Fourth Chakra

The fourth chakra, known as anhata, lies at the center of our physical being, in the heart.  Our heart chakra serves as the center of our ability to give and receive love for ourselves, others and the world around us.  The heart chakra is harbored near the heart, lungs, chest and arms and is ruled by the breath.

A dysfunctional heart chakra may manifest itself physically in symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart disease and circulatory problems.  An overactive heart chakra might develop into jealousy, codependency, being a martyr, being a pleaser or focusing too much on others.  An underactive heart chakra can bring out loneliness, fear of intimacy, lack of empathy and critical intolerance.  A balanced anhata demonstrates compassion, self-love, contentment and caring.

To bring balance to the fourth chakra one can practice pranayama.  By working with the breath one brings balance to the heart and mind.  A space that allows air to move, whether with windows or ceiling fans creates a more balanced environment for the fourth chakra.  Yoga poses to open the heart chakra include fish pose, cobra and heart chakra pose.