The fourth chakra, or heart chakra, is the center of the entire energy system and is responsible for one of the greatest and most powerful forces in the human being: LOVE. Anahata, in Sanskrit, means “impossible to break.” It is a sacred light in each being that shows its true essence and allows you to open your hearts in a loving and compassionate union.
The fourth chakra has the virtue of generating joy and healing the individual. It is located in the center of the chest. It is related to green or pink colors. The green tones connect with nature, generate tranquility and correspond to the vibrations of healing and regeneration. Pink awakes compassion, joy of life, tenderness and expansion which is associated with the sense of touch (especially experiencing contact with existence by touching and being touched by people who are part of their own life, all other beings and the universe as a whole.
There are postures in yoga such as opening chest or arches which help invigorate, heal, and relax the fourth chakra. It is suggested to use high-waisted leggings in green or pink while in the transcendence that brings this vibration.
Some of the postures that contribute to the opening of the chest or the Anahata chakra include:
Bhujangasana – Cobra Pose
Lie face down on a yoga mat, put your feet together and bring your palms to each side of your chest. If you wear yoga leggings, you will feel more comfortable when performing the posture. The hands should be just below the shoulders and the elbows very close to the body. Rest your forehead on the floor inhale and expand the chest, activating the muscles of the back while raising the head, shoulders, and back of the body, bending the column back harmoniously like a snake. Hold the posture for fifteen seconds attentive in the breathing.
Matsyasana – Fish Pose
Lie on your back and bring your arms under your body as close together as possible, palms facing the floor under your buttocks. Keep your legs extended and your feet together. For more flexibility in movements, use high-waisted leggings. Pressing on the elbows raises the upper part of the body and opens the chest as much as possible. Keeping that opening supports the crown of the head gently on the ground. The position of the fish allows breathing fully, relieves stress, reduces respiratory problems, gives confidence and helps release stagnant emotions.
Setu Bandhasana – Bridge Pose
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart, parallel to each other with your arms on each side of your body. Inhale, lift the hips off the floor with the help of the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks, and pelvis. Then, exhale while supporting the back on your yoga mat. For greater comfort in the posture, the use of yoga leggings is appropriate. You can interlace the fingers of the hands or take the ankles with the hands to raise the hip and open the chest. The posture strengthens the legs and gives flexibility to the spine and shoulders. It releases stagnant emotions, filling it with energy and vitality.
These yoga postures help regulate emotions and connect emotionally with the higher Self and cultivate compassionate love.
