The Brow (Third Eye) Chakra
The word chakra translates to “wheel”. The 7 chakras in the body are composted of different energy centers starting at the top of the head to the tail end of your spine. Each chakra is associated with a certain part of the body and it controls specific emotional and physical symptoms. Meditation and yoga techniques focus on making the chakras open and keeping them in alignment. If the chakras become blocked or out of sync, this can negatively impact your physical and psychological health.
The sixth chakra is known as the brow chakra or the third eye which is Sanskrit for Anja. Aja means “beyond wisdom or perceiving.” It is the chakra of consciousness and understanding ourselves. This chakra is located between the eyes and it deals with psychic energy, intuition, imagination, spiritual wisdom and the ability to make decisions. The third eye chakra is associated with the pineal gland which regulates biorhythms, including sleep and wake time. The pineal gland is also controls the productions of melatonin, which regulates sleeping patterns. The third eye chakra is associated with the color bluish purple or indigo.
When the third eye or brow chakra is balanced you experience intuition, wisdom and clarity. When the brow chakra is overcharged you may be sensitive to light and have sensory overload in general. You may be sensitive to crowds and the energy and feelings of others. When the brow chakra is depleted (low) you may have issues with anxiety and depression. You may also have trouble concentrating. Headaches, sinus issues and detachment of your true self are also symptoms that your brow chakra is not balanced. You may also doubt your own intuition and feelings about people and certain events in your life.
Specific stones such as Amethyst and Black Obsidian help protect the brow chakra and keep it open. Amethyst helps maintain intuition and wisdom and this stone helps to ward off headaches. Black obsidian helps balance your emotions and intuition. It is used for protection, to ward off people that can be draining to your energy.
Foods that assist with opening your brown chakra are anything that contain Omega 3’s (Fish, Walnuts and Chia seeds are great choices), dark chocolate and any purple food such as eggplants. The Yoga pose that helps to open the brow chakra is Child’s Pose. Essential Oils that help keep this chakra open and balanced is: Clary Sage and Sandalwood. Affirmations that help: “I trust my inner guidance.”, “I am wise, I am whole and I am connected to a higher power in the universe.” & “I believe and trust my inner wisdom to guide me in my daily life.”
Here is a meditation that assists with opening your third eye: Set your timer for 10 minutes. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take 5 slow deep breaths in and then slowly exhale. Focus on your breathing while repeating the following mantra 5 times: “I trust my inner voice and I embrace my spiritual gifts.”
Keeping this chakra balanced and opened is important so we can listen to our inner voice and have clarity in our life.