How to open and Balance Sahasrar Chakra

In this post, I will write about different ways to open and balance sahasrar chakra.

By tratak

Tratak is ideal meditation technique to stimulate and balance sahasrar chakra and pineal gland. Tratak is practise of gazing at candle flame or flame of ghee lamp. When you gaze at flame, light emitted from flame is taken by eyes and generate energy. The energy that has entered through eyes increases energy in pineal gland and improves its functions, the pineal gland is located deep and back of head, and feeds on light and heat energy. The practice of tratak develops the faculties of greater intuition and that past, present and future all begin to appear with equal clarity.

Practice

-Light a candle or ghee lamp.
-Sit in front of it in upright position on chair or cross legged on floor.
-Keep the flame about 2-16 inches from your face and at eye level.
-Take few deep breathes.
-Focus your eyes on the flame
-Keep your gaze without blinking for as long as you can.
-Gaze gently at the flame but not on candle or lamp itself.
-Let your vision stay with the flame.
-When tears flow, close your eyes and continue to see flame with closed eyes.
-When flame is diminished from your mind’s eye, slowly open your eyes and relax.
Regular and persistent practise of tratak brings greater awareness of visual realm, relaxed mind, enhances brain function, deeper knowledge of self and universe or leading to the path of enlightment.

By asanas

Seated head stand is easy and good posture to activate this chakra.
-Sit on your heels on the floor.
-Bring your hands behind and interlace them.
-Now lift your buttocks off your heels, and roll head forward while lifting your arms up.
-Bring your crown of head, area of sahasrar chakra touching the floor.
-Hold this posture and breathe normally. When you want to release roll back to forehead slowly and come back to sitting on your heels.
-Let your arms come down and sit in cross-legged position and relax.

Sahasrar (crown) chakra

In this post, I will write about sahasrar (crown) chakra.

Introduction

The sahasrar is Sanskrit word meaning ‘thousand fold’. It is the seventh and the last chakra of human energy system. It is the most subtle chakra of energy system. It is also known as crown chakra due to its location on the body.

Location

The sahasrar chakra is located at the crown of head, beneath the fontanelle or a little above it. It is located above brahmrandra, the cave of brahm. The brahmarandra is a hole on the crown of the head, which bursts open when yogi separates himself from physical body at the time of death.

Structure

Sahasrar chakra is solid soft ball of energy rotating anti-clockwise. It has violet or while colour in its clear state. There are thousands of nerves emanating from here. Scientifically examining the transverse section of the human brain, you can see that all these petal like structures of the brain with striking resemblance to thousands of petals of lotus flower. The lotus flower has 960 outer petals and 12 inner petals. There are different opinions about exact number of petals. The number 1000 is not literally meant, instead it implies nature of this chakra. It is quite sufficient to know that innumerable nadis procede from this centre.

The endocrine gland associated with it is pineal gland. The pineal gland is responsible for the production of certain hormones, including melatonin, which regulates sleep and awakening cycle. The body organs associated with it are brain, pineal gland and nervous system. It covers limbic area of brain. It encompasses the crown of the head, where all chakras of the subtle system are integrated. All other chakras emanate from here and have intimate connection with this centre.  Its element is thought. It is related to pure consciousness or supreme consciousness, god. It is sit of parabindu (supreme dot). Seed mantra to activate this chakra is aum or silence.

Working

The sahasrar chakra is the upper most energy centre of our subtle system. When rising kundalini pierces this centre, it awakens all the nerves thus enlightening every nerve centre and the person becomes an enlighted soul. This is the place where feminine energy unites with masculine energy. This is the place where jeevatma and paramatma unites, Individual consciousness unites with universal consciousness and union of shiv and shakti. The shakti is situated at the muladhar and shiva in the sahasrar. The union of shiva and shakti occurs when the stream of energy in the two main nadis, ida and pingla unites and rise through sushumna nadi.

This chakra symbolises the highest state of enlightment and facilitating our spiritual development. Enlightment come in pieces. It happens little by little every day. This chakra is associated with the highest functioning state of mind. All activites of mind such as feelings, emotions and desires are dissolved. The yogi is in the state of sat-chit-ananda, truth-being-bliss, the original or pure state of soul. It is the last milestone.

This chakra is our link to the universal or infinite consciousness, God. It is connection to the source. It acts as a operating system for the rest of the chakras. Here we are tuned to the universal wavelength of the vibration. Your ability to feel vibration will increase. This vibration will help you to make right decisions, to feel conditions of others, to feel nature, to heal oneself and others, solve problems and more. This chakra is said to be the ultimate and the epicenter of the soul. As no other light comes close to the brilliance of the sun, same way the energy and radiance of all other chakras pale in the radiance and energy of this chakra. On this chakra, exists an important power, medhashakti. The medhashakti is a hormone that influences brain function such as memory, concentration and intelligence. Certain yoga practises can activate and strengthen medhashakti.

The element of this chakri is aditattva or ishvartattva. It is a source of creation, the pure light and one reality God. The divinity of this chakra is in the form of pure superconsciousness, the supreme spirit tattva. This element is adi-anadi, meaning without beginning and without end, therefore infinite. The enrgy of this chakra helps us to experience the divine, to open to higher or divine power. The yogi enjoys the supreme bliss, paramananda. One attains the super conscious state and the highest knowledge and unites with supreme power.

This chakra is called the door to pure consciousness or door to liberation. Immortality is achieved within this chakra. Our human awareness is united to the divine. The awakening of this chakra means revelation of divine splendor and attainment of super consciousness. When this chakra is opened and balanced, the brain power of human body is intensifies to great level and has the capacity to remove all the darkness of ignorance from the mind and soul and take the soul with connection to almighty supreme soul God. With this awakened chakra, one is liberated from all the karmas and achieves moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death. The illusion of individual self is dissolved. The person who has this chakra opened and balanced is feeling one with universe, open minded, intelligent, and thoughtful, understand and learn information more easily.

The physical symptoms of this dysfunctional chakra are chronic exhaustion, sensitivity to light and sound, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, nervous system disorders, insomnia, headache etc. Emotional symptoms are sense of fear, major depression. Spiritual symptoms are narrowing of religious beliefs, religious fanatism, excess earthly attachments, feeling like there is no God etc.

Overactive ajna chakra causes over intellectualisation, spiritual addiction, confusion, dissociation from body etc.

Meditation on this chakra brings about some occult powers transforming one into divine being, able to do whatever one desires. Meditation and other yogic techniques provide some opportunities to clear and cleanse the chakra enabling more strands of kundalini energies to rise.

This chakra can be activated and balanced by certain yogic practises such as meditation, concentration, visualization, aum chanting, silence etc. Certain yoga asanas such as head stands are helpful to open this chakra. Meditation is best suited yoga practise to open and balance this chakra. All the various forms of meditation, including concentration and insight practises allow the mind to become more present, clear and insightful.

Ginger roots and its health benefits

Introduction

It is underground rhizome of the ginger plant. Its botanical name is zingiber officinale. Its flesh can be white, brown or red depending upon its variety. It is covered with brownish skin. It resembles light brown knotted root. It has thin grass like dark green leaves and small yellow flowers. It is native of South East Asia. It is grown all over the world but main commercial producers are India, Fiji, Jamaica, and Indonesia. The fresh or dried ginger and its powder is available in market

Chemical composition

It has vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, insoluble and soluble fiber, carbohydrates and more.  It has minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper and magnesium. It contains vitamins B5 and B6, which are good for optimum health. Potassium is important compound of cells and body fluids, and helps control B.P. and heart rate. It contains potent ant-inflammatory compound called gingerols. Its taste is aromatic, pungent and hot.

Health benefits

Gastrointestinal relief

It is very effective in preventing motion sickness, flatulence and reduces all symptoms associated with it, such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and cold sweating. It helps to settle stomach. It has anti-inflammatory, carmonative, antiflatulant, and anti-microbial properties. It gives effective relief from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Its anti-inflammatory action has been shown to be very useful in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy even of severe form. Unlike anti vomiting drugs which can cause birth defects, ginger is completely safe and only a small dose is required.

Arthritis

Its anti-inflammatory compounds called gingeroles is believed to reduce pain levels and inflammation and improves mobility in arthritis problems. Regular consumption of ginger by people with arthritis related problems such as aging knees significantly reduces pain and swelling.

Common cold and flu

It is used as warmer in a cold day by putting into tea or milk. It may help by relieving symptoms of cold and flu. It is used as a tea herb by blending with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg. It plays dual role both as herbal remedy and spice. It makes popular herbal drinks by adding lemon juice and honey to relieve cold coughs and sore throat. It is natural decongestant, as well as anti histamine making it perfect remedy for common cold.

Heart health

It promotes heart health by inhibiting cholesterol production in liver and strengthens heart. It decreases activity of clotting agent PAF which creates clot possibly resulting in heart attack or stroke.

Cancer

The gingerole, main active ingredient of ginger, may inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. Its extract has shown anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effect on ovarian cancer cells. It has very high level of anti-oxidant, higher than many berries making it an excellent defender against cell damage and associated disease caused by free radicals. Anti-oxidant activities thought to explain its possible anti-cancer effects. It has the ability to decrease cancer cell proliferation and suppress mechanism that initiates cancer cell activation, Study shows that it has ability to defeat several types of cancer cells including some most aggressive and difficult to treat lung, ovarian, colon, breast and prostate cancers.

Diabetes

Various studies show that it can prevent and treat diabetes, along with related ability to reduce blood sugar, cholesterol. It reduces incidence of diabetic nephropathy, the kidney damage.

Anti-fungal

It has ability to treat most difficult to treat and drug resistant fungal infection.

Migraine relief

Study shows that it may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Other uses

It has special place in Indian traditional medicines and Chinese medicines for its unique phytochemical which are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. It promotes health sweating. A good sweat may assist detoxification. Studies have found that this sweat contains potential germ fighting agent which may help fighting infection. It is so concentrated with active substances that you don’t have to use much to get its benefits.

It is used in treatment of menstrual cramps as a herbal remedy. As a herbal remedy it has history going back thousand years. In addition to its numerous health benefits, in India, it is liberally used in daily life. It enhances flavour of savory dishes, curries, sweet dishes, cookies and ginger breads, Ginger candy is sold in Asian markets in hard and soft chew form. It makes tasty refreshing cold drink by adding into sugarcane juice with lemon,

Side effects

As it works as blood thinner, if you are on blood thinning medicine or clotting disorder or have gall bladder problem, don’t take medicinal dose of it. Excessive use may cause gastro intestinal upset.

How to open and balance ajna chakra

In this post, I will write about different ways to open and balance ajna chakra.

By meditation

Any form of meditation opens and balances ajna chakra.
-Sit upright on chair or cross-legged on floor.
-Close your eyes.
-Breathe normally.
-Take your consciousness at the place of ajna chakra.
-Continue for 5-6 minutes.
-When you want to release, open your eyes and relax.

By visualising flame

Visualising small candle flame at ajna chakra activates and balances this chakra.

By asanas

The following 2 postures are good to open this chakra.

1. Yoga mudra – 1

• Sit in lotus pose on floor.
  
• Take your arms behind you and interlace them.
  
• Bend forward from your back until your forehead, the area of ajna chakra, resting on floor.
  
• Hold on this posture and continue to breathe normally.
  
• When you want to release, lift your forehead, and release lotus pose, and come into sitting position and relax.

2. Yoga mudra -2

• Sit on your heels, bring your hands behind you and interlace them.
  
• Squeeze your shoulder blades and open your chest.
  
• Bend from your hips forward until your forehead, the area of ajna chakra, is resting on floor.
  
• Hold this posture and breathe normally.
  
• When you want to release come back to sitting position, release the pose and relax.

Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

In this post, I will write about Ajna chakra (third eye chakra) of the human energy system.

Introduction

The ‘ajna’ or ‘agnya’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘command’ or ‘summoning’. So ‘ajna chakra’ means ‘command centre’ or ‘perception centre’. It is the sixth primary chakra of human energy system. It is also known as third eye chakra or brow chakra due to its location in the body. It is also called trikurti, divine eye, divya chaksu or the eye of wisdom.

Location

It is positioned in brain, directly behind and a little above eye brow centre. Superficial activation point is the eye brow region in the position of third eye called bhrumadhya. It is at the sixth junction of the ida, pingla and sushumna crossing. It is at the end of the central channel, sushumna. The side channels, ida and pingla, then continue onwards towards the two nostrils and end there. It is located between and just above the two physical eyes.

Structure

It is a solid soft ball of energy of indigo blue colour in its clear state and rotating clockwise. It appears like 96 petal lotus flower. The seed mantra to activate this chakra is sound ‘aum’ pronounced  ‘om’, the supreme sound. The element associated with it is mind, soul, spirit, and subconciousness or by whatever name you call it. Endocrine gland connected with it is the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is considered the master gland of all endocrine glands. It is involved with regulations of endocrine system and hormone regulation system of the body. Physical body organs associated with it are brain, eyes, ears, nose and neurological system. Corresponding nerve plexus in physical body is cavernous plexus.

Working

Ajna chakra is centre of wisdom and knowledge. It is the centre of visualization and imagination, thinking and thoughts. It is the doorway through which one enters psychic or astral dimensions. It is the level at which mind to mind communication takes place. Through the power of this chakra you can receive guidance, command and tune into your higher self. It is being centre of mind. It represents higher level of awareness. This centre enables you to experience telepathy, astral travel, remote viewing and past lives.  Our two eyes sees physical world, but this third spiritual eye sees beyond that. At this chakra, there is third psychic knot called rudra granthi. This knot symbolizes attachment with psychic power or sidhis. This knot must be dissolved for rising kundalini energy to continue toward sahashrara chakra.

Here, individual ego merges with the cosmic ego. Here awareness expands to realise that nothing is separate, we are truly one. Here we have moved from the physical elements to the realms of light.

The consistent focus at the physical location of this energetic centre is extremely powerful. This is an important focal point for practising meditation, concentration and visualization. If the vision of light at this chakra is well developed, we can visualize rising of pran and its movement throughout the body. It is responsible for sixth sense. It is the centre for creative visualization and astral travel. Here, your intuitive power develops to its full potential. You get help to find your personal path through the jungle of human life.

Through this ajna chakra, we can master our mind. When we are disconnected from this chakra, we feel confused and depressed and our mind feels out of control. The impulses which emanate from ajna chakra activate and stimulate the brain.  It raises vibrations and it is the point where the individual mind meets spiritual consciousness. Here we can have clear perception of reality, so we can fully understand our purpose of life. It is our connection to the wisdom the universe has to offer.

When this chakra is opened and balanced, it opens doors to the subconsciousness. Negativity can be eliminated and positive higher elements are attained. A person with open ajna chakra has greater awareness of auras, chakras and can connect with super conscious guidance easier than others. Because of his abilities to visualize, enables him to foresight intuition and clairvoyance. By this opened chakra, one sees energy patterns and it is not limited by distance or time. By focusing on this chakra, you can see things happening on the other side of the world. Visual images are received though this opened chakra. When it is opened and balanced, you are wise and alert as a watchful owl. You receive guidance from super consciousness. The ida and pingla are time bound up to fifth chakra, so a person is also time bound. But as ida and pingla end here, he moves to the subconscious. He is now in the non dual consciousness.

Where all other lower chakras are associated with physical elements, this chakra attunes with mind energies, so its effect is more subtle and influences our state of consciousness and level of consciousness. It is recommended in ancient scriptures of yogas such as Hathyoga Pradipika that we should first work with ajna chakra so that we have the wisdom and control to be able to deal with experiences which may arise from the arousal of other lower chakras.

When this chakra is closed, he has problem with visualization and any type of imagination. When this chakra is underactive, it causes one to be doubtful, forgetful and afraid of success. When this chakra is overactive and excessively abuzz with energy, we experience headache, nightmares, hallucination, difficulty in concentrating and impatience. Physical symptoms of dysfunctional ajna chakra are brain tumor, strokes, blindness, deafness etc. Mental and emotional symptoms are fear of truth, confusion, panic etc.

This chakra is activated and fed by visualization exercise, prayer, meditation and listening to yourself. Different yoga practices said to activate this centre are tratak (steady flame glazing), shambhavi mudra (gazing at space in between eyebrows). Anulom vilom pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) really works to open this chakra. Visualizing yellow flame at the place of ajna chakra is said to be very effective to activate this chakra. This practice establishes communication between individual mind and divine mind. Certain yoga asanas, such as head stand helps to open this chakra.

The meditation upon this chakra, gives some occult powers to quickly enter another’s body at will, to become omniscient. One who meditates on this chakra destroys karmas of all past lives and becomes a liberated soul. Yogi consciously put their pran here at the time of death.

Cinnamon and its health benefits

In this post, I will write about the spice, cinnamon and its health benefits.

Introduction

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several trees. It is harvested by growing the trees for two years, then the inner bark taken out and used. Outer woody portion is discarded.

Cinnamon is cultivated mainly in Shri Lanka, Madagascar and Seychelles. In Chinese medicines and in Indian Ayur Vedic system of medicine, it is long considered as a super power used to treat cold, indigestion and cramps.

It is also believed to improve energy, vitality and blood circulation. It is used both as a spice and medicine, since ancient times. It is used in food preparations. Principally, it is used in cooking as a condiment and flavouring material. It is also used in pickles, sauces as flavour and preservative. It is one of the oldest spices known.

Chemical composition

Cinnamon is high in nutrients. It is a great source of manganese, iron, calcium and fiber. Its flavour is due to the aromatic oil it contains. It has sweet and pungent taste. The pungent taste comes from cinnamon aldehyde.

Health benefits

Diabetes

Several scientific studies carried out shows that it significantly helps with type 2 diabetes by increasing amount of insulin production, and by improving their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing blood sugar. It not only stimulates insulin receptors but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them. Study on people with type 2 diabetes shows that consuming as little as 1gm (1/4 teaspoon) cinnamon powder per day is found to reduce blood sugar. The cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabeteswill reduces risk of problems associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease

Studies have shown that ½ teaspoon full of cinnamon powder can lower triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol, thus improving cardiovascular health.

Arthritis

Half teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon honey, taken every day morning on empty stomach have significant relief of pain after one week and can walk without pain in one month.

Take one part honey, two part lukewarm water and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and make a paste by mixing them. Massage it on the itching part slowly. Pain will recede with 15 minutes.

Yeast infection

It has shown amazing ability to stop drug resistant yeast infection.

Cancer prevention

Study published by researchers shows that it reduced proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Antioxidant

It is more powerful antioxidant compared to other antioxidant spices. It prevents oxidation more effectively than all other spices. 

Hair loss

Make paste of hot olive oil and one tablespoon honey and one teaspoon cinnamon powder. Apply on scalp before bath. Keep it for 15 minutes than wash hair.

Bladder infection

Take two tablespoon cinnamon powder, one teaspoon honey and put them in a glass of lukewarm water. Mix and drink it. It will destroy germs causing the infection of bladder.

Toothache

Make paste of ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder and one teaspoon honey. Apply it on aching tooth. Apply daily three times until the tooth stops aching.

Heart disease

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder. Apply on bread in place of jam. It will reduce cholesterol and will strengthen heart.

Skin infection

Apply honey and cinnamon in equal parts to cure infection of eczima, ringworms and all types of skin infection.

Brain health

By just smelling its wonderful odour of this sweet spice, boosts brain activity and its cognitive function and memory.

Other uses

• It has anti-clotting effect on blood.
  
• It is an excellent source of fiber and good source of calcium and trace mineral manganese to protect colon health and heart health.
  
• Traditionally it is used as warming remedy and provides relief on onset of cold or flu especially when mixed in tea with fresh ginger.
  
• It has been found effective natural remedy for eliminating headache and migraine relief.
  
• When added to food and pickles, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a good food preservative.
  
• It gives an enchanting aroma and flavour when chewed.

Side effects

It has been found toxic in large doses. Large amount of cinnamon may increase liver problems. If you are on diabetes medication, you should pay close attention to blood sugar level. It may fall too low.

How to activate and open vishuddhi (throat) chakra

In this post, I will write about different ways of activating and opening vishuddhi chakra.

1. By yogic exercises

Yogic exercise such as jalandhar bandh [throat lock] and khechari mudra helps to open vishuddhi chakra.

2. By yogic asanas

Yogic asanas such as matsyasana [fish pose] is good to open vishuddhi chakra.

• Lie flat on your back with your legs outstretched and feet together.
  
• Slide your arms under your back, palms facing down and your buttocks resting on your hands, elbows facing down and together as possible.
  
• Push down on your elbows and lift your chest off the floors, head to bend backwards so crown of head lightly touching floor. It will form an arch of your back, chest and neck,
  
• Hold posture as you breathe from opened chest and throat.
  
• When you are ready to release the posture, release slowly, put your arms on your side and relax.

3. By om chanting

Systematically chanting om with low and soft voice is a very good activity to open this chakra. It also raises vibration tone of the whole body and helps to concentrate and calm the mind.

4. By refining exercises

Refining exercise no.6 in the set of refining exercises is very good to activate, open and to balance this chakra.

• Take deep breath through the nose, close the mouth and block both nostril with the finger and thumb.
  
• Press the chin tightly in pit of throat
  
• Put other hand on the head
  
• Now swallow the saliva 5 times in this pose as an act of drinking water.
  
• Release posture and unblock nostril.

This exercise activates all 5 sense organs. It cleans sinuses and cures throat and thyroid problems. It enhances functions of pituitary gland, the master gland, which regulates the release of hormones from other glands. This exercise dissolves the granthi [knot] of pain which forms at vishuddhi chakra. By doing this exercise for long time, slowly we regain the capacity to absorb pain in life and create higher energies from pain for our evolution. Balanced and proper working of this chakra takes care of all overpowering weaknesses.

Vishuddhi chakra

In this post I will write about Vishuddhi chakra, the fifth chakra of human energy system.

Introduction

It is the fifth primary chakra of the human energy system. Vishuddhi is Sanskrit word. This word is derived from ‘shuddhi’, which means to purify, so this is the purification centre, purification of the entire negative and positive sanskars [cellular memories] take place here. ‘Vish’ means impurity, pain or poison. Shuddhi means to purify. This chakra not only purifies the physical body, but also on the level of the psychic and mind and dissolves granthi [knot] of pain. It is also called throat chakra.

Location

It is situated in carotid plexus, directly behind throat pit. It is located at the neck region of the spine. It is at the fifth junction of ida, pingla and sushumna crossing. The superficial activation point is little below adam’s apple in throat pit.

Structure

It is a solid soft ball of energy in bright sky blue colour in its clear state. Sixteen yoga nadi emanating from here looks like 16-petalled lotus flower. It is rotating clockwise. Seed mantra to stimulate this chakra is sound ‘ham’. It is associated with the physical element of ether or space [akash], the most subtle physical element corresponding to what we find in deep space. The ether is the cross over between the physical and spiritual dimension. Above this chakra, all other chakras are belonging to manas tatva. The endocrine gland associated with this chakra is thyroid and parathyroid gland. These produce hormone essential for growth, maturation and control calcium absorption and general metabolism. Body parts associated with it are throat, neck, shoulder, arms and hands. Physical body counterparts are pharyngeal and laryngeal nerve plexi.

Working

This chakra, first and foremost, is associated with communication and creativity. It is linked to our creativity and ability to communicate. Here, rising energy is transformed to energy of communication. When this chakra is opened, you are able to communicate your thoughts, feelings and desires. You are also able to speak for yourself and effectively communicate your needs to others. You fully express yourself without fear of rejection.

This chakra is associated with abundance. Here, you are at state of consciousness called ‘grace’, where it seems that what you want for you is also what God wants for you. It is also associated with listening to one’s intuition. When this chakra is working in balance, you live in particular way, where it seems that the universe supports you in all that you do and desire. It is the first level of consciousness from which one perceives and interacts another level of intelligence functioning.

When this chakra is opened you are able to receive the thought vibrations from other people’s mind. This chakra is a gate through which we are able to take our consciousness to higher level. It is the border between physical and astral levels, between consciousness and super consciousness. It is a place from which consciousness ascends towards higher realms of awareness. It creates conscious connection with the higher wisdom of the universe. It is our centre for harmony and teaches us how to resonate within ourselves and universe.

This chakra is our spiritual voice. It allows our creative ideas to manifest in our lives. Someone looking at the world through this chakra sees the manifestation of their goals. It helps to convey the truth from your heart and ideas from your mind.

The awakened and balanced Vishuddhi chakra unleashes an unlimited feeling of happiness and freedom which allows our wisdom, abilities and skills to blossom. All jealousies and envy are removed. Tendency to dominate others and to be dominated by others, the feeling of superiority and inferiority removed. It gives us connection with the whole universe enabling us to feel our oneness and part and parcel of the whole.

This chakra is centre for physical, emotional and spiritual purification. With help of this chakra, we can get rid ourselves of toxic substances we absorb from environment as well as mental impurities. We can purify and detoxify our body from harmful substances accumulated in the body from food we eat and drink and air we breathe. At mental level, thoughts, emotions, consciousness and sub consciousness is purified, harmonized and balanced by this chakra. Here, we can quieten our thoughts emotions and bring them into harmony. This way we protect ourselves from harmful actions and prevent others injuring from our harmful actions. We discover great self-respect and greater respect for others. At this chakra, we begin to articulate our emotions and desires and learn to control them.

The divine fluid known as ‘amrut’ or ‘nectar of mortality’ is produced in bindu chakra. There is another centre called lalana chakra is situated between bindu and Vishuddhi chakra and it is closely related to Vishuddhi chakra. When nectar is produced, it flows down and stored in lalana chakra. This divine fluid has dual nature. It can act as both nectar and poison. Up to lalana, it is undifferentiated, neither poison nor nectar. As long as Vishuddhi chakra is inactive, when that fluid flows down from lalana, it is consumed by the fire of Manipur chakra, resulting in process of decay, degeneration and finally death of body tissues. When this chakra is awakened and that fluid pass through here, nectar and poison gets separated. Poison is discarded and nectar is retained. Not only internal poisons are nullified, but external poisons are also neutralized and rendered ineffective. This is the power of this chakra.

The nerve called kurma nadi [tortoise nadi] is associated with this chakra. When this chakra is opened, this nadi starts functioning; you will be able to control your desire of food and drink. Process of rejuvenation starts, which balances ongoing aging process. He gains complete knowledge of scriptures and knowledge of past, present and future [trikal gnan]. Negative experiences are transformed into wisdom and learning. Mystical power of levitation is gained. One can gain the ability to shrink to the size of atom or the power to increase in size according to his desire.

 By meditating on this chakra, one gets full knowledge of the four Vedas, gain power such as freedom from disease and old age, destruction of danger and ability to move in three worlds.

When this chakra is underactive, one tends not to speak much and shy. When it is overactive, one tends to speak too much and keep people at distance. When it is active and in balance, you have no problem expressing yourself. Even you can do it as an artist. It is the connecting point between the head and body. It is not only entrance point of food and drinks, but also the point where speech is formed and exits the body.

Dysfunctional Vishuddhi chakra causes physical problems such as asthma, ear infection, hearing problems, tinnitus, throat, teeth and gum problem and thyroid problem. At emotional level, it can cause mental confusion, mental eruptions, inability to say yes or no.

This chakra can be activated and balanced by certain yogic exercises such as jalandharbandha and khechari mudra and asanas such as matsyasana.

Aloe Vera and its medicinal uses

In this post, I will write about aloe vera and its medicinal uses.

Introduction

Aloe vera is a succulent plant related to cactus. It is stemless or a very short-stemed plant. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, green or grey green and have small teeth. Their fleshy leaves store water and are succulent. This juicy plant survives in areas of low rainfall. It flowers in summer. For medicinal use it produces two substances: gel and latex.

History

Aloe vera probably originated in northern Africa. It is found in morocco, Mauritania, Egypt. It is frequently cited being used in herbal medicine since beginning of first century. In Egypt it was presented as burial gift to deceased pharaohs. It is found being mentioned in rig Vedas, ancient scripture of India, as ghrita kumari. It is widely grown as ornamental plant in home gardens. Large scale plantation is undertaken in India, China, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Cuba.

Chemical composition

It has water, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 phyto nutrients. It contains proteins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, germanium, and vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B12, C and E. It also contains folic acid, niacin, essential fatty acids and enzymes. It contains 99% water. The remaining 1% water is extremely powerful because about 100 ingredients work extremely well to treat health problems. It is the only known natural vegetarian source of vitamin B12.

Medicinal uses

Aloe vera is the most impressive medicinal herb given by nature. It is used in Indian system of ayurvedic medicine as multipurpose skin treatment.

Burns

It is excellent treatment for burns. Burns can be healed remarkably quickly and pain reduced very quickly by applying topically to the burn area. For minor burns, even scars are not left if the burn is treated with aloe vera.

Skin problems

It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish moisture. Skin disease such as acne, eczema, skin irritation respond well to natural antiseptic of aloe. Its topical application may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. It is widely used in making cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, soaps and herbal toothpaste. It can be used as shaving gel and aftershave to prevent razor burns. It enhances skin health. Its gel can be used for dandruff as well as lice. Aloe bitter gum/sap used in cosmetics helps to fight severe pimples, black spots, acne, stretch marks, fungal and bacterial infection.

Wrinkle repair

Vitamin C and E, present in aloe vera helps to improve skin’s firmness and keep it hydrated. Its gel penetrate 4 times faster than water and helps to moisturize the under layer of skin. Combining with coconut oil can make good skin cream with supplements nutrients, essential; fats and moisture.

Digestive system

Its ability to encourage release of pepsin helps to improve digestion. Its juice seems to soothe digestive tract, irritations such as colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Its juice is commonly used internally to relieve digestive discomfort.

Laxative

It helps to relieve constipation. There is strong scientific evidence in support of laxative properties of its latex. Dried latex is made from the inner lining of the leaf. It contains aloin which is generally used as laxative.

Cardiovascular system

Aloe vera reduces triglycerides and lowers cholesterol. It reduces high B.P. by treating its cause. Vitamin C present in aloe vera helps to maintain tone of blood vessels and promotes good circulation.

Immune system

It seems to be excellent at regulating immune system. It can stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune system. Vitamin benefits of aloe vera juice helps building the body’s defense system naturally against stress and disease.

Cancer

It seems to halt growth of cancer and to heal pre-cancerous lesions or growth. Its gel is a miracle cure for early stage colon cancer when combined with raw vegetable and fruit juice.

Detox

Its use said to be one of the finest body cleanser. It cleans morbid matter from stomach, liver, kidney, spleen, bladder and colon.

Other uses

• It stabilizes blood sugar in diabetes.
  
• It is used externally or internally to relieve joint and muscle pain.
  
• It cures teeth and gum disease.

Many nutrients available in aloe vera promote growth process and healthy functioning of all body’s system. Diluted leaf sap drank as a cure for malaria, headache, and chest pain and as a appetizer. Various scientific research studies are underway to study its potential to combat the HIV virus and to treat certain types of cancer particularly leukemia.

There is no single ingredient that makes it very potential and healthful, but several different compound group of nutrients work together to make it effective. Study report prepared by scientist of Banaras Hindu University of India says that aloe vera can be used to lower blood glucose and blood lipid level in diabetes and cardiac patients.

Side effects

• Avoid taking aloe for prolonged period as a laxative due to risk of dehydration and electrolyte balance.
  
• Use of topical aloe is not associated with significant side effects.
  
• Abdominal cramp and diarrhea is reported with prolonged use or high doses.
  
• Oral intake of aloe may also lower blood sugar level, take care if you are on prescription medicine for diabetes.

How to Open and Balance Anahata Chakra

In this post, I will write about different methods to open and balance anahata chakra.

By meditation

• Sit on floor cross legged or on chair with back straight.
  
• Close your eyes and take your awareness at the location of anahata chakra in the body.
  
• Imagine solid soft ball of energy of bright green colour in its clear state rotating clockwise.
  
• Mentally chant the sound ‘yam’.
  
• Continue for a few minutes.
  
• When you feel complete, open your eyes and relax.

By pranayama

Different types of pranayamas such as alternate nostril breathing [anulom velom] and breath of fire.

By asanas

A yoga pose that is excellent to open anahata chakra is ushtrasana, the camel pose.

• Kneel with your hips resting on your heels.
  
• Rise up on to your knees.
  
• Take your arms back and put on heels.
  
• Lift your chest up and lift your chin and allow your neck to follow the curve of your spine.
  
• Breathe normally.
  
• Feel your chest expanding and feel the opening of your heart chakra.
  
• When you are ready to release your posture, do it gently.
  
• Sit cross-legged and relax.

By refining exercises

Refining exercise no.1 in the set of refining exercise is very useful to open anahata chakra. This exercise clears knots creates by emotions in chest area and opens anahata chakra.

This exercise is also useful to clear coronary artery blockages of heart.  It cures high B.P., palpitation ad helps the heart to beat in natural rhythm. It also helps to cure lung disease such as asthma. It also activates thymus gland.

By activating thymus gland

Thymus gland was named from the Greek word ‘thymus’ which literally means life energy. Thymus gland monitors and regulates the body’s energy flow and immune system. It links body and mind.

Most important part of any healing process is keeping your life energy high. Without this, any treatment or medication will be worthless. The true wonder drug is life force energy or power and vitality that are within us, our will to be well. Thymus gland is central to our will to be well.

To activate thymus gland for speedy burst of energy, first you have to locate your thymus in the body. It is right in the centre of your chest.

Tap your thymus with your finger tips for 20 seconds gently while slowly and deeply inhaling and exhaling. Repeat the affirmation ‘my life energy is high. I am full of love’ while tapping.

This simple technique will reduce your stress, elevate your mood and increase your happiness. It will boost your body’s immunity and disease resistance. It will increase strength and vitality.

Anahata Chakra

In this post, I will write about anahata chakra of human energy system.

Introduction

It is a fourth primary chakra of human energy system. Anahata is a Sanskrit word. It literally means unhurt, unbeaten or unstruck. Anahata nad refers to Vedic concept of unstruck sound, the sound of celestial realm. It is also called heart chakra.

Location

It is located in the heart region, along spine, at the fourth junction of ida, pingla and sushumna nadi crossing. Superficial activation point is between two breasts at the heart area.

Structure

It is a solid ball of energy in green colour in its clear state. 12 subtle nadis emanating from here which looks like 12-petalled lotus flower. Its secondary colour is pink. It is rotating clockwise. Seed mantra to activate this chakra is ‘yam’. It is associated with the physical element of air, more subtle and more powerful than the previous three elements. Endocrine gland associated with it is thymus gland. Body organs connected with this chakra are heart, lungs and chest. It corresponds to the cardiac plexus in physical body. It is at the centre of the chakra system. It is a balance point integrating world of matter (3 lower chakras) and word of spirit (3 upper chakras). Body functions associated with it are respiration and circulation.

Working

Anahata chakra pumps and circulates pran [life force energy] in nadis [pran circulating channels] in astral body. As heart is a very important organ in physical body, anahata chakra is also an important part of human energy system of astral body.

This chakra is the seat of anahata nad, the primal sound of shabda bhrahama [Brahama manifesting as sound] is heard here. The anahata nad is the most subtle cosmic sound which is experienced only in highest state of meditation. This sound is not caused by striking the objects together or by external friction. It can’t be heard by the ear, by the mind or even by the psychic. It is transcendental sound which can only be perceived by pure consciousness.

In the 3 lower chakras, a person is bound by the law of karma and fate he has in store for him, but in anahata chakra, a person has the ability to make decisions following his heart, based upon one’s higher self and not on material desire of lower nature and not from unfulfilled emotions. Here, a person has the ability to make decisions outside of redeem of karma.

It is considered the seat of jivatma, i.e. the soul. It is our inner temple where divine atma resides. To show something belonging to him, he points at the centre of chest, the site of anahata chakra. This shows clearly that one’s atma is at heart centre.

It is the centre of divine love. Positive qualities attached to this chakra are love, joy, peace, happiness, kindness, passions, harmony, clarity, forgiveness, self-control etc. It is a humanitarian centre. When it is opened you are likely to become involved in social causes. In Chinese system of energy healing, this centre believed to transform qi energy to spirit energy. It anchors the life force energy from higher self, energizes blood and physical body with the life force energy.

The second physic knot, the Vishnu granthi, which represents the bondage of emotional attachment, is located here. When this knot is opened, one becomes free from all selfishness and emotional instability and enters a state of divine unconditional love.

This chakra deals with the emotion of love, courage and compassion. When this chakra is opened and is working in balance, you are able to radiate love for yourself and others and express love unconditionally rather than depending upon others to love you. Your senses are completely under control. When this chakra is opened, our love becomes divine and infinite. The most powerful way to open and balance anahata chakra is to love yourself and others. Love is the greatest healing energy. Opened and balanced heart chakra can have natural healing effects on others. Power arising from this chakra is sankalpa shakti (ability to fulfill desires). At this level, you integrate your physical being with your spiritual self.

Physical symptoms of dysfunctional anahata chakra as breast cancer, circulation problem, heart and lung disease, high BP, sleep disorders, breathing problems etc.

Emotional symptoms of dysfunctional anahata chakra are tired of life, intense sadness, grief, hopelessness, despair etc.

Anahata chakra can be activated by certain yoga asanas and pranayams. Pranayams of all forms helps to activate and balance this chakra. Meditation on this chakra brings about some occult powers. He has full control over the element of air. He can enter the body of another at will and fly in air. He gets cosmic love and divine qualities.

How to Reverse and Cure Cardiovascular Disease Naturally

Here, I will write about cardiovascular disease, which I had, and how I managed to reverse and cure it.

Cardiovascular diseases

Introduction

Any disease that affects cardiovascular system is cardiovascular disease. It involves heart and blood vessels such as arteries, veins and capillaries. There are many types of cardiovascular diseases, but here I will discuss about coronary heart disease.

It is the biggest cause of death and the most common disease to affect normal life worldwide. In developing countries it is increasing at an alarming rate. Mortality rate has declined in rich countries but death has increased in low income countries.

Causes of this disease are said to be sedentary life style, excessive use of fats in foods, high B.P., diabetes, smoking or use of alcohol, high level of cholesterol and excessive use of chemicals In growing of foods, heredity etc.

Certain risk factors, such as age, gender, family history are unchangeable, but certain factors such as lifestyle change, physical activity, smoking and excessive use of alcohol can be modified in a positive way. Those who have family history should modify their lifestyle and take early precautions such as healthy eating, exercise, avoidance of smoking and drinking and controlling stress.

What happens in coronary heart disease

When waxy substance in blood serum called cholesterol gets deposited on walls of arteries, it forms hard substance called plaque. This process is called atherosclerosis. Over time it causes narrowing or hardening of arteries causing decreased flow of blood. When it affects heart arteries, the condition is called coronary heart disease [CHD] and puts a person at the risk of heart attack. When it affects brain vessels, it is called cerebral vascular disease and puts a person at risk of stroke. It may affect blood flow to other vital organs such as kidneys or intestines.

When you are at rest, coronary heart disease does not give you much problem, but when you are under physical or mental stress or under fight or flight situation heart needs to work more and require more blood supply to its muscles. Here, real problem comes. At that time you feel discomfort or chest pain called angina in various degree depending on the degree of narrowing or blockages of coronary arteries. If the blockage is more, you may get heart attack.

What is cholesterol

Cholesterol is an organic chemical substance, classified as waxy steroid fat. It resembles the very fine scraping of a whitish yellow candle. It is produced in liver. Enzyme called HMG-COA reductase plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. The liver produces it by biosynthesis at regulated rate. It is also found in certain foods.

Cholesterol is a necessary substance in body for efficient functioning of every cells and the whole body system. There are three main functions of cholesterol in the body:

1. It is an essential structural component of outer coating of cells called cell membrane.
   
2. It makes up bile acids that work to digest fat in intestines.
   
3. It allows body to make vitamin D and hormones like estrogen in women and testosterone in male.

The liver produces about 100mg of it in a day. Others we get from the food we eat.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid. Lipids are fats that are found throughout the body. Lipids are oil-based and blood is water-based. They don’t mix. So cholesterol cannot travel alone through the blood stream. It has to combine with other protein. This protein acts like a carrier picking cholesterol and transporting it to the different parts of the body. When this happens, that substance is called lipoproteins (Lipids + proteins). There are two most important lipoproteins in the body:

1. LDL – Low Density L:ipoprotein
   
2. HDL – High Density Lipoprotein
   

1. LDL

If there is more lipid and less protein in lipoprotein, it is less dense. So it s called low density lipoprotein. LDL has tendency to build up on the walls of arteries and promotes atherosclerosis and increases chances of heart diseases. That’s why it is called bad cholesterol. Lower the number in blood serum, lower the risk. It should be 100-129mg/dl.

2. HDL

In this type of lipoprotein, lipid is less and protein is more, so it is more dense. It is called high density lipoprotein. It has very opposite effect on body than LDL. It protects against heart diseases by talking away LDL – bad cholesterol from the blood stream keeping it from building up on arteries, so it is called good cholesterol. Higher the number, lower the risk. It should be 55mg/dl or above.

Triglyceride

This is another fatty substance in blood serum measured during lipid profile. They are fats from certain foods we eat. It should be less than 150mg/dl.
Total cholesterol It is the measure of HDL, LDL and other lipid components. In lipid profile test, it should be less than 200mg/dl.

Process of atherosclerosis starts at early age and keeps going on. If you have family history of coronary heart problems than you should start taking early precautions.

In a treadmill test, echocardiogram and lipid profile test, if you are positive for CHD, following measures may help to delay or reverse the cardio heart disease:

Diet control Foods like eggs, meats, bitter, ghee, cheese, ice cream are loaded with cholesterol. You can avoid them or take in control. Vegetables, fruits and grains contain none. Those, you can take as much as you like.

Exercises

Certain aerobic exercises may help in CHD. Brisk walk is a good exercise. You should walk 30-40 minutes daily. Certain yoga poses and pranayams may help in controlling CHD. You can find more information from relevant source.

Medication

You should take medicines regularly as advised by physicians without fail. After doing some exercises, even if you feel better, don’t stop or reduce dose without consulting the doctor.

How I managed to reverse and cure CHD

Being aware of our family history of cardiovascular disease, I started taking precautions at age of about 45 years of age. I stopped using ghee and butter, and eating oil-fried food in controlled amount. I am non-smoker and have never used alcohol. I am a pure vegetarian. Being a mechanical engineer by profession, I have an active lifestyle. I do daily walk of about 30-40 minutes.

Despite taking all the above precautions, I started feeling discomfort in 2008 at the age of 59 years while doing normal duties. I went for medical checkup. Treadmill test report and lipid profile report was positive for CHD. The doctors advised me to go for further checkup and angiography.

Due to fear of bypass surgery, instead of going for angiography, I went for EECP (Enhanced External Counter Pulsation) which was offered in a special heart hospital. There, in noninvasive testing called cartography, they found I had my three coronary arteries blocked in various degrees. Then the doctor advised me, either to take EECP treatment or go for bypass surgery. I opted for EECP. It is a noninvasive computerized treatment of 35 days, daily one hour, outpatient. They claimed to open collateral arteries of heart muscles by this treatment, so heart muscles get enough blood in area which was lacking blood due to blocked arteries. Daily, I was going for treatment and days were passing without any signs of improvement. At the end of 35 days, I did not feel any improvement of the symptoms.
While thinking and praying to God on what to do next, one day suddenly I saw some news item in a newspaper that there is a yoga workshop where they teach some exercises, claimed to reverse CHD and clear blocked arteries. I went there and learned the exercises. I bought some DVDs and books about the exercises.

In June 2008, I started doing these exercises regularly as explained. After doing them for about 4-5 months, I started feeling better while walking and doing normal duties. After 7-8 months, I felt a definite and sure improvement while climbing stairs and fast walking. After doing them for about 2 years, I went back for medical checkup. Treadmill test and echocardiogram was negative for CHD. Lipid profile parameters came in normal range. The doctor told me that I don’t have any heart problem. I am still doing these exercises and living a happy, healthy life.

In the next post, I will write about how the set of exercises work.

How to Open and Balance Manipur Chakra

In this post I will write about different ways to open and balance Manipur chakra.

By meditation

• Sit on floor cross legged or on chair with straight back.
  
• Close your eyes and take your consciousness at the location of Manipur chakra in the body.
  
• Imagine solid soft ball of energy of bright yellow colour in its clear state rotating anticlockwise. Mentally chant the sound ‘Ram’
  
• Continue for a few minutes.
  
• When you fill complete, open your eyes and relax.

By yogic exercises

The following two exercises are helpful to open Manipur chakra.

1. Udiyanbandh

• Sit on floor cross legged.
  
• Inhale a little and then exhale completely, then pull your whole abdomen inward.
  
• Hold for a few seconds.
  
• Then release and relax.

2. Agnisarkriya

• Sit on floor cross-legged.
  
• Inhale a little and exhale completely, then move your abdomen muscles in and out for a few times while holding breathe out.
  
• Release when you feel complete and relax.

This exercise massages and relaxes all organs of that area.

The above two exercises are also beneficial for digestive system.

Don’t do them without consulting a doctor if you have any serious problem in that region.

By refining exercise

Refining exercise no.2, in the set of refining exercises, is very useful to open Manipur chakra. This exercise clears blockages and dissolves knots created by emotions during evolution of life. It calms down and balances Manipur chakra while activating kundali chakra.

This exercise is also useful to control diabetes, constipation and cholesterol. It improves functioning of digestive system, kidney, liver and spleen.

By yoga asana

Dhanurasana (Bow pose)

 

This asana is useful in opening and balancing Manipur chakra.

• Lie down on floor on your abdomen with arms on your sides.
  
• Bend your legs backwards to knees towards buttocks.
  
• Hold legs from ankle by your hand
  
• Lift your chest up and pull your legs and thighs upwards making an arch with body like a bow.
• Hold it for a few seconds.
  
• When you feel complete, release your hands and bring your chests and legs down and relax.

Manipur Chakra (Solar Plexus) Chakra

In this post, I will write about Manipur chakra of human energy system

Introduction

Manipur chakra is the third chakra of the subtle energy system of astral body. It is the last chakra of three lower primary chakras. Manipur is a Sanskrit word. ‘Mani’ means gems or jewels and ‘pur’ means place or city. So Manipur means ‘city of jewels’ or ‘place of gems’.

Location

It is located four finger width above the navel. It is situated at the third crossing of ida, pingla and sushumna nadi along spine. The superficial activation point is located above the navel.

Structure.

It is a solid ball of energy in bright yellow colour in its clear state and rotating anti clockwise. 10 nadis are emanating from this chakra which looks like 10-petalled lotus flower. It is associated with the physical element of fire, more subtle and more powerful than the two previous elements, earth and water. The endocrine glands controlled by it are pancreas and adrenal cortex. It is called belly brain or abdominal brain. It is like a counterpart of a brain. It links to the abdominal brain or sympathetic nervous system of the physical body. Literally, grey mass of matter which looks like brain is seen here in this part of the body right beneath the diaphragm and above the navel.

The seed mantra or sound to activate it is ‘ram’. This sound is developed from vibrations caused by meeting of nadis at this centre. The emotion of fear is the major emotion associated with it. It is purely emotional chakra. Its counterpart in physical body is solar plexus. In Chinese system of energy healing, this area is believed to produce and absorb life force energy from the universe.

Working

Manipur chakra is associated with body organs such as stomach, spleen, liver, pancreas, digestive system and kidneys. It is the seat of digestive fire. It governs digestion and metabolism. It regulates the function of pancreas. The pancreas produces an important enzyme called insulin involved in digestion of starch and sugar, converting them to energy useful to body. The pancreas is like a sponge which absorbs and holds negative emotions in it, especially fear. When it gets filled with emotions, it creates blockages and knots and causes diabetes. Endocrine glands, pancreas and adrenal cortex play a vital role in digestion and how we convert food into energy useful for physical strength and vigour.

As I said earlier, fear is a major negative emotion associated with this chakra. Fear of failure, economic failure, fear of authority, fears of illness, psychic fear, fear that I will not be loved, fear of death etc. More frequent occurrence of fear and holding it for a long time converts normal fear into psychic
fear. We start living in fear. It causes blockages and knots in this system. When awakened kundalini energy rises up, lower psychic level pushes it down and does not allow it to rise above this level. This area is centre of lower psychic nature.

The fire element associated with it creates body heat within the body. It regulates digestive fire and controls energy balance. The food we eats acts as firewood for digestive fire. Good quality food generates good digestive fire to digest food and good health, while bad food generates less energy and poorer health. In food we eat, not only nutrients are important, but also its subtle vibrations. Foods connected with pain, suffering or death of other living beings are of bad vibrations and they create negative effects on our physical health, thoughts and feelings.

The energy of consciousness reaches the third level here. Here, aspirant reaches important stage on the spiritual path. At this centre, we find jewels of clarity, wisdom, self confidence, physical and mental well-being. Energy of creativity starts transforming into energy of love and happiness at this centre. Negative emotions change to positive attributes. The envy and greed, changes to goodwill and moderation. Pride and jealousy change to modesty and generosity. Prejudice change to respect and ignorance changes to clarity and knowledge.

This chakra is the most important energy centre for our physical and emotional well being. It is associated with the functioning of the aura or psychic energy field. It has magnetic like effect to attract life force energy from the universe. It is a power house which stores and distributes life force energy within body and in aura. When this chakra is activated, it channels plenty of energy into aura to give you strong positive shell.

It increases vitality and strengthens willpower. This centre gives you power to initiate and energize plans and ideas. When this chakra is balanced, you can take charge of your mind and use your willpower to direct your mental focus whenever and wherever you desire. You possess power to choose and discriminate. With balanced chakra, we move through life confident and assured of our abilities. We can choose our own beliefs rather than confirming beliefs imposed upon us. It is considered centre of energy of dynamism, willpower, achievement and vitality.

When Manipur chakra is imbalanced, we are either overconfident or under confident. We either have lack of energy or have too much energy.

Heated negative emotions of anger, rage and aggression draws energy from this centre and weakens it. So many diseases such as diabetes, acidity, arthritis, gout, overweight, cholesterol, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea etc are result of malfunctioning or blocked Manipur chakra. Some of the emotional symptoms of malfunctioning of this chakra are fear, anger, bitterness, anxiety, unresolved anger, chronic complaining etc.

When this chakra is opened and balanced, 72 subtle points which are situated in this area also gets activated. The organs of this area, spleen, kidney, liver, digestive system, start working in balance harmony and coordination with each other. When this chakra is cleaned and balanced then other small but important kundali chakra which is located here gets activated and starts rotating clockwise. At this point Manipur chakra becomes relaxed and calm. We come out of lower psychic nature and start behaving like true human beings.

This chakra should be cleaned and refined and all negative cellular memories should be healed and cleared by certain yogic practices. Certain yogic exercises such as udiyanbandh, agnisarkriya, refining exercise no.2 in set of refining exercise helps to open and balance this chakra. Some yoga practitioners in beginning of meditation always first concentrate on Manipur chakra to relax and open it. Then the other two, muladhar and swadhistan will be automatically relaxed and opened. The yoga asanas such as dhanurasana (bow pose) is also good to balance it.

Garlic and its health benefits

In this post, I will write about garlic and its health benefits.

Introduction

Garlic is odoriferous bulb belonging to the lily family of onions, leeks and chives. Garlic bulb is divided into sections called cloves. Each clove has a covering of thin layer which protects them from losing moisture and rotting. It can stay at room temperature for a long time. Its scientific name is Allium Satum.

History

Throughout history, it is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It is one of the oldest plants grown in the world. It has been grown for more than 4000 years. It is native to central Asia. China, India, Spain, USA and South Korea are among the top commercial producers.

Chemical composition

Garlic is packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain good health. Some of this includes manganese, calcium, zinc, potassium, protein etc. It is an excellent source of manganese 15%, Vitamin B6 11%, Vitamin C 9.3%, Vitamin B and B2. Garlic has germanium, an anti-cancer agent, more than any other herb. It is also a good source of selenium. The selenium is an important part of body’s antioxidant system. Apart from all these nutrients, it has active compounds called Allicin and diallyl sulphide. Sulphur is a key element of our health and it is the cause of its pungent odor.

Health benefits

Immune system

Garlic’s most potent health benefit is its ability to enhance the body’s immune system. Its most active compound Allicin is a powerful antibiotic. Allicin inhibits the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. It’s effective against toxic bacteria, viruses and fungus.

Skin disease

It can heal some stubborn skin diseases such as ringworm infection and eczema, not healing by other means. For that crush garlic. Keep it for 10-15 minutes. Apply on affected skin. Let it dry. It will burn but it will cure the skin problem.

Ear infection

It may help to cure ear infection. For that, crush garlic. Put a little cooking oil and heat it at low heat until the garlic paste gets dried. Let it cool and use it as ear drop.

Blood pressure

Allicin is a powerful antioxidant and transmits cellular signals that relax and dilates blood vessels and increase blood flow. Due to this action, it may help to equalize blood pressure whether low or high.

Cardiovascular system

Various studies on garlic to study its medicinal uses confirm that it can reduce cholesterol. Being an antioxidant, it helps scavenge harmful free radicals. It lowers triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol in blood serum, thus prevents arteriosclerosis. It is blood thinner and reduces blood clotting. In this way, it would reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. Vitamin B6 present in garlic prevents heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in blood. The homocysteine is a by-product of protein breakdown which causes inflammation and damages to blood vessels.

Cancer

When garlic is crushed and kept for 10-15 minutes, it triggers enzyme reactions that produce a variety of compounds called allyl polysulphides. Various studies done to study the health benefits of garlic found that when garlic is eaten, human red blood cells emit hydrogen sulphide. Human red blood cells can take sulphur containing molecules called polysulphides and use them to produce hydrogen sulphides. So it appears that garlic has power to boost production of natural supply of hydrogen sulphide in the body which may help to protect the body against various types of cancers including breast, prostate, and colon cancer.

Arthritis

It seems to reduce inflammation and pain in the body making it beneficial for people with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other uses

• It is a good remedy for common cold and flu.
  
• It also regulates blood sugar in diabetes.
  
• Allyl sulphide present in garlic may help improve iron metabolism.

Due to its numerous benefits, sometimes it is called wonder drug.

How to use

The best and most effective way to use garlic as medicine or herb is by crushing it.

• Take 2-3 cloves of garlic.
  
• Remove the covering.
  
• Cut into small pieces and crush it into paste in a stainless steel bowl.
  
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
  
• Add some water and drink it.
  
• Take it half an hour after meal.
  
• Continue to drink more water for some time.

 Side effects

The main social reason people don’t like to use it is because of its bad smell. It makes breathe and sweat smell like garlic. Eating fennel seeds or drinking lemon juice helps to reduce its smell.

Excessive use or large dose may produce problems such as irritation or damage to digestive tract.

If you are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin you should consult a doctor before using it.

How to open or balance swadhistan chakra.

In this post, I will write about different ways to activate or balance swadhistan chakra.

By meditation

-          Sit cross-legged on floor or on chair with spine erect and breathing normally.
-          Take your awareness at the place of swadhistan chakra in the body.
-           Imagine solid ball of energy in bright orange colour and in clear state rotating clockwise.
-          Chant mentally sound ‘vam’ as if you are knocking for it to open.
-          Continue for few minutes.

By Yogic exercises.

Ashvinimudra (contraction of anus)

Sit crossed legged on floor with spine erect or straight.

• Squeeze and contract anus. Hold for a few seconds and relax.
  
• Repeat for a few times while breathing normally

By refining exercise

In the set of refining exercises, exercise no. 3 also helps to open swadhistan chakra together with muladhar chakra when done regularly. When energy of rootedness gets refined and rises up, it gets transformed to energy of creativity. When it reaches swadhistan chakra, it opens up swadhistan chakra.

By yogic asanas.

A good yoga posture that helps to open swadhistan chakra is bhujangasana (the cobra pose)

Lie down on your abdomen; stretch your legs out with toes pointed. Bring your hands near your shoulders and palms faced down and elbows on your sides. Place your forehead on the floor.

Lift your head as if you are watching a wall in front of you. Then allow your upper body to lift up gently without putting pressure on your hands. Now lift up your chest and upper body by pressing the palms down. Lift up more without causing any pain on the back. Your navel may be off the floor, but pelvis remaining on the floor. Expand your chest and take a few breathes.

 Hold it for few seconds. When you feel complete release pressure off your palms and allow yourself to come down on the floor. Put your arms under your head like a pillow and rest your head on one side and relax.

Other benefits of bhujangasanas are:

• It strengthens and tones back muscles.
  
• It may help to relocate slipped discs.
  
• It relieves back pains and helps to keep spine flexible and healthy.
  
• Stretches chest and lungs.
  
• Firms buttocks.

Swadhishtan (sacral) chakra

Introduction

In this post, I will write about swadhistan chakra. Swadhistan chakra is the second chakra in series of the seven chakras of human subtle energy system. Swadhistan is a Sanskrit word. ‘Swa’ means self or own, ‘adhistan’ means abode or place of residence. So it’s called ‘self abode or own place of residence.

Location

Swadhistan chakra is located at the root of the reproductive organ, two fingers width above muladhar chakra. It is located along the spine within sushumna nadi. At the second junction of ida, pingala and sushumna nadis.

Structure

Six yoga nadis emanate from this chakra. So it looks like a six-petalled lotus flower.  It has a bright orange colour in its clear state. It is rotating clockwise. It is connected with the physical element of water, more subtle and more powerful than the element of earth. At this chakra, energy is vibrating at a higher frequency and has more power than energy at root chakra. Its seed mantra or sound to activate it is ‘vam’.

Working

It is associated with reproductive and urinary system. Body organs controlled by this chakra are kidney, bladder, genitals, lower abdomen, and lumbar region of spine. Endocrine glands associated with it are testes and ovaries, producing hormones, testosterone or estrogen, important for sexual behavior or reproduction.

The union of male sperm and female egg produces fertilization, the little most body part called zygote. Zygote is the first master cell. Later it divides into two cells. In astral body, they form muladhar chakra and swadhistan chakra. The spermatozoa and eggs are locations where latent genetic information is stored.

The swadhistan chakra contains unconscious desires, especially sexual desires and unconscious memories of this life and previous lives. It is a place of residence of all human mental impressions or sanskaras. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to raise kundalini energy, the energy of consciousness, above this chakra. Many yogis or practitioners have to face sexual temptations associated with this chakra.

It is associated with creativity and sexuality. The energy of creativity is generated here. It supplies us with energy of creativity of thinking. The energy of creativity fuels our thinking process by breaking down fat particles into brain cells. It connects us with the inner source of inspiration and pure knowledge.

The person with a well-balanced swadhistan chakra has a lot of joy in their life. They are creative, energetic and dynamic in all their activities. They understand needs of others. They continuously learn new techniques through their experiences. Any technique they learn, they transform and improve it,  and put into practise to improve quality of life of oneself and others. As this chakra is associated with water, a person with balanced chakra has inventive and flexible nature. Like water, he or she can adjust under obstacles of life and adapt to any situations.

As this chakra fuels our thinking process, excessive thinking exhaust this centre. Exhaustion of this centre affects functioning of some organs like liver, kidney, pancreas, lower abdomen which are associated with it.

Some of the physical symptoms of malfunctioning of this chakra are bladder and kidney problems, menstrual trouble, impotency etc. The emotional symptoms are nervousness, desire to hide, depression, emotional overflow etc.

Unbalanced swadhistan chakra can be balanced or healed by certain yogic practices such as shakti chaalan mudra (contraction and relaxation of anus and perineum), ashvini mudra (contraction of anus), yogic asanas and pranayamas.

Turmeric and its Medicinal Uses

In this post, I will write about turmeric and its medicinal uses.

Introduction

Turmeric is a perennial plant of ginger family. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. It grows underground like other tubers. India and Pakistan are significant producers of turmeric. It is a major part of Indian ayurvedic system of herbal medicine. It has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in Indian and Chinese system of natural healing.

Chemical composition

It is orange or yellowish in color. It has a mild peppery and bitter taste and mild fragrance. It is a good source of some minerals like manganese 17% and iron 10%. Apart from this it also has Vitamin B6 4.1% and potassium 3% and fibre. But the most potent element in turmeric is yellow or orange pigment called curcumin.

Medicinal benefits

Numerous studies done on turmeric have shown that curcumin is a primary anti-inflammatory agent in it. Its anti-inflammatory effect is comparable with potent drugs with no side effects or toxicity. It is also a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that protect body cells from damage caused by activated oxygen molecules known as free radicals.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In many diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, free radicals are responsible for painful joints and eventual damage to the joints. People having painful joints find relief from pain by using turmeric regularly. As a home remedy, turmeric is used in fine powder form. Small dose of turmeric powder and black pepper taken with water regularly will relieve arthritis pain.

Cancers

Turmeric is useful in prevention and treatment of certain types of cancers. Frequent use of turmeric inhibits growth of new blood vessels in tumors.  It boosts effect of chemotherapy drugs and reduces its side effects. Although studies of effect of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment in humans is in early stage, but it has been found to reduce developments of several forms of cancer in laboratory animals.

Cardiovascular system

The turmeric is useful in maintaining and treatment of cardiovascular system. It lowers LDL [bad) cholesterol while raising HDL [good) cholesterol levels in blood serum. It protects cardiovascular systems and prevents arteriosclerosis and oxidation of cholesterol in the body. When cholesterol oxidizes, it builds up on the walls of arteries. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along damaged walls of blood vessels.

Diabetes

Turmeric being antioxidant helps to reduce insulin resistance in diabetes. Turmeric with other spices like cinnamon and fenugreek seeds may help to moderate blood sugar levels in diabetes. In diabetes take ½ - 1 teaspoon turmeric 3 times a day with water.

Other uses

• Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, regular and daily consumption of it can prevent onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
  
• Turmeric is an effective home remedy for asthma. Add one teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk and drink it. This mixture will relieve symptoms of asthma.
  
• It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial useful in cuts and burns. A pinch of it put on cuts will stop bleeding and speeds up wound healing. For burns, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel and apply it on burnt area.
  
• It heals sore throats, mouth ulcers and inflamed tonsils. It is useful in common cold and coughs. For that, mix turmeric with honey or put in a pinch of turmeric powder in mouth before going to bed.
  
• It may help in treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
  
• It is a liver detoxifier.
  
• It relieves pain and inflammation caused by muscle sprains and swellings. Make paste by mixing turmeric powder with common salt and water and apply it on swollen muscles or joints.
  
• If you feel bloated due to indigestion, take a small dose of turmeric with black pepper with water. It will help to relieve the problem.
  
• Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric, two cloves and 2 leaves of guava and boil in a glass of water. Let it cool down then gargle to provide instant relief from toothache.
  
• It is mixed with yellow gram flour and water to make paste, used as a cosmetic to provide a glow to skin.

Modern science is beginning to recognize amazing healing properties of turmeric in treatment of diseases. Combined with black pepper, turmeric becomes much more potent.

Due to its numerous health benefits and its colour, it is called the golden spice of life.

Side effects

 Despite its various health benefits, it is known to result in liver distress, constipation or stomach related problems if consumed in high doses for prolonged period of time. It should not be used when  you are on blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin, or suffering from gall stones and bile obstruction.

How to Open or Balance Muladhar Chakra

In this post, I will write about different methods of opening muladhar chakra.

By meditation

Sit on floor cross-legged or in lotus pose or on chair with spine straight and erect. Breathe rhythmically. Imagine and visualize solid ball of energy in a clear and bright red color, rotating anticlockwise. Chant ‘lam’ sound mentally as you are knocking to open it. Continue for a few minutes.

By yogic exercise

The contraction of perineum by gold nugget exercise activates muladhar chakra and kundalini. Kegel exercises, although not yogic exercises, help to open and balance muladhar chakra.

By refining exercises

In the set of refining exercises, refining exercise no.3 helps to open muladhar chakra when done regularly. After some time, it slowly clears debris of negative emotions which causes blockages in energy circulation in our astral body. It acts as a vacuum cleaner of sushumna nadi. At muladhar chakra there is energy of rootedness which keeps us rooted with mother earth. When that energy of rootedness gets refined and sushumna gets cleaned, muladhar chakra opens and energy rises up and gets transformed to energy of creativity.

By yoga asanas

The following yoga asanas also help to open muladhar chakra.

1.    Setubandhasan (Bridge pose)
2.    Salabhasan (Locust pose)

Yoga asanas should be done on empty stomach.

1.Setubandhasan

 

Lie down on your back with arms on your side and palms facing downwards. Bend your knees bringing soles of your feet close to the buttocks.

Lift your hips, pubic bone and spine upward by pressing down on the soles of feet, weight shifted to shoulders and chest expanded. Bring the arms under you while holding hands together. Breathe normally. Hold it for a few seconds.

When you want to release your posture, first release your hands and allow the spine to roll down slowly. Then relax

This posture also helps to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and thighs. It alleviates back pain and helps to keep the spine flexible.

2.Salabhasan

 

This posture helps to open muladhar chakra by contracting perineum muscles.

Lie down on your abdomen. Bend arms from the elbow. Put palms of your hand facing down at the waist. Lift both legs up from the back keeping them stretched and straight. Lift your head and chest. Breathe normally. Hold for a few seconds.

When you want to release the posture, bring the hands and leg down and relax. This posture is also good for lower back problems. It helps in reducing lower back pain and sciatica. It also helps to improve the function of the digestive system.

Muladhar (Root) Chakra

In this post, I will write about muladhar chakra, the first of seven chakras of energy system of astral body.

Introduction

Muladhar is a Sanskrit word. ‘Mul’ means ‘root’ and ‘adhara’ means ‘support’. All other chakras are above this and it provides support for our physical existence, so it is called muladhar chakra.

Location

It is situated at the base of spine in the vicinity of the coccygeal plexus. It lies between anus and the reproductive organs, two fingers above anus and two fingers below the reproductive organs. It is at the junction where ida, pingala and sushumna nadis meet. Its superficial activation point is situated on the perineum close to the anus. The great potential spiritual energy, kundalini, is sleeping here waiting to be awakened.

Structure

Four important nadis are emanating here, which appears as the four petals of the lotus flower. Its colour is bright red. It is associated with the element earth, the heaviest of all the five physical elements. It is rotating anti-clockwise. Seed mantra or sound to activate it is ‘lam’. The endocrine gland related to it, is prostate gland and adrenal gland. The body functions associated with it is elimination and sex drive. Body parts related with it are anus, reproductive organs, legs, knees etc.

Working

The muladhar chakra has to work at optimum for energy to start moving upward. When energy moves upwards, you become more and more silent and the mind becomes steady. Silence, calmness and coolness are by products of energy moving upwards. Tension, anger and irritation are signs of energy moving downwards. At this first chakra, there is energy of sex, the lowest form of energy. We live life at minimum.  When that energy is little purified, it becomes energy of love. When energy of love is purified, it becomes spiritual energy. Efficient working of muladhar chakra gives us vitality, vigour, growth, health etc.

 The physical symptoms of malfunctioning of muladhar chakra are obesity, legs and knees problem, prostate cancer, back aches, painful or frequent urination etc. The emotional symptoms are uncertainty about money and future, holding on to old ideas, anger of the past, blaming others, deep grief etc.

The dysfunctional muladhar chakra can be healed by certain yoga practices such as mulabandha, meditation and yoga asanas.

Wheat Grass and its Medicinal Uses

In this post, I will write about wheat grass and its medicinal uses.

Introduction

Wheat grass is a young grass of common wheat plant. For medicinal purposes, it can be grown in home gardens. It may be chewed or can be used as a juice.

Chemical composition

Wheat grass has many nutritional and disease healing properties. It has many minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium etc. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, laetrile - Vitamin B17 etc. Laetrile is important in the treatment of cancer. Beyond that is has carbohydrates, proteins, fats and amino acids. But the most important element is chlorophyll.  The chlorophyll is also available in green vegetables and other grasses; but wheat grass is a better source of chlorophyll. Also chlorophyll available in wheat grass is of better quality and easily digested by the body.

We know that human blood has haemoglobin. In haemoglobin there is one element called haemin. The chemical structure of haemin is very close to that of chlorophyll. In both of them, the number of atoms and its arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms are almost the same. There is a small difference in the chemical structure of chlorophyll and haemin; at the centre of the chlorophyll atom is magnesium while at the centre of haemin atom there is iron. The magnesium is necessary to produce about 30 enzymes in the body. Also both blood and chlorophyll are alkaline in nature and have almost the same pH value of 7.4. So wheat grass juice is easily absorbed and digested by the body.  Due to this fact, Dr. Wigmore called wheat grass as ‘green blood’. Some famous nutritionist calls the wheat grass as nectar on earth.

How to grow wheat grass.

Wheat grass is easy to grow at home. Take seven shallow pots of one feet square and about three inch deep.
Take some good quality soil and mix it with manure or compost.  Put the mixture into all the pots, Take 100gms of wheat grain and soak it into water for 10-12 hours. Put this soaked grains on to a wet cloth and tie it tightly for 10-12 hours. By this time, they will start sprouting.  Then put and spread them into one of the above pots, touching each other. Cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water it slightly. Prepare one pot daily for seven days. Water them carefully and regularly. On the eighth day, when they have reached a height of about 4-5 inch, cut them with scissors or knife as low as possible. Wash them with clean water. Now they are ready to be used. Continue to repeat the above process as long as you need it.

How to use wheat grass

Wheat grass can be used in two ways:

1.By chewing

By chewing slowly, some digestive juices in the saliva gets mixed with it so it becomes easily digestible. Chew slowly and swallow its juice, then throw out the residual fibre. Chewing makes teeth clean, strong and healthy.

2.By drinking as juice

To make the juice, put freshly cut wheat grass into an electric mixer. Put some water and run the electric mixer for some time. Then sieve the juice and drink it. Wheat grass juice should be used fresh. After some time, it starts losing its nutrients. You can start drinking with 20-25ml of it daily and increase the dose slowly to 200-250ml.

Benefits of wheat grass

• It is a very good home remedy for anaemia.
• It can be used for asthma and bronchitis.
• It is a good cure for digestive system problems such as constipation, acidity, ulcerative colitis, diabetes.
• Wheat grass can be used as gargle for mouth ulcers, teeth and gum problems.
• It stimulates metabolism and enzyme system.
• It reduces high B.P. by cleaning and dilating blood vessels.
It is a powerful detoxifier for liver.
• Pilot study done on wheat grass therapy on ulcerative colitis showed that it significantly reduced rectal bleeding and overall disease activity.
• The hair pigmentation is influenced by the quality of blood and functioning of kidneys. It your hairs are gone gray at young age, your blood quality and functioning of kidneys needs to be improved. Wheat grass accomplices this.

Kundalini (Dormant Serpent Power)

In the previous two posts, I explained about nadis and chakras. Now, I am going to continue with the last part of the astral body, Kundalini.

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word. It literally means ‘the coiled up’ or ‘coiling like snake’. Kundalini resides at muladhar (root) chakra, at the base of spine in the triangular shaped sacrum bone.  It is in the form of three and a half coils. Three coils represent three gunas of prakruti (nature): satva, rajas and tamas. The half coil represents vikrutis, the modification of prakruti. It is potential or static force energy in human beings. It lies dormant or sleeping at muladhar chakra. Due to its serpentine form, it is called dormant serpentine power. It is fiery occult power, pristine force. It is spiritual potential Shakti or cosmic power in individual bodies. It is universal energy open to everyone. There is always some degree of kundalini present and active in everyone of us. It is not a material force like electricity or magnetism.

The kundalini, when awakens, can rise from muladhar chakra through the central nadi called sushumna inside the spine and reaches the sahastrar (crown) chakra at the top of the head. The rising kundalini energy though the different chakras leads to opening of the particular chakra as it ascends. The chakras with their petals hangs downwards when kundalini is sleeping at the muladhar chakra. When kundalini gets awakened, they turn upwards towards sahastrar chakra or brahmarandhra. The chakras always face the side of kundalini. As kundalini rises step by step, it opens up layer after layers of mind or consciousness. The rising of kundalini through the different chakras leads to different levels of awakening, producing profound, spiritual or mystical experience, when it reaches at the crown chakra, the masculine energy centre.

The kundalini awakening is a process that works with energy, masculine and feminine. The kundalini is feminine energy or divine Shakti or goddess. When it rises to sahastrar chakra, it unites itself with divine masculine energy or supreme consciousness, lord Shiva or God. By some, awakening of kundalini is as awakening of inner knowledge, self-realisation or spiritual enlightment. You attain divine wisdom. You understand that you are connected with universe and you are part of it. You get filled with joy, energy and vitality. Most commonly reported awakened kundalini experience is the feeling of an electric current running along the spine.

Kundalini can be awakened by certain yoga practices such as mulbandha, uddiyanabandha, jalandharbandha etc. It can be awakened by intense meditation or intense breath control techniques such as pranayama. However one must practise yoga for quite a long time before attempting to arouse it.

You should not attempt to open kundalini if your nadis are not purified enough, or your whole astral body system, or your whole energy system is not strengthened enough to sustain the power of it. If you are not spiritually developed, you should not hurry or quicken to open this fiery power. When it is awakened forcefully, it makes a hissing sound like that of a serpent beaten with a stick. When awakening of this kundalini energy is rushed, it can cause serious problems. It can be dangerous to your mental, psychological or spiritual health. In fact, many experienced yogis warn not to intend or attempt to awaken it hurriedly or forcefully without understanding it fully. It should be a natural, moderate and gradual process while practising yoga. Your intention to awaken kundalini should be to get divine knowledge or divine power to help yourself or to help others to solve problems and to improve quality of life.