The heart chakra
Location: the region of the chest that contains the heart, thymus gland, lungs, and breasts as well as functions for the endocrine and lymphatic systems.
What it is: According to the Chopra Center, the fourth chakra, also known as the Anahata chakra, serves as the point of intersection between the physical and the spiritual. And is all about the love, as its name suggests. Olivia explains, “It’s the waking to spiritual knowledge, forgiveness, and service.” Love and compassion are said to flow naturally when your heart chakra is balanced and in alignment, both in terms of giving and receiving love. Olivia remarks, “Your positive energy is virtually contagious.”
When it’s blocked: Grief, rage, envy, fear of betrayal, and hate of oneself and others can all arise from a blocked heart chakra. According to Kavanagh, when we are emotionally inactive, it might be hard to forgive and move over past wrongs. Because of this, it can be challenging to love and be loved, which would negatively impact our relationships.
Overactive people might become overly affectionate. Off-hand, that might not seem like an issue, but Kavanagh notes that it’s typically co-dependency that it’s hiding. Being excessively reliant, needy, jealous, and possessive with a lack of boundaries, she claims, would have a negative impact on our relationships.
Color: Green and pink
Element associated with it: Air
Crystals associated with it: Rose quartz, jade, malachite
Yoga pose that activates it: Back bends, reverse plank, upward-facing dog
