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

3 Yoga Poses for Lower Back Pain

Yoga is one of the best exercise programs for alleviating lower back pain. The positions you assume during yoga, called poses, are designed to foster both strength and flexibility, two imperative components of a healthy body. Lower back pain often results from muscle tension and weak core muscles. The following 3 yoga poses will promote spinal flexibility and tone muscles in the stomach, back, pelvis and buttocks.
Cat/Cow
The cat and cow are actually two separate yoga poses, but they are generally performed in succession. These poses restore range of motion to the spinal joints and engage the muscles in the stomach and lower back.
Begin in a "table top" position on all fours. Adjust yourself so that your knees are aligned with your hips and your hands, with your shoulders. Your spine should be neutral with your eyes pointed downward. From the beginning of the exercise to the end, keep your deep stomach muscles engaged. When you're positioned properly, begin to arch your spine upward, tucking your pelvis under and allowing your head to drop, but not dropping your chin to your chest. Make sure your knees are still aligned with your hips and your hands with your shoulders. This is the cat pose.
Return to your start position on the inhale. Now, you'll do the opposite. Raise your buttocks and your chest as your spine arches inward. Your head should be facing forward. Return to your starting position as you inhale. Repeat this sequence 10 to 20 times, depending on your current level of strength and flexibility.
Downward-Facing Dog
Downward-facing dog is a great way to elongate the spine and stretch the muscles in the back of the legs, which are often tight from sitting. It also stretches the upper back, shoulders and arms.
You can begin this pose on all fours in the table top position, but with your hands slightly ahead of the shoulders with your fingers spread out. Get onto the balls of your feet; begin bringing your knees away from the floor. Lightly press your tailbone toward the front of your pelvis as you lift the sit bones - the bones in your buttocks - upward toward the ceiling (these steps sound strange, but try it - you will feel the difference between following them and simply raising your buttocks). Exhale as you lower your heels to the floor and straighten your knees. Essentially, you want to form an in inverted "V" from your wrists to your heels.
In this position, push your palms and heels into the floor, and try to further elongate your torso and legs while keeping the sit bones lifting toward the ceiling. Your head should be centered between your upper arms.
Plank
The plank is one of the best exercises for toning your entire core muscle group. You can start from the table top position again. Lower yourself onto your elbows and forearms. Walk you feet back all the way; your shoulders should be directly over your elbows. Roll your forearms so that the side that aligns with your pinky finger is against the floor. You should now have only your elbows, forearms and feet touching the floor.
You want close to a straight line connecting your heels and head, but with the buttocks slightly raised. You can achieve the right position by pushing the front of your thighs upward while pushing your tailbone downward. Your neck should be aligned with your back.
Hold the plank for 10 seconds if you are a beginner; lengthen duration to 30-60 seconds as your strength increases.
The 3 poses above can give you a flexible spine and a strong core. They can easily be added into your daily routine to help relieve lower back pain.
By Amee LaTour 

Are You Willing to Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?

EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEF

Many people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it's hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury. This is a use it or lose it situation: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. Studies have actually shown that you can heal your back pain faster and get back to your regular activities with just two days of rest. This article will focus on Yoga Exercises. Remember to contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

YOGA EXERCISES FOR YOUR BACK

A good, regular yoga practice will go far in relieving the stress and tension that sometimes cause mild back pain, and in fact, studies have shown that yoga is the number one most effective exercise for relieving back pain. However, not all yoga poses relieve back pain, and some can in fact aggravate existing pain, so it is important to know which poses will be most helpful in relieving back pain. It is best to do these exercises under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor, and if you encounter any problems with these poses, you should consult an expert. Even just one or two sessions with a yoga instructor can help, as an instructor will help you with your form and posture during poses. Here are some of the best yoga poses for relieving back pain. Each pose should be held from five to ten seconds, depending upon your level of comfort, and should be done on a mat or other soft, supportive surface.

CORPSE: Lie flat on your back in a relaxed position, arms resting at your sides, palms down, and legs lying naturally, with knees turned out slightly. If it hurts your back to have your knees turned outward, do this pose with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Breathe in and out for a few seconds while allowing any tension to leave the body.

CAT STRETCH: Start out on your hands and knees with a flat back. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders with fingers spread. Knees should be directly under the hips. Head is held loosely so that you are looking at the floor between your hands. Inhale, and as you exhale, arch your back toward the ceiling, tuck your chin in to your chest so that you are looking at your navel, and tuck your tailbone underneath. Hold, then release back into your original position.

WIND-RELEASING POSE: Lie flat on your back as in Corpse pose. As you inhale, bend your knee, place your hands right below the knee, and draw your leg towards your chest. Your left leg should remain flat on the floor. Exhale and bring your forehead up to touch your knee. Inhale, and then as you exhale, return to your original position. Repeat with the other leg.

SAGE TWIST: Warning for this pose-it involves twisting your back, so you should take particular care not to twist too far or you risk aggravating any existing back pain. This should be a gentle stretch; twist just as far as is comfortable. Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Bend your right knee, lift your right leg over your left, and place your right foot on the floor next to your left knee. Sitting with spine straight, place your left elbow on the right side of your right knee. Bend your left arm so that your left fingertips are touching your right hip, while at the same time, twisting to look over your right shoulder. This is where you need to be careful not to twist too far. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

PALM TREE: Stand with feet facing forward, arms at your sides, weight distributed evenly on both feet. Raise both arms over your head, interlock your fingers, and turn your hands so that your palms are facing upward. Next, place your palms on your head and turn your head so that you are looking slightly upward. Stretch your arms upwards, and at the same time, come up onto your toes if you can do so without pain. Stretch your entire body upward and hold, if you can. Some people have difficulty balancing during this pose, so just do the stretching part if you need to.

FISH POSE: Lie on your back with knees bent and arms at your side. Arch your back as far as you comfortably can and raise it off the ground by pushing the floor with your elbows. If you can, tilt your head backwards and rest the crown of your head on the floor. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm and hold pose for one minute if you can.

LOCUST: Lie face down with arms at the side, palms down, and elbows slightly bent with fingers pointing towards the feet. Raise your legs and thighs as high off the ground as possible without causing your back any pain. Hold for one second and repeat up to twelve times. This can be a vigorous exercise so you must take care to strain already injured muscles.

BENDING FORWARD POSTURE: Stand up straight with feet together and arms hanging loosely along your sides. Breathe in deeply and raise your arms straight above your head. While breathing out, bend forward and touch your toes if you can. If you can't reach your toes, grab hold of your ankles or calves. To complete the pose, you should touch your head to your knees, but this may be too difficult for many who suffer from lower back pain. Your movements during this pose should be smooth, not jerky.

By Lynn Hits

image credit originmagazine.com

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