Anahana
Utkatasana
Utkatasana, also known as the Chair Pose, is a standing yoga posture that strengthens the legs and generates heat in the body. This pose is commonly...
The sixth out of the seven chakras is the third eye. Its energy governs spiritual communication, awareness, and perception
Outline Of The Third Eye Chakra
Location: Forehead, brow, third eye, brain
Color: Violet or Indigo
Element: Light
Bija Mantra (seed syllable): OM (sounds like a-u-m)
Sanskrit Name (meaning): Ajna (to perceive and command)
Purpose: spiritual communication, awareness, and perception
Nerve Plexus: Carotid plexus
Endocrine Gland: Pituitary (the master gland) or Pineal
Origins of the Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra, also called the brow chakra, is the sixth of the seven main chakras, located in the center of the forehead. It has feminine energy and governs spiritual communication, awareness, and perception. Two elements are associated with the wisdom of the third eye chakra, including the lotus flower and the upside-down triangle.
In Sanskrit, the third eye chakra is called the Ajna chakra, which translates to beyond wisdom, perception or command. The third eye chakra comes after the lower chakras, including the root chakra, sacral chakra, solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, and throat chakra, with the crown chakra following. Altogether, this creates the body’s chakra energy system.
Chakra is a spinning wheel of energy that runs up the spine to the top of the head. Concepts of the seven chakras came to the western world in the 1880s from tantric yoga traditions and are increasingly studied and practiced due to their extensive benefits. The Chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BCE. The Vedas is the first text to introduce the seven chakras.
Functions of the Third Eye Chakra
The sixth chakra plays an essential role in the chakra system. It is located between the two physical eyes, expanding up to the middle of the forehead when opened. The third eye chakra is linked to the pituitary gland, which is responsible for regulating serotonin. This inner eye can deepen their spiritual connection when open, providing people with wisdom, knowledge, and insight. Buddhists regard the third eye chakra as the “eye of consciousness.”
It is a highly spiritual chakra that relates to one's psychic abilities. A balanced third eye chakra gives individuals a sixth sense or strong intuition. These psychic powers or inner guidance can support experiences in the real world by allowing people to have trust in their own instinct and inner voice. This ability helps people experience the physical world around them with inner wisdom and light.
Lifeforce energy lies dormant at the base of the spine until it activates through wellness practices, including meditation, asanas, and prayer. Individuals often experience heightened mental clarity, spiritual awareness, and higher consciousness. Healing practices support enlightenment and power.
A blocked Ajna can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Some of the potential symptoms include:
Physical symptoms:
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Headaches
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Vision problems
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Neurological disorders
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Eye problems
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Brain disorders
Mental symptoms:
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Self-limiting beliefs
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Lack of purpose
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Depression/Anxiety
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Mood disorders
Those experiencing any of these symptoms may benefit from practicing some of our recommended third eye chakra healing exercises so life force energy can flow freely through the human body.
How to Open the Third Eye Chakra
Many practices help open and balance the Ajna chakra, supporting well-being in the body, mind, and soul. Here are some exercises that bring balance to and heal the sixth chakra:
Yoga Asanas: Practice yoga to heal the third eye chakra. Kundalini yoga is effective in opening the third eye chakra. Specific yoga poses also correspond with the third eye chakra. Here are three great poses that will assist in healthy alignment through the third eye chakra:
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Plow Pose (Halasana): Lie face up on your mat, bring your knees toward your chest, and straighten your legs toward the sky, shifting your hips stacked over your shoulder and neck area. Place your palms on your lower back to support your weight. Slowly lower your legs back over your head, keeping them straight. With your feet flexed, rest your toes on the floor. Release your hands from your back and place them flat on the ground. Hold for five breaths.
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Child's Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor with your toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. As you exhale, lower your torso down, in between your legs. Your arms should extend straight in front of you with your palms facing down. Relax your body and melt into the pose.
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Downward dog (Adho Mukha Savasana): Begin in a tabletop position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your fingers spread. Press your hands into the mat and tuck your toes under your feet. Lift your knees off the mat and straighten your legs as much as you can. Hold for several breaths.
Repeat Affirmations: Repeating daily affirmations aloud, mentally, or in writing can cleanse negative energy and old patterns to create positive thought patterns. Here are some affirmations that support the health of one's third eye chakra:
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I am open to the truths of the universe
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I am the source of my truth
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I am connected to the spiritual world
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I see my life's purpose clearly
Stones and Crystals: Healing crystals can effectively balance chakras. Use them by placing crystals over the chakra during meditation, distributing them around the home, wearing them as jewelry, or carrying them when having self-doubt or requiring strong intuition. Some third eye chakra crystals that help one connect with their higher consciousness include:
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Lapis lazuli: Supports balance of psychic intuition and reason to awaken the higher self.
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Purple or violet tourmaline: Supports spiritual growth and problem-solving.
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Sodalite: Reduces anxiety and calms the mind, supporting self-acceptance.
Other third eye chakra healing practices include incorporating the color indigo or purple into your life, eating purple foods, and participating in spiritual practice. Another method includes immersing oneself in a light-filled environment. Meditation that brings awareness and focus to the point between the eyes in the center of the head is also effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are third eye chakra essential oils?
Certain essential oils are proven effective for opening the third eye chakra. These can be put in a diffusor, diluted and put on the skin of the chakra location, or used in other creative ways. Some of the oils proven effective when the third eye chakra is blocked include:
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Lemon (Citrus Lemon): Helps the mind organize information, connect the mind to its' intuition, expand the thought process, and help see the bigger picture.
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Sandalwood (Santalum Album): Supports one's wisdom, inner awareness, focus and aligns one with their most authentic self.
What does the third eye chakra represent?
The third eye chakra represents our perception, spiritual communication, and awareness.
What causes third eye chakra blockage?
Many things can cause blockage in the third eye chakra. Some of these causes include a diet of highly processed foods, overwhelming feelings of sadness, and being disconnected from nature. Additionally, calcification from fluoride and exposure to heavy metals can negatively affect the pineal gland, which plays a crucial role in aligning the third eye chakra.
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ANAHANA CHAKRA RESOURCES
CHAKRA WIKIS
Chakra Stones and Chakra Crystals
CHAKRA BLOGS
References
What evidence is there that chakras exist?
Essential Oils for Chakras: Balance and Heal with Sacred Scents
Can Affirmations Help Heal the Chakras? Some Say Yes
How to Open Your Third Eye Chakra for Spiritual Awakening
The Physiological Foundation of Yoga Chakra expression
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