Ajna Chakra, located between the eyebrows, deals with our mind and its functioning. Ajna traditionally means “command” and it controls our sense of intuition, judgement, self-discipline and behaviour and the Ajna Chakra is the incharge of our brain and the neurological system including the pineal glands.
A person with a blocked Ajna Chakra can suffer from various physical problems such as tumour, stroke, blindness, deafness, migraine, insomnia, high blood pressure and severe sinusitis. They are also a bit spaced out and out of touch with the worldly activities. One of their biggest disabilities is being indecisive and unable to connect with their inner voice.
In yoga it is believed that a person with an active and healthy Ajna Chakra has a good sense of judgement and is able to approach a difficult situation with ease and fearlessness.
Let us look at a few techniques that help in balancing the ajna.
SHARNAGHATA MUDRA (Surrender Pose)
Procedure:
1 Be seated in vajrasana as shown, with your hands placed on your knees.
2 Inhale and raise your hands up.
3 Exhale and bend forward placing your forehead firmly on the ground and stretching your hands ahead.
4 Ensure that as you bend forward, your hips do not lift off the ground and are placed on your feet as shown.
5 Hold this posture from 10-30 seconds and breathe normally.
Benefits:
1 Helps in reducing anxiety and calms the mind.
2 Alleviates migraine issue.
3 Alleviates sinus problem.
4 Relaxes the mind.
5 Beneficial in hair growth.
Caution: People suffering from joint pains can use a cushion under their feet for sitting in vajrasana.
ANULON-VILOM PRANAYAMA
Procedure:
1 Sit in any meditative posture.
2 Fold the forefinger and middle finger of your right hand.
3 Place your ring finger in the centre of your eyebrows, and press your thumb on the right nostril
4 Inhale through the left nostril.
5 Hold your breath.
6 Reverse positions now by placing your thumb between your eyebrows, and press the left nostril with your ring finger.
7 Exhale through the right nostril.
8 Now inhale through your right nostril and hold.
9 Reverse the position of your fingers and exhale through the left
10 Repeat this cycle 15-20 times every day.
Benefits:
1 Reduces stress in the body as it cleanses the nadis or the cells and energy channels in the body.
2 Calms the mind and de-clutters the mind of thoughts.
3 Reduces anxiety and depression.
4 Rejuvenates the cells keeping the body young.
Note: this pranayama can be practiced by all.
For further details contact us at 800YOGA (800-9642) or visit us at www.artisticyoga.com
