Wheels of Life: Breathing through the Chakras…

Breathing through the chakras… 
Breathing through the chakras is designed to purify the chakras through which prana or life force flow. 
Chakras are energy centers in the body. According to traditional yogic thought, there are seven primary chakras exist along the spinal column, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, as shown beside. A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well being. Breathing through the chakras is designed to purify the chakras through which prana or life force flow. 
Chakras are energy centers in the body. According to traditional yogic thought, there are seven primary chakras exist along the spinal column, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, as shown beside. A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well being. 
Each chakra represents certain energies as discussed below: 
The first chakra, The Root chakra known as Muladhara in sanskrit is at the base of the spine, and is associated with color Red. 
This center represents the most primal of our instincts: hunger, survival, anger and passion. This is also the center of manifestation. When one try to make things happen in material world, the energy to succeed will come from this first chakra. Imbalance in this chakra leads to insecurity, frustration, fear, anxiety and depression. Problems like obesity, lower back pain, and knee troubles can occur. Physically, Muladhara governs sexuality, mentally it governs stability, emotionally it governs sensuality, and spiritually it governs a sense of security. The mantra for the first chakra is Lam. 
The second chakra, The Sacral or Spleen chakra known as Swadhisthana, is located below the navel (lower abdomen), is associated with the color Orange. 
This center represents basic needs for intuition, creativity and self-esteem. This chakra is also about our feelings and emotions. Imbalance in Swadisthana lead to emotional problems and addictions. Physically, Swadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm. The mantra for the second chakra is Vam. 
The third chakra, The Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura is above the naval (stomach area), is associated with color Yellow. 
This center is the source of personal power, balance of intellect and self confidence. Imbalance in Manipura results in lack of confidence, worry, confusion and anxiety. when balanced, one may feel joyful, expressive, accept new challenges and a strong send of personal power. Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, all matters of growth. The mantra to clear and enliven the third chakra is Ram.
The fourth chakra, The Heart Chakra, Anahata is at the center of the chest, is associated with the color Green. 
This center is the source of love, compassion, and empathy. The center improves ones ability to love self and others, and to give and recieve love and kindness. Key issues involving Anahata involve rejection, indecisiveness, and low self-esteem. When this chakra is balanced, one feels friendly, compassionate, desire to serve others and find the good in everyone. Physically Anahata governs circulation, emotionally it governs unconditional love for the self and others, mentally it governs passion, and spiritually it governs devotion. The mantra that awakens the fourth chakra is Yum. 
The fifth chakra, The Throat Chakra, Vishuddha is in the throat is associated with color Blue. This center is the source of communication, expression, organization and planning. The possibility for transformation and healing are located in this center. Imbalance in Vishuddha results in thyroid imbalances, soar throat, being quite, feeling weak and unable to express thoughts. When this chakra is balanced, one may feel centered, inspired and being good at creative arts. Physically, Vishuddha governs communication, emotionally it governs independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually, it governs a sense of security. The mantra to open the fifth chakra is Hum.
The sixth chakra, The Brow or Third Eye chakra, Ajna is on the forehead is associated with color Indigo. This center is the source of intuition, self-realization and perception. Through the power of this chakra one can receive support and guidance from higher self. Ajna’s key issues involve being non-assertive and non-decisive. When this chakra is balanced, one can be thier own master with strong intuition power. The key issues of Ajna chakra comprises of learning disabilities, co-ornidation problems and sleep disorders. Ajna’s inner aspect relates to the access of intuition. Mentally, Ajna deals with visual consciousness. Emotionally, Ajna deals with clarity on an intuitive level. The mantra to awaken the sixth chakra is Sham. 
The seventh chakra, The Crown Chakra, Sahasrara is at the crown of the head is associated with color Violet. This is the center for spiritual enlightenment and one’s connection to God or a higher intelligence. Imbalance in Sahasrara leads to ones frustration and sorrow and the the phyical illness of headaches and depression. The chakra can be stimulated by focusing on dreams, keying down one’s purpose and vision. When balanced, the chakra leads one to connect to divine wisdom and creates oneness with the universe. The mantra to nurture the seventh chakra is Aum. 
Visualizing breathing into any of the chakras may help to stimulate the function of that chakra. Focus on breathing into respective chakra while visualizing the chakras color and reciting the respective mantra. 
Practicing chakra medition regularly greatly contributes to the balanced and harmonious flow of energy though the chakras.