Yoga - Increedible India

Chakras – Repositories of Power in the Human Body

vskyadmin — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 10:43:50 +0000

Chakras and Nadis
The human body is made up of the physical body and the subtle body. The subtle body (sukshma sharira or linga sharira) can be understood as a complex energy system made up of Energy Centers (Chakras) and Energy Channels (Nadis). It is through this system that the Life Force (Prana) flows in the body. When the Nadis intersect in different parts of the subtle body they form Chakras. The human body has 114 Chakras and 72,000 Nadis!
The health of the Nadis and Chakras impact energies at all levels – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Of the 114 Chakras 7 are the most impactful than the others. We will discuss these 7 primary Chakras and how they affect the human body mind and emotions.
The Seven Primary Chakras
The Chakras are energy centers that are in the form of a triangle but are spinning disks of energy – and so they look like spinning wheels (chakra). It has been observed that the positions of the 7 chakras correspond to the endocrine organs. The endocrine system of the human body plays a pivotal role in the body’s ability to function, as also its emotional and physical well-being.
These seven Chakras are the fundamental support systems. The Chakras are located along the spinal cord. When the Chakras are aligned and open, they are in their most pristine element and the physical body is healthy. When the Chakras are out of balance and closed there is disease in the body. If imbalance in one Chakra is unchecked, it can cascade down to impacting the other Chakras. It is essential to keep the Chakras open, aligned and balanced for optimal health. This can be done through healthy lifestyle and yogic practices.
Every Chakra is associated with a sound syllable, number of petals and affects various parts of the physical body and different emotional dispositions. Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, sound (bija-mantra) and color. These Chakras range from the specific area (kshetram) at the base of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head. Each of these have specific health-related focus. The Chakra at the sacrum (root of the spine) has the slowest movement (spin) and the chakra-movement gradually increases as you move up the spine – with the Crown Chakra with the highest movement.

MULADHARA CHAKRA – ROOT/BASE CENTER

This Chakra forms the foundation of energy body. It is the most instinctual of all chakras since it is the survival center. This chakra provides grounded-ness as it is related to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, and more emotional needs like security. The primal response of survival is fight, flight, or freeze is initiated from Root chakra.
It has the slowest movement. If the Chakra is dominant food and sleep become the principal factors in life. This Chakra is the center of physical energy, grounding, stability, physical identity, and self-preservation. Destabilization of the chakra leads to lack of energy, depression, pessimism, arthritis, constipation, bladder/colon issues, and insecurity about finances, basic needs, and well being.
Awakening of the Kundalini – the dormant spiritual force – begins here.

Located (kshetram) – at the base of the spine in the tailbone or the sacrum
Activation Point (kshetram) – between the perineum and the coccyx (pelvic bone)
Sound – La
Energy Color – red, four-petaled lotus
Element (tattva) – earth

Endocrine Gland – Adrenal glands situated at the top of the kidneys. These glands secrete several hormones including adrenaline which stimulates the ‘fight or flight’ response. This is directly related to the Base Chakra’s survival nature
Secretion – epinephrine actions
Governing Function – excretion, survival
Governs – feet, hips, lower spine, legs
Connected with – sense of smell
Underactive – fearful, nervous, insecure
Overactive – greedy, materialistic, obsessed with being secure and resist change

SVADHISHTANA CHAKRA – SACRAL CENTER

This Chakra is seat of the self. It is about feeling and sexuality. When this chakra is balanced feelings flow freely and are expressed without being over-emotional. The person is open to intimacy and can be passionate and lively. The person will have little issues dealing with sexuality. Sexuality, pleasure, feeling, creativity urinary tract, lower back pain. Feeling of self-worth and self-worth around pleasure, sexuality, creativity.
Creativity may be expressed as procreation but also in the other creative arts and problem solving. When we use our resources to create something new, we are using creative energies.

Located – three inches below the navel, above the pubic bone
Activation Point (kshetram) – in front of the body is barely below the belly button
Sound – Va
Energy Color – orange/vermilion, six-petaled lotus
Element (tattva) – water

Endocrine Gland – ovaries related to sexual development and egg creation, controlling the levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Potential for life in the ovaries is mirrored in the drives of the Sacral Chakra.
Secretion – estrogen/testosterone
Governing Function – development, reproduction
Governs – tongue, reproductive organs, your bladder, kidneys, adrenals and lower back
Connected with – sense of taste
Underactive – frigidity, stiff, under emotional, closed to people around you, impotency
Overactive – feel emotional, overactive sexual drive

MANIPURAKA CHAKRA – SOLAR PLEXUS (NAVEL) CENTER

Manipuraka means ‘filled with gems’. It is the center of vitality since it controls our energy balance to strengthen and consolidate our health. This Chakra is about asserting yourself in a group. When it is open you feel in control and have sufficient self-esteem.
This Chakra is related to the psyche. Psychic problems frequently give rise to digestive problems. For example, many people react to fear or stressful situations with abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Located – just below the navel Upper abdomen in the stomach (hara)
Activation Point (kshetram) – navel
Sound – Ra
Energy Color – yellow
Element (tattva) – fire

Endocrine Gland – Pancreas secretes substances for the digestion of food
Secretion – insulin
Governing Function – metabolism, digestion
Governs – stomach, upper intestines, upper spine, digestive organs, gall bladder, pancreas, adrenals, and liver
Connected with – digestion
Underactive – ulcers, heartburn, eating disorders, indigestion, passiveness, indecisiveness cowardice
Overactive – with excess blood sugar, the major cause of diabetes

ANAHATA CHAKRA – HEART CENTER

Is the bridge between the upper and lower chakras. Anahata means sound produced without touching two parts. It is symbolized by two intersecting triangles that form a six-pointed star with a dot in the center. It is the center of compassion, love, and spirituality. As the Heart Chakra is about love, kindness, and affection when it is open, you are compassionate, friendly, and have harmonious relationships.

Located – Center of the chest just above the heart (heart center)
Activation Point (kshetram) – heart
Sound – Ya
Energy Color – green
Element (tattva) – air

Endocrine Gland – thymus is located above the heart and produces lymphocytes, a vital part of the body’s immune response.
This quality relates the thymus to the healing properties of the Heart Chakra.
Secretion – lymphocytes
Governing Function – circulatory system, lymphatic system
Governs – thymus, blood, heart, lungs, cardiac plexus, breasts
Connected with – air, touch, and actions of the hands
Underactive – heart problems, asthma, weight issues, cold and distant, feel lonely, insecure, isolated, co-dependence, manipulative behaviors, feeling of unworthiness, inability to trust yourself or others
Overactive – suffocating people with love, putting others first to their own detriment

VISHUDDHI CHAKRA – THROAT CENTER

Vishuddhi means to filter or purify. It is the purification center. This chakra is associated with the Respiratory System/Thyroid Gland. This is the ‘communication’ chakra since it is the center for sound, communication, speech, writing and thought expression. Success and failure are said to depend upon the state of this chakra – whether it is polluted or clean.
This Chakra is about self-expression and articulation. When the chakra is open you have no problems expressing yourself, speaking and listening with compassion.

Located – at Adam’s apple area
Activation Point (kshetram) – pit of the throat
Sound – Ha
Energy Color – blue/light blue
Element (tattva) – ether

Endocrine Gland – Thyroid On either side of the larynx is the thyroid, producing thyroxine, which controls the rate at which the body converts food into useful energy.
The thyroid governs the rate of metabolism in the body.
Secretion – Thyroxine
Governing Function – Immunity
Governs – throat, thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, tongue, larynx, mouth, teeth, tongue, vocal cords
Connected with – sense of hearing, sound
Underactive – unable to articulate so tend not speak much, introverted, shyness, stammering
Overactive – speaking too much, usually to domineer and keep people at a distance, not a good bad listener

AJNA CHAKRA – THIRD EYE (BROW) CENTER

This Chakra is associated with the Autonomic Nervous System/Pituitary Gland. It is the center of psychic power, spirit energies, higher intuition and light. When balanced it provides intuition. When not balanced you may tend to fantasy. Helps towards intellectually enlightenment.

Located – between the eyesbrows
Activation Point (kshetram) – is not part of the physical body but of the Pranic system around the ‘third eye’ – Prana is the physical life force that extends to the energy of consciousness (devatma shakti/chiti shakti)
Sound – Om
Energy Color – Dark Blue/Indigo
Element (tattva) – ether
Endocrine Gland – Pituitary is situated near the base of the skull. It releases hormones influencing body chemistry.
The spiritual energies of the Brow Chakra are reflected in the pituitary’s influence on the body.
Secretion – somatotrophin
Governing Function – growth
Governs – cerebellum, nose, pituitary, Central Nervous System
Connected with – sense of perception
Underactive – not particularly good at thinking for yourself and you may tend to rely on authoritative people. You may be rigid in your thinking, relying on beliefs too much. You might even get confused easily. you may live in a world of fantasy, glaucoma, headaches, neurological problems, sight issues, concentration issues, hearing issues, not in touch with reality,
Overactive – Issues include Issues are – clairvoyance. Hallucinations are possible. Left Eye

SAHASRARA CHAKRA – CROWN CENTER

The Crown Chakra is associated with the central nervous system/Pineal gland. It is the center of enlightenment, dynamic thought, truth, and oneness. This Chakra is about wisdom and realization of one-ness with the world. When this Chakra is open, you are unprejudiced and completely in the present and aware of the world and yourself.

Located – top of the head
Activation Point (kshetram) – energy of consciousness (devatma shakti/chiti shakti)
Sound – primal sound
Energy Color – Purple/Violet
Element (tattva) – space-time

Endocrine Gland – The pineal gland lies deep within the brain and produces melatonin.
This hormone affects the other glands in the endocrine system and mirrors the Crown Chakra’s relationship with the other Chakra’s.
This gland and Chakra hold sway over the entire system.
Secretion – Melatonin
Governing Function – Body rhythm
Governs – governs the top of the spinal cord, brain stem, pain center and nerves
Connected with – Consciousness
Underactive – Not spiritually aware. Rigid in thinking.
Overactive – Intellectualizing too much. Spiritually addicted and probably ignoring bodily needs Exhaustion, Epilepsy, Cerebrum, Pineal Gland, Right Eye

The crown chakra is linked to every other chakra (and therefore every organ in this system), and so it affects not just all those organs, but also our brain and nervous system. It is considered the chakra of enlightenment and represents our connection to our life’s purpose and spirituality. Those with a blocked crown chakra may seem narrow-minded, skeptical, or stubborn. When this chakra is open, it is thought to help keep all the other chakras open and to bring the person bliss and enlightenment.

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The Origins of Yoga

vskyadmin — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 10:42:12 +0000

Yoga is one of the 6 major systems on orthodox (aastika) Vedic philosophy — Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā and Vedanta. The other five major schools are of the non-orthodox or heterodox (naastika) systems — Jain, Buddhist, Ajivika, Ajñana, and Charvaka.

Yogic practices began way back in 2700 BC. But yogic knowledge was collated and organized in the classical work Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in the 3rd or 2nd BCE. The work comprises of concise 196 aphorisms from which originate the vast works and knowledge of Yoga that we have today.

The word Yoga came from the Sanskrit root word yuj meaning to yoke. Yoking is the way to connect and harness 2 animals while ploughing a field. To yoke therefore means to harmonize or to create a union. Yoga is a way to make the yogic practitioner aware of the identity of the self (Atman) and that of the higher self (Brahman). It seeks to realize that the Atman is one with the Brahman. The Brahman coming from the Sanskrit root brh meaning to expand or grow – being the Higher Consciousness or Ultimate Reality that is infinite and unchanging.

In the yogic tradition Shiva is the patron God of Yoga – he is said to be the first Yogi, also known as Adiyogi. He is known to have appeared 15000 years ago in the upper regions of the Himalayas. According to lore no one knew where he came from. People were attracted to his intense ecstatic dance on the mountains. They gathered to watch this amazing phenomenon. Most people waited and scattered away, but 7 of them persisted. These seekers wanted to learn his techniques, but Shiva ignored them. After a long wait of 84 years Shiva decided to teach them – to become a Guru. It was a full moon day – and is celebrated till date as Guru Poornima, when the first Guru was born.

Shiva took the 7 students to Kanti Sarovar (above Kedarnath temple) and began propagating the science of Yoga in a systematic manner. He taught the mechanics of life – not just intellectually but experientially. He brought forth knowledge of yoga which could be used by any human for self-evolution. This transmission of knowledge lasted many years – at the end of this 7 enlightened beings emerged. They are celebrated today as the Sapta Rishis or the 7 enlightened ones.

Shiva sent these 7 rishis to different parts of the world to propagate the knowledge of Yoga. One of them went to the southern peninsula of India. He was Agastya Muni. He was the most effective in bringing the spiritual process into the practical life. It was due to his efforts that yoga found the fullest strength and foothold in India. Sage Agastya crafted the culture of Self-realization to overcome suffering.

The techniques used in yoga involve a combination of postures, breath controls, meditation and contemplation. The early yoga text Goraksha Sataka observes that there are as many as 8,400,000 postures matching with the number of species in the world. Shiva designed one posture for every 1,000,000 species – thus reducing the number to 84 postures.

We begin our Yoga series with the powerful practice of the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskaar. This practice incorporates a series of 12 postures in a sequence combining with a focus on the breath.

The post The Origins of Yoga appeared first on Increedible India.

Surya Namaskaar – Sun Salutation

vskyadmin — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 10:38:42 +0000

How can you describe the taste of mango to someone who has not seen the fruit? The only way to understand the taste of Mango is by eating it. This aphorism encapsulates the many questions you may have about yoga. The only way to be able to understand what yoga is and what yoga has to offer is by doing it.

So, here I introduce yoga to those who are new as also those who want to renew and to advanced practitioners of yoga using the ancient practice of Surya Namaskaar. Sun salutation as it also known comprises of a series of 24 postures (12 on each side) strung together into a flow of postures to bring amazing transformation to the body and mind. The process comprises almost all the facets of the yogic practices including asanas (postures), mudras (hand postures), pranayama (breath techniques), meditation, mantras (sacred sounds).

It is an efficient and effective way to integrate yoga into your lifestyle. It takes 9-12 minutes of practice each day. The benefits of Surya Namaskaar include but are not limited to

revitalizing the body and mind
eradicate disease
weight loss
flexibility
cure lethargy
sleeplessness

When properly and deliberately done Surya Namaskaar stretches, massages, tones up and simulates the muscles, vital organs and other physical parts achieved by alternately flexing the body forward and backwards. The postures enhance prana (life energy). The flow of the postures reflects the rhythms of the universe – 24 hours, 12 zodiac signs. It is this rhythmic superimposition of the form and energy that transforms the lives of those who practice this regularly.

Best Approach the Surya Namaskaar Practice

Become familiar with the postures – individually and as a whole flow.

Movements should be smooth without any jerky movements. Movements should flow into each other.

Do not strain too much while stretching. Be sensitive and mindful of the body.

While flexing the spine and head forward and backward make sure to engage the neck.

Remember to breathe. Try to synchronize the breath with the postures. Your breath naturally complements your posture, so all you must do is to become aware of it. Notice that as you bend backward, you inhale due to expansion of the chest and as you bend forward and downward you exhale due to compression of chest and abdomen.

If you tire easily take more breaths between postures – but continue working towards trying to achieve the optimal breath pattern as described in the process below.

Consider medical conditions that might impact your practice – in case of doubt consult your doctor.

Surya Namaskaar is best done facing the East – direction of rising sun. And is best done in the morning.

The Surya Namaskaar (Sun Salutation) Practice

Stand with feet together or slightly apart – arms by the side relaxed. Close eyes and become aware of the whole body – from the top of the head to the soles of the feet. Become aware of the breath. Open your eyes and begin Surya Namaskaar.

As you do the Surya Namaskaar hold each posture for 1-3 breaths.

Position 1

Pranamasana – Prayer Posture

Bring your feet together. Bring your hands together in the namaste (prayer) position. Exhale
Become aware of the mudra (hand position) feeling the pressure of your folded palms on your chest. This is also the location of the Anahata Chakra (heart center).
As you become aware of the heart center think about an intention for your practice.

Position 2

Hasta-Uttanasana – Raised Arms Posture

Split your hands and raise arms outwards and upwards, stretching them above the head.
Bend backwards and feel the arching of your body. Keep fingers together. Arms parallel to each other. Inhale
Become aware of the Vishuddhi Chakra (neck center).

Position 3

Pada-Hastasana –Hands to Feet Posture

Bring the hands down and forward in a smooth slow movement. Bend forward from the hips/lower back.
Keep knees locked and try to bring your fingers to your toes. Try to bring your head as close to the knees as possible. Exhale
Become aware of Swadhishthana Chakra (base of the spine).

Position 4

Ashwa-Sanchalanasana – Equestrian Posture

Bend knees and place hands on the floor on either side of feet. Extend the right leg back as far as possible.
Drop right knee to the floor. Bend the left knee. Bring pelvis down and forward and look upwards, arching your spine. Hands remain on the floor. Inhale
Become aware of Ajna Chakra (eyebrow center)

Position 5

Parvatanasana – Mountain Posture (also called downward dog)

Move your left foot back and bring it next to the right foot. Raise hips to the sky. Lower your head between arms.
Try to dig heels into the floor to stretch hamstrings. Exhale
Become aware of the Vishuddhi Chakra (neck center).

Position 6

Ashtanga-Namaskara – Salutation with 8 limbs

Bend your knees to the floor. Bring chest to the floor. Keep hips elevated.
Hands, chin, chest, knees, and toes touch the floor. Retain breath in Exhale
Become aware of the Manipurak Chakra (below navel).

Position 7

Bhujangasana – Serpent Posture

Lower your hips and push chest forward and upward. Arms stretched and supporting your body. Elbows locked. Spine fully arched. Head facing and looking up.
Legs and lower abdomen on the floor. Inhale
Become aware of Swadhishthana Chakra (base of the spine).

Position 8

Parvatanasana – Mountain Posture (also called downward dog) (same as Position 5)

Straighten out Arms and legs. Lock elbows and knees. Raise hips to the sky. Lower head between your arms.
Try to dig your heels into the floor. Exhale
Become aware of the Vishuddhi Chakra (neck center).

Position 9

Ashwa-Sanchalanasana – Equestrian Posture (same as Position 4)

Bring left leg forward. Place left foot between your hands. Bend and drop your right knee to the floor. Extend the right leg back as far as possible. Bend the left knee.
Bring pelvis down and forward and look up arching spine. Hands still on the floor. Inhale
Become aware of Ajna Chakra (eyebrow center)

Position 10

Pada-Hastasana – Hands to Feet Posture (same as Position 3)

Bring the right foot forwards and place next to your left foot. Straighten legs and lock your knees. Bend forward from the hips/lower back.
Stretch your hands to touch your toes. Try to bring the head as close to the knees. Exhale
Become aware of Swadhishthana Chakra (base of the spine).

Position 11

Hasta-Uttanasana – Raised Arms Posture (same as Position 2)

Raise up the arms and stretch them above the head. Bend backwards and feel the arching of your body.
Keep fingers together. Arms parallel to each other. Inhale
Become aware of the Vishuddhi Chakra (neck center).

Position 12

Pranamasana – Prayer Posture (same as Position 1)

Bring the hands together in the prayer position. Exhale
Become aware of the Anahata Chakra (heart center).
As you focus on the heart center think about all the things you are grateful for in your life.

This completes half round of Surya Namaskaar. Repeat the routine on the other side starting with taking the left leg back and continuing with the 12 positions.

Wind down with Shavasana (Corpse Posture)

Lie on the back – Feet apart (less than 1 foot apart). Hands by the side and away from the body. Palms facing upwards. Eyes gently closed.

Bring your attention to the whole body beginning from the soles of the feet to the top of the head.

Become aware of your breath.

Remain still for 3-5 minutes.

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