The gland associated with Sahasrara is the pineal gland, responsible for the production of certain hormones including melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms in charge of the wake-sleep cycle. When Sahasrara chakra is in balance, all of the chakras are in balance. Sahasrara is the chakra of enlightenment, or Samadhi.

When Sahasrara is imbalanced we are unable to see through the mind chatter that clouds our perception. We may be consumed with worldy activities and the accumulation of “stuff.” We may experience spiritual skepticism or feel that we are intellectually or spiritually better than others. Sahasrara offers us the ability to connect with our true selves—with that divine light that exists within each of us—and in that way, realize that we are all, truly, one.

The mantra OM may be chanted to bring about the consciousness of Sahasrara. An asana, or posture, that serves to balance Sahasrara is Sirsasana, or Headstand. Headstand challenges us to turn our perception on its head so that we can see the world from a different angle.

Regular meditation practice, the goal of which is enlightenment, will also help to reach Sahasrara. In fact, meditation is the practice best suited for balancing Sahasrara chakra. If you do not yet have a regular meditation practice, consider beginning with a simple five to ten minute session each day. Before bed or after awakening are ideal times to fit in a meditation practice. Find a quiet place, a comfortable cushion, and a timer. Make yourself comfortable, set your timer, close your eyes, and follow your breath. Then do it again the next day, and the next day, etc. Once you establish this routine, it will simply be a part of what you do.

The gland associated with Ajna is the pituitary gland, considered the master regulating gland because it secretes a hormone that monitors the activities of the other glands of the body.
Just as the pituitary gland is the master gland, Ajna chakra governs all other chakras, so when it is out of balance, all other chakras cannot come into perfect alignment.

When Ajna is imbalanced we may experience poor memory, eye problems, headaches, or nightmares. We may also have an excess of energy that we are unable to channel towards any one goal or productive outcome. When this chakra is in balance we are able to tune in to our inner knowing, trusting our intuition, and tapping into our creative imagination. A balanced Ajna chakra allows us to integrate logical thinking with intuition so that we may move through the world better able to make balanced decisions.

The mantra KE-SHAM may be chanted to bring about the insightful qualities of Ajna. Asana, or postures, that serve to balance Ajna include child’s pose or any posture in which the forehead touches the ground. Postures in which the gazing point, or dristi, calls for movement of the eyes (such as in Marichyasana, or Sage Twist) will also help to balance Ajna. Nadi sodhana pranayama, alternate nostril breathing, will help to activate Ajna chakra.

As the lower chakras become balanced the path to opening Ajna chakra can be reached. Each chakra helps to build on the previous chakra in order to move towards the next. Moving through the higher chakras becomes possible when all the lower chakras are balanced.

As we move up the chakras, balancing each one, Ajna chakra shines an insightful light on our lives that we were not previously aware of, illuminating that which was previously unknown. During your Asana, Pranayama, and meditation practices, notice when the mind becomes quiet. This quiet and clear space will allow you to glimpse what is possible through Ajna chakra.

Vishuddha chakra, the communication chakra located at the throat, is associated with the color blue and with the space element. The qualities of this chakra are communication, truth, and self-expression. Vishuddha governs not only our communication with others, but also our own internal communication—with our own self, and with our higher power.

The gland associated with Vishuddha is the thyroid, which regulates metabolism and affects physical and mental development. When this chakra is in balance we are able to tune in and listen to the guidance of our higher self. We are able to truly find our inner truth, and to communicate and live our truth in daily life. A balanced Vishuddha chakra allows us to easily communicate with others, and to be honest with ourselves.

When Vishuddha is imbalanced communication breaks down. We may be unable to effectively let ourselves be heard, and, conversely, we may be unable to listen—to others, and to our own higher self. This chakra is damaged by all that passes through the throat—lying, gossip, alcohol, smoking, drugs, and overeating. Deficiencies in Vishuddha manifest as neck stiffness, shoulder tension, and teeth grinding.

The Prana Vayu, or quality of life force, governing Vishuddha is Udana, or upward moving breath. Udana directs prana, or life force, from the lower to upper chakras. Udana brings prana up into the deep energy centers of the brain, and is associated with raised consciousness. The mantra HAM may be chanted to bring about the expressive qualities of Vishuddha. Asana, or postures, that serve to balance Vishuddha include neck stretches, shoulderstand, bridge pose, and fish pose. The sound of Ujayii breathing, as well as chanting, also help to bring balance to Vishuddha.

To successfully reach and open the fifth chakra, the body must attain a certain level of purification which helps to achieve sensitivity needed for the subtler upper chakras. Purification is attained through diet, yoga, meditation, and exercise. As we move up the chakras, balancing each one, Vishuddha chakra becomes easier to work with as it builds from a stable, balanced base. If you have trouble communicating, consider working with the lower chakras first so that Vishuddha can more easily be accessed.

Anahata chakra, the heart chakra located at the center of the chest, is associated with the color green and with the air element. The qualities of this chakra are unconditional love and compassion. Anahata is the gateway between the lower and upper chakras. When this chakra is in balance we are ready to explore the higher chakras.

The gland associated with Anahata is the thymus, a critical component of the immune system. Thus, Anahata helps us to build immunity against pain and disease. Because Anahata also governs our emotions, this chakra also helps us build immunity to hurtful emotions. When Anahata is balanced, our unconditional love for all we encounter can transform our experience of these emotions. The message of the heart chakra is to accept the oneness of all of life—but we need to first love ourselves.

When Anahata is imbalanced we may feel withdrawn or lonely. We may be unable to forgive. Jealousy and possessiveness also indicate an imbalanced heart chakra. When Anahata is in balance, we are connected to universal love. Our external life becomes a reflection of our inner values. Our heart feels full.

The Prana Vayu, or quality of life force, governing Anahata is prana, or life force. Prana flows in with each breath and brings life to our cells, our mind, and our entire being. Asana, or postures, that serve to balance Anahata include all back-bending postures, which help to open the heart and facilitate the intake of prana with breath. Often, the need to forgive underlies difficulty with backbends.

Working with the heart chakra can be a very healing experience. It can also be emotional. Begin with smaller back-bending postures if your heart chakra is very imbalanced. Feel your heart literally open as you inhale prana, and feel your judgment melt away as you exhale. Your heart will begin to soften and eventually unconditional love—the essence of Anahata chakra—will shine through. With each breath you take, you have the potential to connect to this essence. Go ahead, inhale.

Deep belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is one of the most beneficial breaths for digestion, especially since it can be practiced for long periods of time, any time, any place. The involvement of the diaphragm during deep belly breathing is the key to its digestive support. The diaphragm is the large muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. Upon inhalation, the diaphragm pulls down to make room for the lungs to expand which has the effect of massaging the abdominal organs. This massage helps stimulate the movement of food through the intestines.

Further, deep belly breathing has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that is in charge of involuntary actions throughout the body, such as digestion, circulation, and stress response. The calming effect of deep belly breathing also releases hormones involved with digestion. It is the opposite of the stress response involved during panic, also known as the fight-or-flight response, which shuts down digestion. Though you probably didn’t need another reason to find stress relief, better digestion is a good one.

Many yoga asanas, or postures, are also helpful for digestion. So many movements in yoga massage the abdomen. Forward folds are particularly digestion-friendly. Twists are effective because they tend to move the body in ways it doesn’t normally move, exerting pressure on the digestive tract from a new angle. Even inversions can support digestion by changing the body’s orientation, which utilizes the effects of gravity to encourage movement of food that may be “stuck” (think constipation). Yoga helps you get unstuck.

It might not be dinner table conversation, but healthy digestion is the foundation of total-body health. As you practice use the deep belly breath in conjunction with forward folds, twists, and inversions to help support digestive health, and overall health.

The gland associated with Manipura is the pancreas. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and insulin, assisting digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, which fuels every cell in the body. Manipura thus governs the conversion of food into energy. This is an important physical source of our power.

When Manipura is imbalanced, we are either under confident or over confident. We either lack energy, or have too much energy. When Manipura is balanced, we feel empowered in just the right ways. We walk through life assured of our abilities. We feel strong.

The Prana Vayu, or quality of life force, governing Manipura is samana—the collection and concentration of prana at the navel center so that our energies empower. Samana helps us to collect our prana so that it can be used efficiently. The mantra RAM may be chanted to bring about the powerful qualities of Manipura. Asana, or postures, that serve to balance Manipura include Sun Salutations, Warrior postures, core-strengthening postures like Navasana (boat pose), and Breath of Fire pranayama.

When you experience low energy and lack of empowerment, harness your power by working with the Manipura chakra. By reconnecting to your power source, you will rebuild your energy so that it can be redistributed effectively. Bring your attention to your core with each exhalation. Engage the uddiyana bandha by drawing the navel in toward the spine upon each exhalation. Feel your energy collect at your power center, and from there may you move in confidence.

The qualities of Svadhisthana involve sexuality, creativity, pleasures, likes and dislikes, and satisfaction. When Svadhisthana is balanced, our ability to “go with the flow” is strengthened, and our ability to surrender and tune into our true feelings is heightened. Creativity flourishes under a balanced Svadhisthana.

The adrenal glands are associated with this chakra, and, thus, the stress response is also a quality of Svadhisthana. Under stress, Svadhisthana becomes imbalanced. Because stress is common in today’s world, taking the time to connect to our emotions, our desires, and that which gives us pleasure will help to realign Svadhisthana so that energy can flow properly.

When Svadhisthana is out of balance you may feel unable to express yourself emotionally or creatively, or you may feel overly emotional. Yoga can be helpful to rebalance this chakra, reconnecting you to that which brings you pleasure.

The Prana Vayu, or quality of life force, governing Svadhisthana is vyana—the movement of prana, or life force, through the nadis, or energy channels of the body. Vyana helps to distribute prana throughout the body, and helps to improve function of the circulatory, lymphatic, and central nervous systems. The mantra VAM may be chanted to bring about the flowing qualities of Svadhisthana. Asanas, or postures, that serve to balance Svadhisthana include hip openers and forward bends practiced in a passive, receiving manner.

When you are feeling particularly stressed or emotionally repressed, tune into the subtler energies that bring your attention inward. Begin to let go by finding release upon exhalation. Let your exhale be longer than your inhale, and let that calming energy lead you to your true feelings. Be ready to surrender to the circumstances of your life.

Muladhara is the epitome of groundedness, or the feeling of being well-established—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even economically. The glands associated with Muladhara are the reproductive glands—the ovaries and testes, which serve as a function of procreation, fundamental to survival.

When Muladhara is out of balance you may feel unstable, unhealthy, or disconnected. Frequent traveling or moving, illness, and money or family concerns can all contribute to an imbalanced Muladhara chakra. Through yoga, this chakra can be rebalanced to help reestablish your stable ground.

The Prana Vayu, or quality of life force, governing Muladhara is apana—the downward, outward movement of stagnant energy. As we exhale apana is carried out on the breath, helping to ground us. Asanas, or postures, that serve to balance Muladhara include standing postures, which can only be practiced through the establishment of firm contact with the ground. Legs Up the Wall pose is a grounding restorative posture that can also be practiced for extended periods if desired. In meditation, chanting the mantra LAM brings your awareness to muladhara chakra and visualizing the yantra, a golden square, is what balances Muladhara, bringing about its grounding qualities.

When feeling disconnected in any way, begin by focusing on your connection to the ground, and to the aspects of your life that feel steady. Without a grounded Muladhara chakra, our prana flow is impeded. To encourage the rise of Kundalini energy up the central Sushumna nadi, or the main energy channel that runs up the spine, begin to establish groundedness in your life and yoga practice by balancing Muladhara chakra.

The chakra system comes from Tantric philosophy. According to Tantra, the universe was created when Shiva and Shakti were separated. Shiva, the male energy, represents divine consciousness, and Shakti, the female energy, represents Mother Nature herself. It is said that when Shakti separated from Shiva, the world as we know it was created.

To realize the true union of Shiva and Shakti—or the true nature of ourselves, connected to all that is (or a spiritual connection, if you choose)—we practice asana, pranayama, and meditation, increasing the flow of prana within us. This flow of prana moves kundalini, or the coil of energy at the base of the spine, up the Sushumna nadi (the main nadi that travels along the spine). As kundalini flows through each chakra, we experience a balance of energies that flows out into our lives.

Through the chakras, we are able to work with our life energies in a positive way. Learning about the chakras, and how chakra imbalances can affect our lives, and vice versa, can help us to understand the subtle nature of life itself. Through asana, pranayama, and meditation we can rebalance the chakras to improve energy flow within the body, mind, and spirit.

Each chakra is associated with aspects of life, areas of the body, energies, and so much more. In the coming months, we will delve into each chakra, learning its significance, how to identify chakra imbalances, and how to bring each chakra back into balance. In the meantime, know that your yoga practice is serving to open the energy flow within you, and all around you.