Chakra Yoga

The Chakra system is used to describe the entire human body, including the physical, mental, and emotional bodies. Chakra yoga is a practical application of the chakra paradigm. Yoga poses are one of the most basic ways for aligning each Chakra and through Meditation and sound bowls we further enhance, balance and harmonize the Chakras. 

In this class we will work on Yoga poses, Breath work, Mantra, Affirmations that correspond to the chakras and complete the practice with a chakra meditation. 

The chakras are believed to be the centers of life force energy (prana) in the body. The body contains seven major chakras from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each of these chakras contains a different energy and elements.

For example, the root chakra is grounding and governs emotional balance, while the heart chakra is the center of compassion and unconditional love. Different asanas can target specific chakras, such as:

• Root chakra (muladhara) – Tadasana(mountain), Balasana (child’s pose)

• Sacral chakra (svadisthana) – Kapotasana (pigeon pose)

• Solar plexus chakra ( Manipura)- Vakrasana ( Spinal twists)

• Heart chakra (anahata) – Garudasana (eagle pose)

• Throat chakra (visuddha) – Sethu Bhandasana (Bridge pose)

• Third eye chakra (ajna) – Marjariasana & Bitliasana (cat/cow pose)

• Crown chakra (sahasrara) – Padmasana (lotus pose)

Chakra yoga often uses the asanas employed in Hatha yoga because they keep the body and spine aligned, which helps liberate and balance the flow of chakra energy. The meditation, chanting and pranayama relax the mind, reducing stress and increasing energy.

• Specific yoga poses - Asana helps to increase life force and promote free-flowing energy through the chakra system. However, particular postures can stimulate a chakra, breaking up any blockages present. These are usually asanas that stretch, compress or engage the physical location of the energy center.

• Visualization meditations - Every chakra has an associated color and body part. Using meditation to visualize the specific color present in the chakra's location can help to increase energy flow to that center. 

• Mantras and mudras - Likewise, each chakra has an associated Biji (seed) mantra and one or more hand gestures that are said to help activate it.

• Breath work - Pranayama cleanses the Nadis and promotes free-flowing energy throughout the subtle body.

• Meditation- Completing the practice with Meditation or Yoga Nidra final alignment of the Chakras

Shakti currently teaches Chakra Yoga @ Almaden Yoga, San Jose on Tuesday 4.30pm

Please register at www.almadenyoga.com