How to activate “Heart Chakra”

by Irina Yugay

The seven chakras are energetic points in the body. And each is represented by a specific frequency and color. There are three upper body chakras and three lower body chakras. Connecting them is the quintessential heart chakra.

The heart chakra isn’t that simple as it might seem at a first glance. It a very complex fourth energy point that represents transformation and integration. It’s the manifestation of the fourth dimension that dwells on love and unity of seemingly opposite powers such as the power of the spirit and the power of the matter.

So in order to understand how to work with the heart chakra, it’s essential to understand the complexity of its symbolism. Once you understand it, you will have a profound knowledge of various techniques that can be applied to heal it and open it, and you will be able to choose the optimal one for your individual case.

What Does The Heart Chakra Mean?

Located in the center of the chest, the heart chakra corresponds to the heart, lungs, thymus gland, and cardiac plexus. In Sanskrit, this chakra is called anahata. In fact, it is the spiritual place where past experiences and grievances can no longer harm us. The anahata chakra is associated with the color green, which represents transformation and love energy. Those with an open, well balanced heart chakra are full of love, forgiveness and compassion. But if this chakra is blocked, anger, grief, hatred and jealousy will manifest.

Learning how to open the heart chakra is a beautiful experience.

And no matter whether a person has experienced blockage since childhood, or due to a recent heartache, opening the heart is the start of your healing process.

What number chakra is the heart ?

The heart chakra is the 4th chakra, located in-between the three lower body chakras and three upper body chakras. This is where the physical and spiritual come together. In fact, it’s the core of our energetic frequency and the root of all emotional and energetic healing.

What’s the element of the heart chakra ?

The heart chakra is related to the element of air. As such, its energy is associated with the breath and its movements, as well as the idea of spaciousness and connection with all things.

What’s the symbol of the heart chakra?

The symbol for the heart chakra is composed of:

A circle with twelve petals

A downward-pointing triangle interlaced with an upward-pointing triangle, forming a six-pointed star or hexagram

The intersecting triangles represent the air element and its all-encompassing quality. They also represent the divine union of sacred masculine and sacred feminine energies. It’s the concept of the divine trinity forming the star as a symbol of the harmony of the two.

And this emphasizes the function of the heart chakra as a center of integration and connection. The twelve petals are often depicted with the color red. Let’s Have A Closer Look At The Philosophy And Symbolism Behind This Chakra Symbol.

Anatomy of the heart chakra symbol

The symbol for the heart chakra is composed of the following elements:

A six-pointed star or hexagram, also referred to as Shaktona ;

Twelve petals positioned in circle, depicted with the a rich color red or vermilion; this part of the symbol is sometimes referred to as a twelve-petaled lotus flower;

In the Hindu tradition, the deity associated with the heart chakra is Vayu, who sits at the center of the symbol, riding an antelope or deer;

Inside the main circle, we can find another eight-petaled circle, also referred to as eight-petalled lotus (in the Hindu tradition).

Symbolic Elements

The Hexagram symbolic of the heart chakra qualities

The hexagram is made of two interlaced triangles, one pointing up and one pointing down. They symbolize the power of spirit and the power of matter coming together, the feminine and masculine in harmony.

The symbolism Of The Twelve Petals

On each petal is inscribed a Sanskrit syllable: syllables kam, kham, gam, gham, ngam, cham, chham, jam, jham, nyam, tam and tham.

Energy flows in and out of the petals, carried by the syllable sound, in twelve directions. Each petal represents a plexus where the channels of energy also called “nadis” converge. The syllables symbolically represent the vital energy that comes from these points

These movements of energy are activated with each breath and correspond to twelve mental states: fraud, lustfulness, indecision, hope, anxiety, repentance, possessiveness, incompetence, discrimination, impartiality, arrogance, and defiance. The list varies from one tradition to another.

The center of the heart chakra symbol: Deity, seed syllable, and animal

At the center of the heart chakra symbol, there is a deity, an accompanying animal, and a seed syllable. The deity is called Rudra or Ishana Rudra Shiva, and comes in union with the goddess Kakini, considered as the doorkeeper of the Anahata chakra.

The seed syllable for the heart chakra is “Yam” (or “Yang”) represents the air or wind element. This sound or “mantra” is connected to the control over the air and the breath.

The deer or antelope and the spirit of gentleness and grace

The deer or antelope is the carrier of the seed sound. This animal symbolizes the heart and its qualities. It mirrors the energies or processes that we go through as human beings and as eternal Souls.

We experience fear in uncertainty in real life. In a similar way, in our spiritual journey, we may be running away from spiritual growth. But if we live from the heart, we dwell on gentleness, purity, gentleness, love, and compassion.

When does the heart chakra open ?

When your heart chakra opens, you’ll feel an abundance of empathy, compassion, and love. A balanced chakra allows people to be who they are, instead of attempting to mold to external expectations. Living from anahata is truly a joyous and engaging experience.

A person with an open heart chakra is altruistic and respects others. People around them will notice an easy going peace that emanates outward, no matter the circumstance.

What Blocks The Heart Chakra ?

There are numerous things that can cause an energetic blockage, including illness, stress, and emotional conflict.

When is the heart chakra blocked ?

When anahata energy is blocked, it can have a negative effect on your physical, spiritual, and emotional health. In the body, this can translate as poor circulation and blood pressure extremes. The heart, lungs and upper extremities are all influenced greatly by anahata energy.

Spiritually, a blocked fourth chakra can cause a feeling of disconnect, a lack of empathy, and an inability to trust oneself or others. Deep insecurity and fears are also common. If left unchecked, these can grow into manipulative behaviors.

What is the heart chakra responsible for ?

Simply put, the heart chakra is responsible for acceptance and forgiveness. It gives compassion and empathy. Furthermore, everything related to transformation and change is in direct relation to heart chakra. This chakra also enables you to grieve. It helps us attain tranquility and inner peace in the midst of conflict.

Healing Your Anahata Chakra

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of the blocked heart chakra, there are many ways to heal the imbalance. The anahata is a unifying chakra, bringing healing to all the paths of life. The energy connects the individual to the universe and is the center of spiritual healing within. When the heart chakra is balanced, you will feel warm and compassionate.

Here Are 7 Ways To Heal And Open Your Heart Chakra

1) Heart-Chakra Meditation

Meditation can help to restore proper energy flow to the heart chakra. And since meditation is such a deeply personal experience, you should take time to find a practice that works best for you.

Here are a few meditation tips:

Wear comfortable clothing

Sit or lie in a position that doesn’t strain your spine or joints

Find a place in which you won’t be disturbed

Try a guided meditation to get started

2) Green Color

The color green is associated with the heart chakra. And you should find ways to incorporate this color into your daily life. Add some green clothing to your wardrobe and decorate your workspace with green accents. Plants are a great way to add greenery and life into your workspace.

3) Green Food

It might seem too simple to be true but green food can help you heal your heart chakra. So introducing more healthy green food such as broccoli, cucumbers, green apples, and leafy greens is a great idea.

4) Mantra Chanting

There are numerous sounds that resonate with the chakras. In many different traditions and Mystery Schools throughout the planet, including ancient Egyptians, Hebrew, Islamic, Tibetan, Japanese and Native American, there are a number of different systems of Sacred Vowels to balance the chakras. The spoken Bijas are chanted aloud in order to resonate with the chakras.

The corresponding spoken Bija for the fourth chakra is Yam, which is considered to be the seed of the heart and depicted in the heart chakra symbolism. So the mantra for the anahata is ‘YAM.’

Chant this to heal both the physical and the spiritual heart center and to open yourself up to unconditional love and compassion. Mantras can be repeated vocally or sub-vocally while you meditate.

5) Affirmations

Positive affirmations can help you increase the positive energy associated with the fourth chakra. These can include little notes you leave for yourself on the bathroom mirror or computer monitor.

Examples of positive heart affirmations include:

“I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

“I am wanted and loved.”

“My heart is open to love.”

“I forgive myself.”

“I live in a state of grace and gratefulness.”

6) Sonic Therapy

“If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of frequency, energy, and vibration.” – Nicola Tesla

There are many schools that utilize sacred Solfeggio frequencies to bring balance and harmony to body, mind, and spirit as the music speaks deeply to the human spirit.

Solfeggio tones trace back to centuries ago – they are considered sacred and made up of 6 tones, where certain Solfeggio frequency can be attuned to energetic points and bring healing and restoration.

341.3 Hz

The heart chakra frequency is 341.3 Hz, this frequency is associated with the element of air. Listening to the music attuned to this particular frequency brings balance to the heart chakra.

528 Hz

The 528 Hz frequency is the most significant of the ancient Solfeggio Frequencies. Known as the “love” frequency, it has a deep-rooted relationship with nature and is present in everything from Chlorophyll to human DNA.

Listening to the music attuned to the 528 Hz Solfeggio frequency will help you recalibrate your DNA structure and open your heart chakra to unconditional love.

Tibetan Bowls

Tibetan Singing Bowls have been used for centuries for healing and meditation purposes. They create a range of sounds that bring restoration of the normal vibratory frequencies of out-of-harmony parts of the body, mind, and soul. Each chakra resonates with a specific key. The heart chakra key is K.

The Tibetan Singing Bowls can be attuned to a specific key for optimal balancing. Listening to the recording of the healing Tibetan Singing Bowls with the appropriate pitched tones will heal and open your heart chakra.

7) Breathwork

The fourth chakra element is air so breathwork is a gateway to opening your heart chakra.

Since heart chakra represents the balance between two seemingly opposite energies, one of the best breathwork techniques that not only balances your right and left brain hemispheres but also opens your heart.

Nadhi Sodhana

Nadhi sodhana is a nostril breathing, is a very relaxed, balancing breath that has multiple positive effects on your whole system.

How to do it:

• Nadhi sodhana can be done seated or lying down. To start, empty all the air from your lungs.
• Using the thumb of your dominant hand, block your right nostril, and inhale through your left nostril only into your belly. Once you are full of breath, close your left nostril with the ring finger of the same hand, keeping your right nostril closed, and hold the breath for a moment.
• Then release your thumb and exhale through your right nostril only. Be sure to exhale all the breath out of the right side and pause before inhaling again through the same side.
• Seal both nostrils once you’ve inhaled on the right side and exhaled through the left side. A complete cycle of breath includes an inhalation and exhalation through both nostrils.
• If you’re just starting out, you can do a four-count inhale, holding your breath for four to eight counts, then exhale for four counts.
• Perform up to ten cycles and notice how your body responds. You may feel more relaxed and calm in both your mind and body

8) Yoga Heart-Opening Asanas

There are 7 specific heart-opening yoga poses that activate your heart chakra.

1. Half Camel Pose With Heart Chakra Hand Placement

Half Camel Pose is a deep backbend for your upper back, and literally and metaphorically opens up your heart space. By bringing your hand to touch your Heart Chakra, you’re activating this opening even more.

How to Practice Half Camel Pose:

• Kneel with your shoulders stacked over your hips and your hips stacked over your knees
• Bring your palms, fingers facing down, to the tops of your glutes
• Start to press your hips forward as you lean your heart back
• Bring one hand to your Heart Chakra, with the option to grab your heel with your other hand for more intensity
• To come out, activate your core and slowly re-stack your shoulders and hips

2. Wheel Pose

Wheel Pose develops mobility and flexibility in your spine and hip flexors as well as creating space in your heart.

How to Practice Wheel Pose:

• Start on your back with your feet on your mat and knees to the sky
• Bring your hands to your mat by your ears with your fingers facing your shoulders and elbows to the sky
• On an inhale, press evenly into your hands and feet to push yourself up
• Option to come to the balls of your feet for more intensity
• To come out, tuck your chin towards your chest and slowly lower to your mat, your hips are the last thing to touch down

3. Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose is a gentler variation of Wheel Pose and it begins to create flexibility and strength in your spine. This pose also lifts and opens your heart towards the sky.

How to Practice Bridge Pose:

• Start on your back with your feet on your mat and knees to the sky
• Bring your arms by your sides with your palms face-down by your hips
• On an inhale, press into your feet to lift your hips toward the sky
• Try to evenly distribute weight between your feet and the base of your shoulders, without putting too much pressure on your head and neck
• For more intensity, interlace your fingers under you and squeeze your shoulder blades together
• To come out, slowly lower your spine on an exhale

4. Warrior 1 Pose With Heart Opening Backbend

Warrior 1 Pose strengthens your quads while creating flexibility in your hips. We’ll add a gentle backbend to this pose to tap into that Heart Chakra energy.

How to Practice Warrior 1 Pose With a Heart Opening Backbend:

• Find a Warrior 1 stance with your front knee stacked over your front ankle and your back foot planted firmly down at about a 90-degree angle
• Bring your hands to your low back, and slowly start to inch them down your back leg
• As you do this, keep your hips moving forward as you allow your chest to lift up
• Option to look up, adding a little Throat Chakra action as well

5. Upward Facing Dog Pose

Upward Facing Dog strengthens and tones your arms while creating flexibility in your spine. It’s a great, gentle pose to practice if you spend a lot of time on a computer.

How to Practice Upward Facing Dog Pose:

• Begin lying face down on your mat with the tops of your feet on your mat
• Bring your palms directly under your shoulders and allow your elbows to point toward the sky
• Press into your hands to lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat, then press into the tops of your feet to lift your quads off the mat as well
• Keep your neck neutral by gazing forward

6. Reverse Plank Pose

Reverse Plank Pose strengthens your arms, legs, back, and core while opening your heart center up towards the sky.

How to Practice Reverse Plank Pose:

• Begin seated on your mat with your legs extended
• Bring your palms by your hips, fingertips facing your toes
• Inhale to press into your hands and feet and lift your hips toward the sky
• Option to bring your gaze behind you, opening your throat, for more intensity

7. Bow Pose

Bow Pose generates mobility in your spine as well as flexibility in your hip flexors.

How to Practice Bow Pose:

• Begin lying face down on your mat with the tops of your feet on your mat and your palms by your hips
• Bend your knees to bring your feet towards your glutes
• Lift your head, neck, and shoulders as you simultaneously reach for your ankles, heels, or toes
• Inhale to kick into your hands, deepening the expansion in your chest
• When you’re ready, slowly release to your belly

The complexity of this seemingly simple energy center can not be underestimated as well as its incredibly essential role in the awakening of our being into the unconditional love of creation.

The knowledge coupled with your intention to heal your heart and open the whole new world based on love, unity, and compassion.

Achieve Perfect Balance In Life By Unblocking Your 7 Chakras

Ever felt you weren’t good enough ? Having trouble with your finances? Or maybe you feel like something’s off (but you don’t know what) ? These could be symptoms of a blocked chakra.

Blocked chakras create a lot of imbalance in our minds, bodies, and spirit. Consequently, all other aspects of our lives – like our finances, relationships, career, and health – also start to suffer. Thankfully, we can unblock our chakras and restore the flow of celestial energy in our bodies. Once our energies flow naturally, we’ll be able to break the cycle of pain, frustration and anxiety. We’ll start to lead a more balanced, whole, and fulfilled life.