The body's primary energy points, called chakras, contribute greatly to our physical well-being and spiritual balance. Including the maintenance of the seven main chakra areas in our regular Yoga practice completes the experience and takes our awareness of self and the world around us to a whole new level.

Associations

Location: The Heart Chakra, or "Anahata", is located in the center of your chest right at heart level. Imagine a line drawn parallel to the floor that starts an inch or two above your breastbone and travels backwards through your body. This is where you find Anahata. Included in this energy point are the heart, lungs, thymus, endocrine and immune systems. Peace comes to us through the Heart Chakra.

Color: Heart Chakra is the fourth "ray" on the chakra rainbow, and its color is a vibrant green. The color ranges from the yellow of the solar plexus on one side (chakra # 4) to the blue of the throat chakra (chakra # 5). The image associated with Anahata is a twelve-petaled Lotus.

Element: Air

Sense: Touch

Spirit of Anahata: Being the Heart Chakra, it is only natural that it be associated with love and relationships. All manner of interaction with others and how they affect us emotionally is regulated here. Whether it's a friend, lover, spouse, family member or admired role model; when it's a matter of the heart, Anahata's energy is there.

Sound: YAM (drawn out to yaaaahhhhmmmm)

Signs That Heart Chakra Is Out of Balance

Problems related to heart conditions, breathing disorders, and a weak immune system are all indications of a blocked or muddled Anahata. Emotional and spiritual symptoms include the inability to demonstrate affection, feeling jealous of others who have loving relationships and instigating conflict.

How To Open The Heart Chakra

1. Sit comfortably on the floor using a mat or pillow in Easy Pose or Lotus. Place the fingers of your right hand in the center area of your chest with your thumb and index finger touching. Keep your left hand resting palm down on your left knee.

2. Focus your mind on the center of your chest, allowing your mind's eyes to travel through your body to the center of your back. Begin to chant YAM, drawing out the sound gently and slowly.

3. Begin to move your right hand in a circular motion around your chest area; first counter-clockwise, then clockwise. Heart Chakra is now opening up and neutralizing any negative energy.

4. Visualize the Heart Chakra expanding with green light until the light overflows out into your body. Your whole body is surrounded by a healing and restorative green glow that fills the entire room.

5. Feel the air around you, enhanced by the Heart Chakra energy, and take deep breaths, bringing in and letting out the love. Continue making the circular motion and concentrating on the green light until you feel that this chakra is balanced and cleared.

6. When you are ready, mentally close Heart Chakra, knowing that the gentle power it brought stays with you always.

Special Note

During everyday life, there are ways to bring the energy of Heart Chakra closer to us by connecting with another human being chest-to-chest through hugging. If it is an intimate relationship, laying close together so that you can feel beat of each other's heart is a beautiful way to celebrate the loving spirit of Heart Chakra.

You may also find that you can bring happiness to a stressful day or that your singing voice becomes sweeter by placing the tips of your fingers softly on the center of your chest, two inches or so below the collarbone. Higher than the heart area, this is where the thalamus is located, and is included in the Heart Chakra's domain.

Remember to always include all of the seven main chakras in your balancing and clearing meditations.