One of the topics we had learnt during YTT was our ‘Chakras’. Although I had practised yoga on and off for 4 years, I actually did not know that Chakras were related to Yoga. I found the Chakra topic very interesting and decided to write this blog post to share a bit about the poses that activate our different Chakras.
Muladhara Chakra
Because Muladhara Chakra is the root Chakra, we can activate it by doing poses that are “grounded”. This includes poses such as Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold), Malasana with hands in prayer position in front of our chest, Sukhasana (Cross-Legged Sit), Child Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Savasana. Additionally, more advanced poses such as Virabhadrasana B (Warrior 2) and Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Stretch Pose) may also help with activating Muladhara Chakra.
Swadhisthana Chakra
Swadhisthana or Sacral Chakra is known as our ‘creativity’ and ‘sexual’ Chakra. To activate this, it usually involves poses where we stretch the muscles around our inner thigh, hips and pelvis areas. Some poses to activate this include Frog Stretch, Malasana, Supta Baddha Konasana (Lying Butterfly Pose), Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose). Additionally, Low Lunge, Virabhadrasana B, and generally moving your hips around will help.
Manipura Chakra
Our Manipura Chakra is related to our self-confidence. As this Chakra is located in our Solar Plexus, core poses or and poses with a slight arch-back activates this Chakra. This includes Cobra Pose, Bow Pose, Plank Pose, Virabhadrasana B and C, and Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose).
Anahata Chakra
Our Anahata Chakra is our heart Chakra which regulates our emotions. Thus, chest-opening poses can activate this Chakra. Such poses include Cobra Pose, Upward-Facing Dog, Bow Pose, Camel Pose, Marichyasana C, Wheel Pose and Reverse Plank Pose. We may also do Cat and Cowl Poses to activate this Chakra.
Vishuddha Chakra
Lastly, our Vishuddha Chakra is related to our communication, and purity of mind. It is our throat Chakra, we should ensure this Chakra is activated and balanced in order to prevent health problems such as thyroid. To activate this Chakra, we usually do poses which stretched our neck area. Such poses include Bow Pose, Cobra Pose, Fish Pose, Camel Pose, Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand). And we may simply also rotate our necks clockwise and anti-clockwise,
I hope this post will be useful for all who are looking to activate and balance their Chakras. ☺
