Awakening the Upper Chakras

The 5th Chakra resides at the throat, is associated with the color blue and has an ethereal element. The function of this chakra is communication and creativity. If you have a sore throat, stiff neck, a cold, thyroid problems, or hearing problems then this chakra may be imbalanced. Some poses or asanas that can bring balance to this chakra are the following: Seated Forward Bend Pose (Paschimottanasana) to turn inward and tune the inner self, Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana), and Supported Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana).

The 6th Chakra located between and just above the eyes is associated with the color indigo and it's function is seeing and intuition. Some ailments associated with an imbalanced 6th Chakra are headaches, nightmares, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Ways to bring this chakra back into balance are through chanting and meditation. Sit in a comfortable Easy Pose (Sukhasana) and chant the mantra: Om So Hum (I am that), with the eyes closed but looking up toward the 6th chakra or 3rd eye.

Finally the 7th Chakra, the violet colored lotus located at the crown of the head, has an element of consciousness or space. Imbalances in this chakra consist of depression, alienation, confusion, boredom, and apathy. Restorative poses such as Corpse Pose (Savasana) are recommended for balancing this chakra. Simply chanting the word Om (the sound of the universe) will bring silence and a sense of calm.

Joseph Campbell says the following about the 7th Chakra:

At this chakra there is no person to be conscious of God. There is only undifferentiated consciousness: the silence. When you hit the 7th Chakra, you are inert. It is a catatonic knockout, you might say, and you are reduced simply to a thing. 

Until next Wednesday,
Namaste~
Chica

P.S. All poses or asanas mentioned can be found at the Yoga Journal website located under the Links page of this blog.