This post is part of the Chakras Series. We started by covering what the chakras are and what they represent (Read “What Are The 7 Chakras And Why Do They Matter?”).
In this post, we will focus specifically on the Crown Chakra.
- Also known as: “Sahasrara”, which means “thousand-petaled”.
- Location: At the top of the head or slightly above the head. It sits like a crown, radiating upwards, hence its name.
- Color: White or Deep purple/violet.
- What it represents: I UNDERSTAND. Known as the seventh chakra, it represents your ability to be fully connected spiritually.
- Linked to: Inner and outer beauty, your connection to spirituality and pure bliss. It gives us access to higher states of consciousness as we open to what is beyond our personal preoccupations and visions. At a physical level, the crown chakra is primarily associated to the pituitary gland, and secondarily to the pineal and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work in pair to regulate the endocrine system. Because of its location, the crown chakra is closely associated with the brain and the whole nervous system.
- You have a balanced crown chakra when: You feel a state of blissful union with all that is, of spiritual ecstasy, enlightenment. You feel a connection to universal consciousness.
- You have a blocked crown chakra when: You feel disconnected to spirit and are cynical regarding what is sacred. You can also have an overactive crown chakra when you live in your head, being disconnected from your body and earthly matters.
- Healing foods: Eating light meals and hydrating well. Herbal, non-caffeinated teas.
- Healing yoga poses: inversions, breathing exercises and deeply meditative postures. When you are in a pose, breathe deeply and set an intention that helps you feel enlightened. Ideas can be “I am enlightened” or “I am connected”.
“Here are my favorite yoga poses to stimulate the crown chakra”
- Vriksasana. Tree pose is a restorative and a balancing pose, the position of the arms and gaze taps into the energies of the crown chakra. This balancing posture calls for an alignment of the chakras in a string.
- Ardha Pincha Mayurasana. Dolphin pose strengthens the core, arms, and legs, while also nicely opening the shoulders and sending blood to your head and shaking your energy. It is a great inversion pose to stimulate your crown chakra.
- Salamba Sirsasana. Supported headstand inverts the flow of the blood completely towards the head, giving rest to all the organs in the body. If you have not practiced it before, try it against the wall. In Headstand, the crown of your head is on the floor, which means it is grounded and connected to the earth. This pose will restore the flow of energy in your body, as well as create awareness and balance in the crown area.
- Lotus pose is one of the most opted poses for meditation as it neutralizes blood pressure, balances the body and calms the mind. It taps directly into the higher consciousness. If you can’t perform full lotus, go for half lotus pose instead.
- Nadi Shodhan Pranayama. Alternate-nostril breathing helps to bring the mind back to the present moment and is an excellent breathing technique to calm and center the mind. It regulates the breath, increases the psychic abilities of the practitioner, and also balances both the hemispheres of the brain. Sit in an easy pose and start by forming a Nasika Mudra, i.e. First two fingers folded and last two fingers and thumb stretched out. Place the thumb on the right nostril, and inhale from the left nostril, hold your breath for 2-3 seconds. Now close the left nostril with the last two fingers and exhale from the right nostril. Again, inhale from the right, close the right nostril with the thumb and then exhale from the left. Repeat the procedure for 5 to 7 times on each side.
- Savasana. Dead body pose helps in the repair of tissues and cells and in releasing stress. Savasana helps to calm and balance the crown chakra.
The seventh chakra is best balanced through meditation and some energy shaking activities, such as jumping or cardio exercises. I also recommend that you eat clean, avoid processed foods and sugars. Limit your portions to what you need; which is usually less than you think. Practice mindfulness, breathe fresh air and spend time in Nature. Avoid toxic relationships and promote quality time with your loved ones. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of good quality sleep per night.
Happy connecting!
Sonia Ribas
@soniaribascoach
