A Chakra or a wheel is a Sanskrit word that refers to a prana or energy point in our body that is located in parts of the body such as the arteries, veins and nerves. During ancient periods in India, Chakras were referred to as different forms of energy. Also used as a point of focus while meditating, these Chakras have been focussed upon so as to activate our Kundalini. The human body is believed to be made up of 7 main Chakras that can be effectively activated by means of practicing yoga and by chanting mantras. Also, practicing certain mudras can also open up these Chakras. Every Chakra has its unique mudras and mantras that can help in activating the Chakras.
However, before we delve into how to open up these Chakras, we first need to understand what are Chakras and they work.
What are Chakras?
The human body is made up of 7 focal energy centers called Chakras that run down the body from the head to the toe. These Chakras offer subtle energy to the varied functions of the body, mind and intellect.
Each of these Chakras has its own energy and is closely related to our emotional and spiritual well-being. The Muladhara (root chakra is situated at the bottom of the spine and functions to govern survival and basic human instinct. The Swadishthana is perched atop the root chakra, in the sacrum area and is related to reproductive health.
Above this chakra is the Manipura which is located in the gut area and deals with digestive health. On an emotional level, this chakra corresponds with power, self-esteem, fear and other related emotions.
Above the Manipura is the Anahata chakra. This Chakra is situated in the chest area above the heart and corresponds with inner peace, devotion and love.
The Vishuddhi follows the Anahata Chakra and is located in the throat area. This Chakra specifically deals with self-expression, communication and other related domains.
Above Vishudhi is the Ajna Chakra which is located between your eyebrows. This Chakra responds to imagination, intuition and the power to respond to challenging circ*mstances.
Lastly, the Sahasrara located atop the head is related to the outer as well as inner beauty and has spiritual connotations.
There are many Chakra balancing courses that can be taken online either individually or as a part of the200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training Course Online. Also, manyyoga TTC in Rishikeshprograms have Chakra balancing modules as part of their comprehensive curriculum.
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How to activate Chakras in human body?
As explained in the above section, each of the seven Chakras corresponds to different areas and parts of the human body. These Chakras need to be opened up or balanced so as to make our bodily system function more stably physically as well as emotionally. Yoga, Mudras and mantras can be practiced to achieve this equilibrium as well as energise and achieve specific bodily responses.
Some of these yoga postures are enlisted below.
Yoga postures for Chakra balancing:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
This seemingly simple posture fosters your connection with mother earth while connecting you more deeply with your own self. Plus, this pose helps you to be fully aware of the present moment.
Besides, Tadasana has several great benefits for the body and the mind. This posture enhances coordination and posture, improves agility, enhances circulation and strengthens your legs, back and hips.
Veerabhadrasana (Warrior pose)
This standing pose is another great asana that helps connect your body with the Earth. The Veerabhadrasana or the Warrior pose helps to shift your vital energy force or prana through your body while rooting you from the foremost Chakra. This pose is beneficial in making your legs strong, opens up the hips and makes your knees and lower back strong. Furthermore, this posture encourages good circulation and improved respiration. Lastly, the Veerabhadrasana enhances focus, balance as well as stability while energizing the entire body.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
The Setu Bandhasana or the Bridge Pose is a highly dynamic and beneficial yoga pose that firmly plants your feet into the Earth allowing your spine to release excess amounts of energy pertaining to the root chakra. Also, the Bridge pose works to activate the throat chakra while opening up the solar plexus chakras and the heart. Besides, the yoga pose also helps in balancing the sacral chakra.
When it comes to the more physical benefits, the Setu Bandhana helps combat stress and depression. Plus, this asana improves blood circulation while improving digestion. Lastly, besides activating specific Chakras, this pose activates the lungs, abdominal organs and thyroid glands.
Performing and perfecting these and many other yoga poses can be learned as part of the100 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikeshor even the more fundamental 200 hours of yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
Mudras for Chakra balancing
Along with the yoga poses, there are certain mudras that also support the release of the vital life force or prana and activate the chakras. These Mudras are mentioned below:
Muladhara:
Sit in a comfortable position with your spine erect. Focus all your attention towards your perineum. Then, with the help of your thumbs and forefingers work towards forming a circle. Your hands should rest on your knees and your palms should be facing upward. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Swadishthana
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area located one inch below your navel and the lumbar vertebra-1. Your right hand should rest on your left hand with your palms facing upward, in your lap where your thumbs touch slightly. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Manipura
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your navel towards the solar plexus and across towards the thoracic vertebra number eight. While keeping your fingers straight and touching at the top while pointing in the forward direction, keep your thumbs crossed in a V shape with right over left. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Anahata
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your heart across to thoracic vertebra number one. Your thumb adn forefingers need to form a circle. Your left-hand palm should rest on your left knee. Your right hand should be raised towards the center of your chest area with your palms hinging slightly towards your heart. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Vishuddhi
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area at the bottom of your throat across to cervical vertebra number three. A circle needs to be formed with the help of your thumbs touching while your remaining fingers should be loosely cupped and crossed. Your hands should be raised in front of your solar plexus, and throat or keep them resting on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Ajna
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your third eye, starting above the area between your eyebrows across to cervical vertebra number one and surrounding your skull’s outside area. Then, form a heart shape by touching your thumbs at the tips along with your forefingers, pinky finger and ring finger touching at the second phalanges. You then need to raise your middle fingers so as to do a crown formation. Your hands should be raised in front of your solar plexus, and third eye or keep them resting on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Sahasrara
While sitting comfortably with your spine in an erect position, your attention should be focused on the area of your crown atop your head and three inches above the skull area.
Clasp your hands while keeping your fingers crossed towards the inside and your left thumb beneath the right. Lift your ring fingers so as to form a crown. Raise your hands over the head area, in front of your solar plexus while resting them on your lap. Take deep breaths while inhaling and exhaling. Repeat this for 7 to 10 breaths.
Performing yoga regularly, along with mudras can support the activation of these chakras. This can entail a positive effect on your body, mind and soul.
Yoga TTC Rishikesh such as the200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikeshis a stepping stone towards learning, imbibing as well as disseminating these Chakra-opening mudras’ knowledge amongst future yogis.
Mantras for activating Chakras
Similar to yoga poses and mudras, there are certain mantras that when chanted correctly can activate the Chakras. The mantra chanting for activating specific Chakras should be done in your own natural voice. Also, using a high or low-pitched voice in mantra chanting is not suitable for opening up the Chakras.
Root Chakra- Chant ‘LAM’
For activating the root Chakra, you should chant ‘LAM’. This Chakra works to activate your belongings, feelings of security as well as prosperity. Also, if you are having low energy, then simply chanting the LAM mantra can work to re-energise you.
Sacral Chakra- Chant ‘VAM’
The sacral Chakra is related to one’s sensual and sexual desires along with your desire for pleasure. For activating and cleansing this Chakra, you need to chant the VAM mantra.
Solar Plexus Chakra- Chant ‘RAM’
There is a belief that activating the solar plexus Chakra helps to activate your destiny and power. The chantings of ‘RAM’ reverberating in the air can help change your fortunes.
Heart Chakra - Chant ‘YAM’
The heart Chakra denotes love and all things related to building loving relationships. So, if you are facing a lack of love or experiencing difficulties in your relationships, then chanting the YAM mantra is believed to enliven your relationships by opening up the heart chakra.
Throat Chakra - Chant ‘HAM’
As with the throat area, this chakra denotes your spiritual and physical voice. Breathing exercises and chanting the ‘HAM’ mantra help to activate the throat chakra.
Third eye Chakra - Chant ‘OM’ or ‘AUM’
As already explained above, this chakra lies in your forehead’s center. This third eye chakra is related to your intuition power, guidance and awareness levels. Chanting the ‘AUM’ or ‘OM’ mantra opens up this chakra.
Crown Chakra - Chant ‘OM’ or ‘AH’
The crown Chakra is situated over the head and corresponds to spiritual connections. So, chantings of either ‘OM’ or ‘AH’ can awaken the Kundalini and nudge us towards the path of enlightenment.
Chakra balancing pranayama
Pranayama in itself is chakra balancing and purifying. The different techniques of breath control enunciate removing toxins and imbalances from the body and aiding in healing. These pranayamas are further classified into the following:
- Deep abdominal breathing pranayama
- Full yogic breath
- Alternate nostril breathing or Anulom Vilom
- Kapalbhati pranayam
Other Chakra balancing tips
Besides yogic intervention, there are other things that you can adopt to balance your chakras. Things like practicing visualization, trying sound healing, reconnecting with nature, and doing chakra color meditation can also work to activate your innate Chakras. Also, food plays an important part in activating each of the seven chakras. Comprehensive knowledge regarding this aspect can be imbibed as part of yoga TTC Rishikesh programs where all tools and techniques pertaining to activating Chakras will be discussed in detail.
Closing Thoughts
The Chakras can be likened to different levels of consciousness and activating these chakras requires an all-around transformation of consciousness and not simply manipulating the external or physical realms. Activating Chakras requires a concerted effort by means of practicing yoga poses, chanting mantras, practicing mudras and performing different Kundalini awakening pranayama. The Sushumna Nadi is activated when purification happens. It is at this juncture, it is said that the Kundalini power is awakened.
