by Cindy VanDyke
The fourth chakra is known as anahata, and it is located in the area of our hearts. It governs the heart, lungs, arms, and thymus (the gland that oversees our immune system function). This energy system is connected to the element of air, and the emanating colour of the chakra is green.
If this chakra has excess energy, we may have tendencies to be a people pleaser, martyr, or co-dependent. The colour red will help balance this excess energy. If this chakra is deficient, one may lack empathy, be lonely, be critical, act withdrawn, and/or be intolerant. In this case, a little extra green colour in this chakra is necessary.
Breathwork is needed for this chakra. The balance breath, or nadi shodana, along with an attitude of gratitude, and forgiveness for self and others are needed to keep this chakra healthy. Yoga postures that target the chest or shoulder areas can also be helpful. Additionally, backbends, fish and cobra yoga poses may help to increase energy in this chakra, while forward folds can help to decrease energy.
This center also needs a lot of vegetables, and when balanced, allows people to become more accepting of themselves and others.
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