Yoga poses that help align the heart chakra

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jul 8, 2023, 21:00 IST

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Awaken your heart chakra with these yoga poses

The heart chakra, known as Anahata in Sanskrit, is located in the center of the chest, at the level of the thymus gland behind the sternum. Anahata translates to "infinite," "unhurt," or "boundless." The heart serves as a bridge between the lower triangle (root, sacral, and solar plexus chakras) and the upper triangle (throat, third eye, and crown chakras).
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga and spiritual Leader, founder, Akshar Yoga Institutions says, “The element associated with the Anahata chakra is Air, symbolizing space and the experience of the infinite, much like the vastness of the sky. It serves as the gateway to our inner temple, our soul, and the limitless part of ourselves. It is where we transcend our individual selves and connect with the world around us.”
Here are some yoga poses that can help align the heart chakra:

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Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Kneel on your yoga mat and place your hands on your hips. With your arms straight, bring your right palm over your right foot and your left hand's heel to your left foot. Gently drop your head back and push your pelvis forward.

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Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)

Lie on your back and place your hands on the floor beside your head, fingers pointing toward your shoulders. Pressing into your hands and feet, lift your entire body into an arch. Distribute the weight equally among all four limbs and hold the pose for 15 to 20 seconds.

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Parsva Dhanurasana (Side Bow Pose)

This intermediate-level pose involves rolling the body sideways to increase the stretching effect. It is a back-bending pose performed in a prone position and is also known as the side bow pose or flank bow pose.

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Purna Dhanurasana (Full Bow Pose)

This pose resembles a fully stretched bow, creating a deep backbend that opens the heart. Begin by lying on your stomach, bend your knees, and try to bring your heels as close to your buttocks as possible. Hold your ankles with your hands, then lift your upper body and lower body off the floor. Lift your heels away from your buttocks and your thighs away from the floor. Keep your chin lifted.

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Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

Start by standing upright. Take a step forward with your left leg and bend the left knee, stretching the right leg fully backward. Place the right toes and knee on the floor for balance. Inhale and raise your arms, palms pressed together in Anjali Mudra (prayer position) before your chest. Extend your arms overhead, bending your upper torso and arms backward to create a curve resembling a half-moon. Hold the pose while breathing slowly and switch sides.

According to Akshar, “An imbalanced heart chakra can manifest as feelings of loneliness, disconnection, or not belonging. It may stem from growing up in an unloving environment or being in an unhealthy relationship, leading to a sense of unworthiness and cold-heartedness. On the other end of the spectrum, it can manifest as an overactive people-pleasing attitude, seeking validation and approval through excessive self-sacrifice.”
By practicing these heart-opening yoga poses, one can help realign and balance the heart chakra, fostering feelings of love, compassion, and connection within themselves and with others. It is important to approach these poses mindfully and consult with a qualified yoga instructor if needed.