Chakras are the core energy in our subtle body that manages the circulation of prana throughout the body. Chakras run from our spine’s base to our head’s crown and are the energy centers that influence our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Understanding each Chakra’s basics and purpose is essential for balancing and establishing a steady flow of energy. As each of the seven Chakras are interconnected, blockage, or imbalance of one will create dissonance in others. The third eye chakra, also known as the inner eye, is one such vital chakra that determines our mental abilities, attitudes, consciousness, and other psychological behaviors and skills.
This article will discuss the Third Eye chakra in detail and explain its connection with our physical world.
What is Third Eye Chakra?
The sixth chakra of the human body, the third eye chakra, is located between the brows and above the nose’s bridge. Known as “Ajna” in Sanskrit, the third eye chakra connects directly with our brain, pituitary, and pineal glands. Responsible for connecting our mind with the surrounding energies, the chakra helps us to see and understand both the inner and outer worlds. The third eye chakra is also known to be the chakra of intuition and sixth sense. According to ancient eastern philosophies, the third eye is the spiritual center of the human body that can communicate with the rational mind and give intuitive insights.
Part of your connection to wisdom and cognizance, the sixth chakra motivates the human mind to seek knowledge and experience self-reflection. The third eye chakra also allows you to access your inner realization and deeper truths, eliminating the illusions. It acquires wisdom beyond our self-perception and breaks down the stereotypes, helping us see reality.
Here are some of the key characteristics that define the third eye chakra:
- Wisdom- It is the center of learning, insight, and knowledge that helps us open our minds and understand the inner and outer world.
- Self-Realization- The third eye chakra enables us to access our more profound being and experience self-reflection.
- Vision- This sixth chakra connects our mind with the physical world, helps us understand the societal realities, and checks the attitudes within.
- Intuition- The third eye is responsible for perceiving reality and opening up the mind with inner perception and sensibility.
- Creativity- Our third eye chakra enables us to think rationally and logically. It is also responsible for integrating creativity.
Yoga and the Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra connects with human vision, wisdom, intuition, and other psychic abilities. It resides in our subtle level and regulates our perception about the inner and outer world. Apart from a strong association with intuition and wisdom, the third eye is also the source of logic and creativity. It inspires our minds to go beyond all the physical senses and perceive the subtle elements of the surroundings.
When this sixth chakra is imbalanced, you either lose your ability to see and understand an event clearly and make the right decision, or you become excessively rigid with your own perception. As all the seven chakras of your body are interrelated, an imbalance in your third eye chakra affects your whole energy system. A disruption in the flow of energy causes emotional, spiritual, and physical stress.
Yoga and meditation are the two vital tools for balancing our this chakra and managing the optimum energy flow. When this sixth chakra is balanced, the prana or energy flows through every part of the body without any fluctuation. When we practice yoga regularly, the third eye chakra becomes steady, and we become open-minded, intuitive, self-reflective, creative, and logical. With the regular energy flow, our mind and body become relaxed, and we start living a healthy, poised, and joyous life.
Yoga Poses that Enhance the Third Eye Chakra
Yoga plays a crucial role in balancing all the seven chakras, including the third eye chakra. For balancing this sixth chakra, one should focus on inversion poses. The regular practice of these yogas restores the harmonious flow of prana and opens our mind to deeper understandings and wisdom. Here are some of the more popular Yoga practices that heal your third eye chakra.
Child’s Pose or Balasana
The Child’s pose or Balasana is absolutely a great yoga pose to balance your third eye chakra. In this pose, you need to sit in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), touch the hips with your heels, inhale, straighten up your arms, exhale and go down with a straight back. Here, make sure that your palm and forehead rests on the floor or on a block. Once touching the forehead on the floor, you simply cast out the negatives from your chakra system and embrace the ground’s positive energy. Being a semi-inverted pose, it increases the blood flow in the body and helps to balance the third eye chakra.
Dolphin Pose or Makarasana
Another inverted pose that ensures a harmonious flow of energy in your chakra system and balances the third eye chakra entirely is Makarasana or Dolphin Pose. First, come to Downward-Facing Dog. Then, slightly bend your elbows and bring the forearms to the mat. Ensure that your elbows are in line with your shoulders. Just like a downward-facing dog pose, your feet remain hip-width apart. Keeping your shoulder blades firm, lift them away from the ears, and make your neck long. Remain in this pose for 5-7 breaths. The Dolphin pose balances the third eye chakra by reversing the blood flow and increasing circulation to the brain. Apart from balancing the sixth chakra, it is also an excellent exercise for eyesight and hearing issues.
Forward Bend or Uttanasana
As the third eye chakra gets highly stimulated by inversion poses, Forward Bend is a beneficial pose to keep away the blockages and increase energy flow. To start this pose, stand hip with apart and then slowly roll your torso down. Generously bend your knees and let your head hang heavy. Let gravity pull you down. Stay in the position for 5-7 breaths. The pose relaxes your mind and activates your third eye. It also helps to keep your spine healthy and stimulates digestion.
Candle Gazing or Trataka
It is one of the most effective practices to balance the third eye chakra. To practice this pose, sit comfortably and place a candle before you. Place the candle at a distance that allows you to face the flame with a straight head and neck. Taking a deep breath, keep gazing at the flame. If water appears, blink or close your eyes and follow the process again. However, while practicing, ensure you are away from all external noises. Activating the third eye chakra, this practice improves our psychic abilities and enhances our awareness and concentration.
Yoga is an ancient form of healing. Known for bestowing us with a healthy mind and body, Yoga helps to manifest the inner energy and retain mental clarity. When practiced regularly, it introduces us to our true potential and encourages us to lead a healthy, peaceful, and happy life, far away from all doubts and differences.
