner wisdom.

Seventh Chakra

Sanskrit- Sahasrara

English- Thousandfold

Color- Violet/white

Element- Energy

Sound- Aum (Om)

Stone/Crystal- Amethyst

Location- Crown of the head

Gender association- Masculine

General associations- State of enlightenment, highest energy center, wisdom, intuitive knowing, spiritual development, selflessness, information, understanding, awareness

Yantra symbol-

When Sahasrara is unblanaced, there is a lack of purpose in one's life, difficulty thinking for one's self and a feeling of disconnection from the flow of life. There may be chronic exhaustion and one may experience head related problems such as headaches or migraines.

When Sahasrara is balanced, one can connect their inner spirit to the divine consciousness. One becomes more present and insightful, experiences bliss and is able to cleanse their mind via meditation.

Sources

http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/256

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/Vishuddha.jpg

http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/257

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Ajna.jpg

http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/258

http://www.squidoo.com/sahasrara

http://astore.amazon.com/1-7c-20/detail/B0046PZV22

Chakras 1-4

First Chakra

Sanskrit- Muladhara

English- Root place

Color- Red

Element- Earth

Sound- Lam

Stone/Crystal- Red Jasper

Location- Base of the spine

Gender association- Masculine

General associations- Survival, safety/security, rootedness, physical health, basic animal instincts, foundation of identity and being

Yantra symbol-

When Muladhara is unbalanced there are feelings of abandonment, isolation, discomfort and greed. There may be a strong conviction that material wealth is very important or low self esteem.

When Muladhara is balanced there is a sense of belonging and a good connection with other people around you. There is acceptance, trust, a feeling of being alive and at peace with oneself.

Second Chakra

Sanskrit- Svadhisthana

English- Seat of life

Color- Orange

Element- Water

Sound- Vam

Stone/Crystal- Carnelian Agate

Location- Sacrum/reproductive organs

Gender association- Feminine

General associations- Creativity, emotions, sexuality, self worth, emotional flow, urination, menstruation, tears

Yantra symbol-

When Svadhisthana is unbalanced, there is an inability to feel pleasure and an inability to change/accept change. There is a lack of boundaries, one might work too hard or overindulge in pleasure. Emotions can become hard to express and there may be feelings of low self esteem.

When Svadhistana is balanced, one is confident and able to relate to others well. There is also the ability to enjoy things without feeling guilty and to surrender to the pleasures of life.

Third Chakra

Sanskrit- Manipura

English- Lustrous gem

Color- Yellow

Element- Fire

Sound- Ram

Stone/Crystal- Yellow Jasper/Golden Citrine

Location- Naval/solar plexus

Gender association- Masculine

General associations- Will power, self esteem, intuition, inner drive, assertion of will, decision making, will to take risks

Yantra symbol-

When Manipura is unbalanced, there are feelings of low self esteem, anger/resentment and high sensitivity to criticisim. There may be feelings of perfectionism and too much emphasis on status, power and recognition. There may also be digestive problems as Manipura is located in the torso.

When Manipura is balanced, one feels energetic, able persevere and able to follow through with tasks.

Fourth Chakra

Sanskrit- Anahata

English- Un-struck

Color- Green

Element- Air

Sound- Yam

Stone/Crystal- Green Aventurine

Location- Heart

Gender association- Feminine

General associations- Love, compassion, kindness, self acceptance, forgiveness, ability to process and store emotional experiences

Yantra symbol-

When Anahata is unbalanced, there are feelings of grief, despair, loneliness, sadness, and heartache. Logic rules over emotions and one is unable to compassion or empathy for others and may become possessive and jealous. There may be cardio problems because Anahata is located in the heart.

When Anahata is balanced, one is able to give and receive love. There's a sense of wholeness and a will to give and share emotions. There is compassion and love for yourself and others around you.

Sources

http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/252
http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/253
http://www.llewellyn.com/encyclopedia/article/254
http://www.livingwordsofwisdom.com/chakra-meanings.html
http://www.lifeevents.org/chakra-meditation.htm

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Muladhara.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Swadhisthana.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Manipura.png

http://www.xposureadvertising.com/portfolio/anahata%281%29.jpg

http://www.healiohealth.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=joipeqpqg

Sanskrit: Ustrasana
English name: Camel pose

How to do the pose:
1. Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart, thighs perpendicular to the floor, pressing your shins and tops of your feet into the floor
2. Place your hands on the back of your hips and lower back to help lengthen
3. Keep your neck long and extended and open the heart center
4. Reach your hands back to rest on your feet, fingers pointing to your toes, try to keep the length in your lower back. If this isn't possible, curl your toes to raise your heels
5. To come out of Camel pose, bring your hands to your hips and leading with your heart center, gently lift the head and come upright.
6. You may want to rest in Child's pose after coming out of Camel pose


Benefits:
The opening of the heart center helps improve breathing. It also helps improve the flexibility and strength of the back. It's a great pose for relieving and preventing neck and lower back pain. It improves posture by strengthening and lengthening the spine. Stretches the hip flexors and helps in digestion.

In the posture:
I feel fairly comfortable in this posture. Nothing is really pulling or tight. I think I need to be a little more aware of my head position because it felt a little too far back, but that's it.


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Parvritta Trikonasana

Parvritta trikonasana is the Sanskrit name for Revolved triangle pose

How to do the pose:
1) Come to Tadasana
2) Step your right leg back 3-4 feet
- line the heel of your left foot up with the instep of your right foot
3) Keep both legs straight, engaging your quadriceps
4) Square your hips, try to keep them level
5) Bring your left hand to the outside of your left foot
6) Extend your right arm straight up
- open the heart center
7) Turn your head up to look at your right hand
(To come out of the pose)
8) Look down
9) Push through your legs and lift your arms to bring yourself upright
10) Return to Tadasana

This pose is a twist that stretches the back, shoulders, and ribcage. It also works the hamstrings and helps to open the heart center. Benefits of this pose are that it strengthens the thigh, knees and ankles.

It was difficult for me to put my hand on the ground completely and this pulled at my hamstrings a bit. It was also hard for my to keep my hips squared and level, but I tried my best to keep it in check. My lower back was a little strained, but it was just because my back was curving a little.


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