Opening the Seven Main Chakras

The word Chakra stems from the word Cakra, which is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. The seven main Chakras, according to Hindu traditions, are energy fields that are aligned with the spine, from the bottom or base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color and elements of the earth, such as fire and water and influences the behavior of the body and consciousness.

When opening chakras, it is a good idea to open the chakras in order. For example, the root chakra is the first chakra and is associated with the color red.

Practice mindfulness by focusing in on the here and now. Try not to think of the past or the future, but think of the present. Generally, the root chakra should be open or in balance before attempting to open other chakras.

The root chakra "grounds" us to the earth energies. It basically brings us back to earth whenever we find our minds wondering. The root chakra influences our spine, kidneys, legs, and immune system. A dysfunction in this chakra will result in back problems, depression and immune system disorders. It is located between the anus and the sex organs.

Chakras can also be opened by practicing chakra meditation called Mudras or special hand positions and chanting. To use this method to open the root chakra, touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your index fingers. Since the root chakra is located at the base of your spine, concentrate on that area, which is between the genitals and the anus and chant out loud the sound LAM. Do this for seven to 10 breaths and chant several times with each breath. The Mudras will send energy to that particular chakra and the sound will resonate through the body. Use the same breathing techniques in opening any or all of the chakras.

The second chakra is referred to as the Sacral Chakra or Spleen Chakra and is located in the abdomen, sexual organs and lower back. Its color is orange. The sacral chakra is associated with the element of water and influences the emotions and sexuality. It is the energy that helps us deal with control issues, creativity, sexuality issues and our connections to lovers and friends. If the sacral chakra is out of balance, we may experience being overly emotional or overly sexual as well as the opposite emotions.

To open the sacral chakra, sit in a comfortable position and put your hands, palms up in your lap. The left hand should be underneath the right and the back of your right fingers touching the left palm. The thumbs should be slightly touching also. Chant the sound VAM.

A well balanced sacral chakra will allow us to feel confident. Our feelings flow freely without extreme emotionality.

The third chakra is the Solar Plexus Chakra or the Navel Chakra and is associated with the element of fire. It is located at the Solar Plexus, near the navel. Its color is yellow. It is the energy center regulating our personal power and self-will. When balanced, this chakra helps us to become energized and exercise our power without being overly dominating. To open the solar plexus chakra, put your hands together with the palms together and fingers extended outward near the center of your stomach, fingers pointing out with thumbs crossed. Focus on your spine in the area slightly above your navel. Chant the sound of RAM.

The fourth chakra is the Heart Chakra and is associated with the element of air. Its color is green and it is located at the center of your spine, between the breasts close to the heart.
The heart chakra influences love, ego and self-acceptance. When the heart chakra is balanced, it gives us the ability to love deeply and integrates the opposites in the psyche such as mind-body and unification of the ego. To open the heart chakra, sit cross legged or what is known as "Indian style" and touch the tips of your fingers to the thumb. Place your left hand on your left knee, (with index fingers and thumb touching) and place your right hand at the lower part of your breast bone. Focus on the chakra at the spine level with your heart. Chant the sound of YAM.

The fifth chakra is the Throat Chakra associated with sound. Its color is light blue and it is located in the throat. It is associated with communication and creativity. To open the throat chakra, cross your fingers on the inside of your hands, like forming an O. Let the tips of your thumbs touch and pull them up slightly above the hands. Focus on the throat and chant the sound of HAM.

The sixth chakra is the Brow Chakra or the Third Eye Chakra. It is associated with light, introspection, self-awareness and lets us be open to our psyche and the intuitive part of our mind. It is the third eye that allows us to be intuitive. Its color is indigo and is located at the middle of the forehead. To open the brow chakra, focus on the location of the brow chakra, between the eyes and place your hands just below the lower part of your breasts. Your middle fingers are pointing up and touching while the other fingers are bent and touching and the thumbs point towards you while touching. Chant the sound of OM or -AUM.

The seventh chakra is the Crown Chakra. It is associated with thought and self-knowledge and awareness of the universe. The crown chakra relates to pure awareness and is located at the top of the head. When balanced the crown chakra allows us to obtain wisdom as well as gaining a spiritual connection to the universe. Its color is white although some times it is seen as light purple as well. To open the crown chakra, place your hands before your stomach and point your ring fingers up and touching. Intertwine the other fingers with the left thumb under the right. Chant the sound NG.
By: Conrad Raw

The Health Benefits Of Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is one of the oldest forms of yoga, dating back from the early 15th century. In recent years, it has become more and more popular as a great way of improving fitness levels and as a form of treatment for many spine conditions. As Hatha yoga has become more common, several off-shoots of this form of yoga have appeared including Power Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga.
The name "Hatha" comes from the ancient Indo-Aryan language and is the combination of 2 words, "ha" meaning sun and "tha" meaning moon. The idea behind Hatha yoga is to combine both opposite ends, uniting them together. Principally, Hatha Yoga main components are postures (Asana) and breathing control (Pranayama). These components, when practiced will allow you to balance the mind and body.
• Asanas are the specific postures and positions used in Hatha yoga to help improve overall health as well as helping to remove or reduce any current problems or physical conditions. Originally, these postures were designed to be held for a lengthy period of time as part of meditation practice, however, we can now see their benefits on also improving muscle flexibility and increasing bone strength. Asanas are also known to be very helpful in improving concentration abilities.
• Pranayama is the part of Hatha yoga that is beneficial for your breathing. Through the breathing exercises of this, you will become more and more able to control your respiratory system as well as improve your ability to deal with stressful situations.
The health benefits this has been known in Eastern societies for many years, here are some you may not be aware of:
• Improved posture and spine alignment. This means that yoga is great for anyone with back issues or wanting to prevent them before happening.
• Improve mental and physical abilities, including will power and physical strength.
• Can be very useful to help prevent arthritis and hypertension.
• People suffering from depression and anxiety will find Hatha yoga very beneficial as it can lift your moods and give you the ability to deal with anxiety better.
• Practicing yoga is very beneficial for the body, especially the functioning of our immune system and promotes good circulation and digestion.
• Improves concentration levels through meditation exercises.
• Great during pregnancy, Hatha yoga can help with breathing and relaxation.
• This can be very good for people with weight issues and obesity.
• Recognized as a very good way exercise for heart conditions including heart disease.
• Breathing exercises will help to improve the circulation of oxygen around your body, which is very good for your overall health and to reduce stress levels.

Hatha yopa is a wonderful form of exercise and treatment for back pain. However, there are many more treatments for back pain if yoga is not for you. Apart from the more traditional treatments available, you will be surprised to find out some more alternative back pain solutions here.

Justine C Tuazon

Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?

Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things in Yoga that conflict with Christianity. Some critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion.
However, that depends on your opinion. Recently, I was reading about someone who claims Kundalini is "new age witchcraft."
Sorry to say, another person recently stated, "Good Christians should avoid the devil's exercise," in reference to Yoga.
Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our hearts? These claims are interesting because ministers and priests have been practicing meditation for centuries, without any complaints.
I suppose, if someone devoted enough time to meditating on bad thoughts, meditation would be a bad experience.
To be honest, it depends upon what you meditate about; and in truth, within some schools of Yoga, Hinduism, or Buddhism is taught. For me, this has always been a conflict, as I love Yoga, but have no desire to change my faith.
The many teachings of Yoga and meditation, are non-sectarian. Now, if Yoga were a religion, which would it be? The principles of Yoga are universal.
The Yamas and Niyamas are similar, in principle, to the Ten Commandments, but as a Christian you have the right to pick and choose what you want from Yoga. You also have the right to avoid sectarian ashrams.
Yoga practice, and meditation, give many Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Moslems, a closer connection to God, but there will always be someone who feels tempted to change their faith.
Let's be honest, the people who worry about a sudden change of faith are, for the most part, rooted in two distinct camps of thought.
1. Someone who is on the fence about their own religion and not quite sure where they really stand.
2. Severe intolerance of any idea that is new or might result in opening the mind.
Let's stop the intolerance now. When you are driving in your car, waiting in line, or come face-to-face with someone who is different from you, please set an example for your children and give the other person a break.

Paul Jerard

What is Chair Yoga?

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga. With so many types of Yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair Yoga class.
All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most Chair Yoga classes don't use a Yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair. This helps with balancing poses, and most common Yoga postures can be modified for the chair.
We have one particular Chair Yoga class, in Pawtucket, RI, that uses both chairs and Yoga mats. Within this type of Yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, supine, and prone postures. Most of our classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting up, or down, on the floor.
Chair Yoga sessions are most commonly seen in senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn any number of Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair.
Standing postures, such as Triangle and Warrior variations, can be practiced seated, or standing, with the aid of a chair. You can practice Sun Salutations or Vinyasa, (flowing postures), from seated or standing positions.
Contrary to popular opinion, Chair Yoga is not for seniors only. Most of us take our good health for granted. The physically handicapped have no age boundaries, and they are very enthusiastic students.
Due to trauma, or a debilitating disease, at any time, any one of us could become physically handicapped. Most of us drive cars every day, and there is always a risk of an auto accident.
Some younger family members of seniors, and the physically handicapped, get involved in classes and private sessions. When family members participate in a class, or private session, it is always a good quality time for everyone.
Chair Yoga teachers must continually educate themselves, be knowledgeable of body mechanics, use of props, and a variety of ailments. This field requires teachers with compassion and the patience to help those who are doing their personal best.
It is also a field with growth opportunities; as the population is aging, there are not enough Chair Yoga teachers to go around. Some estimates indicate there are 1.5 million, or more, Yoga practitioners, over the age of 55, within the United States. Therefore, the demand far outweighs the supply of Yoga teachers for this particular field.

Paul Jerard