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The human body has
eight energy centers called chakras which are the fountains of spiritual
energy, invisible to the human eye. The first chakra is located at the
rectum, the base of the spine; the second chakra at the sex organs; the
third in the navel point / solar plexus area; the fourth is at the heart
center; the fifth at the throat center; the sixth at the “third eye” or the
point midway between the eyebrows; the seventh on the top of the head; and
the eighth is your electromagnetic field or aura.
Follow each exercise
with Circular Visualization to the Chakra activated; spiral the energy
around each Chakra to energize the Chakra. Do each exercise 1 – 3 minutes,
unless indicated otherwise. To end each exercise, inhale, hold the breath
and relax, unless indicated otherwise.
- Easy Pose.
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position or with a straight spine in a
chair. Pull the muscles of the rectum, sex organs and navel point (Root
Lock or mul bhanda). Center yourself and stimulate energy with the
Breath of Fire or long deep breathing. (First, Second & Third Chakras).
- Pelvic Rotations.
Ground the waist in circles on the pelvis, coordinating the breath with
the movement. To end, inhale long and deeply. Using the breath and
visualization, bring the energy from below the navel and sex organ down to
the base of the spine and coccyx. Hold, feel the energy. Exhale, relax
the breath and come back to the center. Repeat one or more time. (First,
Second & Third Chakras).
- Spinal Flexes.
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position. Place the hands on the
ankles. Inhale and flex the spine forward, pushing out the chest. Exhale
and flex the spine backward, collapsing the chest. Continue to flex the
spine, emphasizing the lower back. To end, inhale long and deep. Use the
breath and visualization to bring the energy from below the navel and sex
organ up the base of the spine to the sacrum. Hold, feel the energy.
Exhale, relax the breath and come back to the center. Repeat and then
relax. (First, Second & Third Chakras).
- Spinal Flexes.
(Rock Pose) Sitting on the heels, place the palms on top of the thighs.
Inhale, flex the spine forward, and press the shoulders back. Exhale, as
the spine goes backward, the shoulders round and contract forward. Move
the energy to the navel. (Third Chakra).
- Side Twists.
(Washing Machine) Place the hands on the shoulders, fingers in front,
thumbs in back, upper arms parallel to the ground. Inhale, twist from the
waist to the left, leading with the head, exhale, twist right. Move the
energy to the Heart Center. (Fourth Chakra).
- Shoulder Shrugs.
Inhale, press the shoulders up
towards the ears, exhale, let the drop down. Move the energy to the
throat. (Maximum 2 minutes.) (Fifth Chakra).
- Neck Rolls.
Exhale, let the head drop down and chin fall toward the chest. Inhale;
rotate the head to the left and back, exhale, to the right and down. Move
the energy to the base of the skull. (Sixth Chakra).
- Cow Pose.
On the hands and knees, the spine arches down, the head is arched back.
Move the energy to the third eye. Do Breath of Fire. (Sixth Chakra).
- Cat-Cow.
Inhale into Cow Pose. Exhale into Cat Pose. The spine arches up, lower
the head, chin toward the chest. The arms and legs remain stationary.
Move the energy to the center / top of the head. (Seventh Chakra).
- Shakti Pose.
Sitting in Easy Pose, place the hands over the head in Venus Lock (fingers
are interlaced). Do Breath of Fire. Move the energy to the top of the
head and around. Then practice moving the energy out the top of the head
into the cosmos and back. (Seventh Chakra).
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