Yoga Philosophy – Chakras

Chakra means a wheel or disc, that enables energy to flow through around it at various speed, different directions, at different orbits, with a centre that is anchored at a fixed point.
There are seven chakras located in the human body. When the energy gets blocked in a chakra, it triggers physical, mental or emotional imbalances that might cause anxiety. In order to unblock chakras, asana practice can improve the energy flow.
Four rules of Chakras:

  1. Moves in a circular motion, spiralling horizontally
  2. Ankle point along spine
  3. In the shape of triangle
  4. 7 ankle locations

Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Located at the base of the spine (2nd bone of the coccyx), has a square yellow mandala, representing the Earth element, with the sound of Lam.
Muladhara governs the survival needs, security, self identity and sense of belonging. When this chakra is blocked, one may feel needy, have low self-confidence, or have self destructive behaviours. This chakra, can also stimulates one’s addiction, greed and fear. When this chakra is in balance, one will feel strong and confident, and can stand up for oneself and take care of ownself.
One of the asana pose for muladhara chakra, is the Vrikshasana (Tree Pose).
Swadhishthana (Sacral or Pelvic Chakra)
Located in the genital area (4th bone of the sacrum), controls the lower abdomen in the physical body, representing the Water element, with the sound of Vam.
This chakra enhances the 1st chakra, with the need to compare with others. This chakra gives us the ability to go with the flow and enjoy all that life has to offer. When this chakra is balanced, one will feel creative, positive and reception to change. However, when the chakra is blocked, one might experience inferior complex.
Manipura (Navel Chakra)
Located at the navel, corresponds to the solar plexus (4th lumbar spine), representing the Fire element, with the sound of Ram.
This chakra controls the eyesight and pancreas. When this chakra is balanced, one will feel alive and have the self esteem and confidence to take action, actualisation of one’s talent to be productive. However, when the chakra is blocked, one will feel the lack of courage, feel stagnant, feel the fear of taking risks.
One of the asana pose for manipura chakra, is Navasana (Boat Pose).
Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Located in the heart region (9th bone at the thoracic), representing Air element, with the sound of Yam.
This chakra, awakens the power of love within one, through compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. When this chakra is blocked, one will feel the fear of rejection, fear of losing, and becomes possessive.
One of the asana pose for manipura chakra, is Ushtrasana (Camel Pose).
Vishuddha (Throat Chakra)
Located at the base of the throat (4th bone of the cervical), representing Ether element, with the sound of Ham.
When this chakra is open and stimulated, the eyes will be looking out for details; the voice will be found to communicate in healthy ways. However, if the chakra is blocked, one may not be able to find the voice to communicate effectively, for example, may be overly talkative instead of listening to others; or to jump to conclusion instead of looking for details before sterotyping.
One of the asana pose for manipura chakra, is Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand).
Anna (Third-eye Chakra)
Located between the eyebrows, representing Light element, with the sound of OM, in pure white circle.
When this chakra is balanced, one will feel the trust and confidence to face life’s challenges and choices. Similarly, if the chakra is blocked, one will be close-minded, and feels untrusting to self’s decision. Working on this chakra opens the mind to look into bigger picture with broader perspectives, hence achieving better wisdom and decision.
Meditation on Ajna destroys the karma of past lives, gives liberation and institutional knowledge.
Saharara (Crown Chakra)
Located at the crown of the head, corresponding to the pineal gland of the physical body.
It helps on to attains the superconscious state, the highest knowledge turns to intellect and intelligence. To reach this point, we need to open, balance and energise the six chakras below it through deep meditation.
Sources
Paalu Ramasamy, and Wei Ling Chong. 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Course (Hatha / Astanga) Training Manual. Print.
“A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras.” Yoga Journal. ANDREA FERRETTI, 30 July 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.
Stephen Sturgess. “Yoga Meditation: Still Your Mind and Awaken Your Inner Spirit.” iBooks.
Done By: Student Eileen Ang