Yoga Movements for the Anahata

Camel

Cobra

Fish

Sukh-Purvak

There is a separate page devoted to each of these in the Postures series (you will find this title in the navigation menu on every page, upper left). This page is only a summary of specific postures for the Anahata Chakra. You can click on the links below to get the full instructions for each posture. There are many other reasons for practicing these other than to work with the Chakras, which are given in detail.

I suggest printing these pages to practice the preliminary stretches before you attempt any of these Yoga postures. Once you have stretched your muscles to the point where you can do a posture, you know you have come a long way in healing your body and making it stronger.

Remember, these links—which are always a turquoise color on this site—will take you to the detailed instructions for each posture.

Camel Posture - Step 1

The Camel Posture is another powerful Yoga stretch for the entire body. This is a preliminary for the illustration below, and all the details are provided on a separate page to make it as easy as possible for you.

This is the Camel posture. There are many ways to stretch to achieve this. If your feet are very flexible, you can also stand on your toes in this position and hold your heels with your hands. It's a powerful stretch for the thighs, back, arms, and hips. Again, all the preliminary stretches and details for this posture are in the link provided in the posture title above.

 

The Cobra
Bhujangasana (Bhuja = arm or shoulder)

This posture, a true classic in Yoga, is indicated for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Chakras. This is one of the most important Yoga postures for the spine, so it is included in any good Yoga book. It improves posture, strengthens the spine while helping it to be more flexible. Circulation is improved from the additional blood flow through the vertebrae. It is also good for the heart.

 

Fish Posture
Matsyasana (Matsya = fish)

The back is fully stretched (the dorsal especially). The chest is expanded like a rooster. Strong and quick abdominal breathing opens up the entire body in a beautiful way. The neck and throat are stretched. This opens up the entire region of the heart, which is the area of the Anahata Chakra.

 

Sukh-Purvak
An entire series is devoted to Breath on this site, so this link takes you to the Sukh-Purvak page of that series. This is a powerful breath method to open the Chakras.

If you want to review the Anahata Chakra, the links are provided below. If you are ready to continue to the 5th Chakra, that link is also provided below, or in the images in the right column.