If you follow my blog you’ll notice that I’ve had quite the break in between posts. It’s because I’ve been wanting to post about the heart chakra for a while, but I was feeling that my heart was not in the right place to do so. You see, I took a job that I thought would allow me more freedom and it was in the arena of what I went to school to do. However, what happened was I started to feel as though I was losing myself. Everyday became more stressful. My days became consumed with worry about making sales goals. And honestly, I really just don’t feel that my heart was in it.

 

I’ve been gone from that job a little over a month now. I’ve gone through a grieving and mourning process. I’ve worked through my feelings of failure. I kind of feel like I’m starting to ReDiscover what brings me joy in life. That, is very good for my heart.

 

So this inkling of joy leads me here, to my happy place…to my blog….to my business. It is, after all, where I want to be. When i went through all of the health issues way back at age 16 and 17, i wasn’t very joyful. I was depressed and melancholy and generally felt like shit on a daily basis. When herbs and natural methods made me feel good, I wanted to share this success with others so they could feel good, too.

 

This is where the heart chakra comes in. Anahata is the sanskrit word for the heart chakra.  Its associated with the color green and is thought to be located in the center of the chest. So perhaps it is best to think of it as being just behind the breast bone. Anatomically,  this is the location of the thymus, and the anatomical heart sits just slightly to a person’s left of that.

Anahata sits right behind the breast bone.

 

 

 

Anahata is the energy center that allows us to connect with unifying forces in the universe. It aids in each person realizing they are a part of a greater whole. It’s where bonds with other living things are created. It houses caring, compassion, self-love,  altruism, generosity,  kindness and respect – for self and others. It can be destroyed by grief.

 

When these are in balance there is joy, warmth, and love about a person. You can imagine the expressions of imbalance, can’t you? Note, this is also the chakra that allows people to say no, with grace, and not over extend him or her self.

It is associated with the element of air…amazing since the lungs are in this area, too. The color green is assigned to it. Yarrow,  an herb looked to as an “attitude adjuster” is often associated with Anahata, as are the scents of jasmine, lavender and rose. (Yarrow, as well as lavender, jasmine and rose essential oils are available for order in the The Herbchick’s Shop)

 

 

Affirmations for the heart chakra

  • I am open to love.
  • Love resides within my heart.
  • I completely love and accept myself.
  • I am wanted and loved.
  • I live in balance, in a state of gracefulness and gratitude.
  • I love the beauty of nature.
  • I am open to love.
  • I am connected with others.
  • I feel one with nature and animals.
  • I am peaceful.

 

 

 

The solar plexus energy center is slightly below the stomach level of the human body. When it comes to chakras, this energy center is referred to as Manipura.

 

Manipura is the center of the ego, or willpower. Muladhara (root) is centered around existence and survival. Svadhisthana (second/sacral) is about creative force and experiencing pleasure. Manipura is the development of a sense of self. It is the seat of actions and behaviors like self control and self empowerment. It is associated with the subtly of the element of fire.

 

Manipura in balance

When this energy center is balanced, a person seem to move about others in an effortless manner. He/she has a self-confidence and a relaxed nature. When this energy center is not in balance, the person is harried or constantly stressed. When it is out of balance toward the over-active the individual seems as if s/he is dragging the world about on her/his shoulders. When it is under active the person may seem overly meek and too timid to live.

Physically, this energy center is seated in the digestive system.  The digestive system takes in, breaks down and assimilates the nutrients in food. It may be beneficial to think of Manipura as the center at which a person assimilates life. Is it a fight (over active)? Is it just another function that happens (balanced)? Or is life a force that runs the person over (under active)?

Digestion is also thought of as a hot process in the body. Heat and acid digest foods while it is being churned in the stomach and then moved through to the beginning of the small intestine where chyme is added to neutralize the burning acids. So if you think about it, it is where you would find fire (heat, burning) in the human body.  Digestive functions of the liver, gall bladder, gut are associated with this chakra.

Yellow is the assigned color to this chakra. This is also the color of flames as they lick up from a roaring fire. The endocrine glands of the adrenals and pancreas are also tied into this chakra. This would indicate there is a sweetness associated with being secure in one’s self, or feeling secure in the development of one’s ego.

Let’s boil this down a bit

I know all of the stuff above seems like gobbledy gook…new age drivel. However, let’s look at it this way: This chakra is your fire in life. It is effected by how much zeal you have for living. If you are secure in yourself, you go for the gusto in a realistic manner and with realistic expectations/fears. If this center if off balance, you have excess stress which may effect the gut and digestion, and/or your body’s ability to manage stress (adrenals and pancreas). Does this mean everything can be simplified down to just utilizing some tools for Manipura and all your ills will go away? Heck no! But they could help, so maybe give them a shot!

Affirmations that may help

  • I love and accept myself.
  • I am secure in my own power.
  • I am strong and courageous.
  • I am worthy of love, kindness, and respect.
  • I choose the best for myself.
  • I express myself in a powerful way.
  • I am proud of my achievements.
  • I honor my self.
  • I choose to engage in healthy relationships.
  • I am authentic.
  • I am the director of my own life.
  • I value my strengths.
  • I stand up for myself.
  • I am free to choose in any situation.
  • I seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
  • I am at peace with myself.

Essential oils that may be of assistance with Manipura:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Sandalwood
  • Rosemary
  • Myrrh
  • Frankincense
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • Citrus essential oils

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbs that may benefit Manipura:

  • Saffron
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Mint
  • Lemon Balm
  • Fennel
  • Marshmallow
  • Slippery Elm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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