Chakra Flow: Bring Balance and Inner peace with Surya Namaskar

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Sun Salutation - one of the most popular yoga sequences that have been practiced for centuries. Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar is a complete workout on its own that benefits every part of our body.

​It consists of a series of 12 different yoga poses that are performed in a particular sequence. Each of the 12 poses in the Sun Salutation sequence has its own significance. These poses are associated with various chakras in the body, which are responsible for different aspects of our life.

Now, you might be wondering - what exactly are these energy centres and why are they so important? Well, the answer lies in the concept of the quantum field - the all-pervading energy that underlies all of creation. Our bodies are not just made up of physical matter, but also of energy. In fact, everything in the universe is made up of energy - from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. Modern science has made great strides in understanding the working of the universe, and one of the most fundamental concepts it has uncovered is that is that everything around us is made up of energy. However, this is not a new idea. 

In the ancient wisdom of yoga, and  texts in Hinduism and Buddhism, which are thousand years old, also describe a system of chakras that exist within the human body. They are refer to the seven main energy centres in the body that are aligned along the spine. This spinning wheel of energy are believed to correspond to different aspects of physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. These chakras are believed to be connected to a cosmic energy system, and By harmonising and balancing the chakras  , they believe they can achieve a higher level of consciousness and spiritual growth as well as  by unlocking out their true potential and experience a profound sense of peace. In this blog, I am introducing you into the fascinating world of chakras and how you can balance your chakras by just practicing specific asanas in sun salutation.

Each of our chakras corresponds to a particular frequency of energy, and these frequencies can be measured and observed using various techniques such as Kirlian photography and aura readings. When our chakras are balanced and aligned, the energy flows freely throughout our body, allowing us to experience optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health. However, when one or more of our chakras is blocked or out of balance, it can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.​
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For example, if our root chakra - which is located at the base of our spine and is associated with our sense of safety and security - is blocked, we might experience feelings of anxiety or fear. If our heart chakra - which is associated with love, compassion, and connection - is blocked, we might experience difficulty forming close relationships or feeling a sense of love and belonging in our lives.

There are many practices that can help us to balance and align our chakras. One of the most effective of these is yoga, which involves physical postures that are specifically designed to stimulate and balance the energy centers in the body. Sun salutation specifically corresponds all 7 main energy centres and can be practiced every day. So I encourage you to explore the world of chakras and to discover the transformative power of balancing your energy centers.

Let’s have a look at the Chakras and corresponding poses in the Sun Salutation.

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​Root Chakra (Muladhara): The first pose in the Sun Salutation - Mountain Pose (Tadasana) - is related to the Root Chakra. Root chakra is related to the adrenal glands, digestive system, bones and teeth. The colour of this chakra is red, and located at the base of the spine. 

Root chakra is associated with the earth element and represents our foundation, stability and connection on earth. It helps in increasing stability, grounding, and balance. 

​Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): The second pose in the sequence - Forward Fold (Uttanasana) - is related to the Sacral Chakra. This chakra is located near the lower abdomen. This chakra is related to the reproductive system, urinary system, and kidneys. It is associated with the element of water, the color of this chakra is orange, and the emotion of passionate and intimate connections.
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Related with the sacral chakra the Forward Fold helps in improving flexibility and also enhances the flow of emotions and creativity in the body

​Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): The third pose - Plank Pose (Phalakasana) - is related to the Solar Plexus Chakra, which is located at the stomach region. This area is associated with our personal power, self-esteem, and digestion. The organs associated with this chakra are the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Solar Plexus is related to the element of fire, the color of this chakra is yellow, and the emotion of strength.

The Heart Chakra (Anahata): ​This chakra is the fourth chakra located at the center of the chest. The Fourth and the seventh poses of the Sun Salutation sequence - Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) and Mountain pose (Tadasana) – is associated to love , compasiona and emotional balance as related with heart chakra.
The Heart chakra is also related to the thymus gland, lungs, and circulatory system. It is associated with the element of air, the color of this chakra is green.
 
Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) opens up the chest and helps in stretching the muscles of the torso, thus helps in unlocking any blockages in the heart chakra. At the same time, Mountain pose (Tadasana) helps in bringing the focus towards the heart and instills feelings of gratitude, compassion, and kindness. At the end of the video where I demonstrate sun salutation, the prayer pose, which also engages the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and positive energy.

​Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): The fourth pose - Upward Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) - is related to the Throat Chakra. This chakra is associated with the ether element and plays a vital role in communication, self-expression, and creativity. This chakra is related to the thyroid gland, trachea, and bronchi. The Throat chakra is associated with the element of sound, the color of this chakra is blue, and the emotion of truth and authenticity.

​Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): The fifth pose - Downward Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) - is related to the Third Eye Chakra. This chakra is located in the center of the forehead and is associated with intuition, wisdom, and spiritual insight. The Third Eye is related to the pituitary gland, eyes, and nervous system. It is associated with the element of light, the color indigo, and the emotion of intuition.
 
This chakra is associated with the mind and helps in improving intuition, inner wisdom, and psychic abilities.
 

​Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): The last pose in the sequence - Mountain Pose (Tadasana) - is related to the Crown Chakra. This chakra is associated with pure consciousness and helps in improving spirituality, enlightenment, and higher consciousness. This chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with pure awareness, enlightenment, and spiritual connectedness. The Crown chakra is related to the pineal gland, cerebral cortex, and higher consciousness. It is associated with the element of thought, the color violet, and the emotion of peace and serenity.

Sun Salutation, also known as Surya Namaskar, practice to energize the body, balance our chakras and calm the mind. Here's a basic guide on how to perform Sun Salutation:

1. Start in Mountain Pose: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, your arms at your sides, and your palms facing forward.

2. Inhale and raise your arms overhead, reaching toward the sky.

3. Exhale and fold forward, bringing your hands down to the floor or as far as you can comfortably go.

4. Inhale and lift your head up, bringing your hands to your shins or thighs for Half Forward Bend.

5. Exhale and step back into plank pose, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart.

6. Lower down to Chaturanga, keeping your elbows close to your sides.

7. Inhale and lift up into Upward-Facing Dog, with your hands under your shoulders and your legs straight.

8. Exhale and lift your hips up and back into Downward-Facing Dog, with your hands and feet shoulder-width apart.

9. Inhale and step your right foot forward between your hands, coming into Lunge Pose.

10. Exhale and step your left foot forward to meet your right foot in Forward Fold.

11. Inhale and lift up to Half Forward Bend.

12. Exhale and fold forward again.

13. Inhale and sweep your arms up to come back to Mountain Pose.

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a great way to kickstart your day and get your blood flowing. Join me for the next 30 days as we take on the Surya Namaskar Challenge.

Let's all come together and commit to doing at least one set of 12 Surya Namaskars every morning.

​This challenge is about more than just completing a physical task. It's about developing the discipline and determination to stick to a routine, to push ourselves outside our comfort zones, and to cultivate inner peace and mental clarity.

Wishing you love, light and peace always,

Serap