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Focus on: The Third Eye Chakra

Sanskrit name: Ajna – To perceive, to command
Element: All elements combined, light
Color: Indigo
Shape: Five pointed star
Petals of the lotus: Two
Rights: To see
Physical association: Eyes, base of skull, brow
Psychological function: Intuition, imagination
Challenge: Illusion
Plane: Plane of austerity, home of the blessed
Planets: Saturn, moon
Sense organ: Mind
Incense: Mugwort
Herb: Almond blossom


 

There are many ways to call it, but the most common Sanskrit name for the Third Eye chakra is “Ajna”, which means “command” and “perceiving”. This chakra infact is related to the “supreme element”, which is the combination of all the elements we know in their pure form.

Ajna is the sixth primary chakra in the body according to Hindu tradition. It is most commonly represented with the color purple or bluish purple/indigo but its auric color energy can also be seen as translucent purple or bluish white. The image of the Third Eye chakra symbol contains two elements frequently associated with wisdom: the upside down triangle and the lotus flower.

Located on the forehead, between the eyebrows just above the nose’s bridge, it is the center of intuition and foresight. It can also be described as being located behind the eyes in the middle of the head, where the pineal gland can anatomically be found. That is why Ajna is associated to the pineal gland, in charge of regulating biorhythms including sleep and wake time, center of attention because of its relationship with the perception and effect of light and altered or “mystical” states of consciousness. It is positioned close to the optical nerves, and as such, sensitive to visual stimulations and changes in lighting.

The energy of this chakra lets us experience clear thoughts as well as gifts of spiritual contemplation and self reflection, allowing us to access our inner guidance that comes from the depths of our being. It help us cut through illusion and to access deeper truths – to see beyond the mind, beyond the words. The “way of the Third Eye” is seeing everything as it is from a point of “witness” or “observer”, or from simply being mindful – moment by moment. It means examining self-limiting ideas and developing wisdom that comes from a perspective that transcends the duality of good or bad, black or white. It means seeing and helping others to see the deeper meanings of the situations in their lives.

Ajna is an instrument to perceive the more subtle qualities of reality. It goes beyond the more physical senses into the realm of subtle energies. Awakening your Third Eye allows you to open up to an intuitive sensibility and inner perception. When this chakra is fully activated, both hemispheres of the brain function in synchrony: the right hemisphere’s creativity and synthetic thinking is integrated and balanced with left hemisphere’s logical and analytical thinking. When your Third Eye is open, you not only see but you also understand.

On the other hand when it is closed or has an imbalance, it can manifest as: feeling stuck in the daily grind without being able to look beyond your problems, fantasies that appear more real than reality, indulgence in psychic fantasies and illusions, rejection of everything spiritual or beyond the usual, not being able to see the greater picture, lack of clarity. Instead physical manifestations of an overactive third eye chakra include headaches, vision problems, seizures, insomnia, nausea, sinus issues.

But how can you open and rebalance Ajna again?

  • Cultivate silence. Foster the silence of the mind, whether it’s through meditation, just sitting calmly in nature, or being absorbed in your favorite art or sport practice. Why? To be able to listen to the messages and information that comes through your Third Eye, you should be ready to perceive the whisper of its wisdom. If your mind is busy or noisy, you might miss its main message.
  • Hone your intuition. There are many ways to cultivate your intuition. So what about getting acquainted with your dreams and their meanings, perhaps giving a try at lucid dreaming, getting to know how to read a horoscope or tarot cards? Find new ways to intuit into your daily life activities.
  • Feed your creativity. Let your creativity flow freely by focusing on specific activities or letting your imagination loose. For instance, start learning a new art or craft; don’t try to be perfect, just let your inspiration run through your hands and be ready to be surprised by the results.
  • Yoga. Third Eye yoga poses include the child pose and the eagle pose.
  • Stones and jewerly. The key color is purple, like amethyst, black obsidian or purple fluorite. You can also purchase larger third eye crystals that will sit in your pocket or in the palm of your hand, allowing you to squeeze them and focus on them when you need to keep your third eye chakra open.
  • Meditation. Ajna meditation is just one of many ways to work on opening this chakra. And there are plenty of techniques for beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never tried mindfulness or meditation. Here’s one to start with:
    1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Inhale and exhale ten times, slowly and deeply.
    2. Focus your attention on the location of the third eye chakra, imagine a violet sphere of energy in the middle of your forehead. Remember, purple is the third eye chakra’s color.
    3. As you continue to breathe slowly and deeply, picture the purple ball of energy getting bigger and warmer. As it does, imagine it purging negativity from your body.
    4. Think of yourself of absorbing the third eye chakra’s energy—allow yourself to feel it all over.
    5. Open your eyes when you feel ready.
  • Work on these believes you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Third Eye Chakra Affirmations

I am in touch with my inner guidance.
I listen to my deepest wisdom.
I seek to understand and to learn from my life experiences.
I am wise, intuitive, and connected with my inner guide.
I nurture my spirit.
I listen to the wisdom of elders.
I trust my intuition.
I forgive the past and learn what was there for me to learn.
I forgive myself.
I love and accept myself.
I know that all is well in my world.
I am connected with the wisdom of the universe.
I am open to inspiration and bliss.
My life moves effortlessly.
I am at peace.
I am the source of my truth and my love.

Comprehend Ouserlves through our Aura – Part 2

Last time I promised you to talk about the meanings of aura’s colors and how to start seeing them with your own eyes.

Remember that all living things radiate an aura from the energy they emit and that auras can reveal information about your thoughts, feelings and dreams. According to those, auras come in all colors, which can vary and can be light or dark shades. The ones closest to the physical body are the densest, gradually becoming more ethereal as they move towards the outer edges of the aura. It’s rare to have only one color in your aura, although it typically shows a predominant one.

For example, a young person aura is a wide span of red around the lower part and a narrow span of magenta/white at the head. As a person matures, the ampleness of the red in the aura, the colour which earths a person to this planet, begins to diminish and is replaced by the expansion of the spiritual colours of magenta and white. When the time comes for the transition of the soul through death, the red colour is practically non-existent, the aura now being totally filled with magenta and white.

  • Yellow

Relates to the spleen and life energy. It is the color of awakening, inspiration, intelligence and action shared, creative, playful, optimistic, easy-going. The Yellow Aura individual is a brilliant communicator, workaholic, confident in their skills, not suffering loneliness and have good observation skills. If brilliant yellow: positive awaken playful spirit; dark/brownish yellow: a student, pressured to achieve your goals and score high, with no more love for what he/she is studying; lemon yellow: someone with the fear of loss; pale yellow: individual with a new sense of excitement and hope for the future, embarked on a spiritual journey or discovered latent psychic abilities.

  • Orange

Relates to reproductive organs and emotions. The color of vitality, vigor, good health and excitement. People have lots of energy and stamina, they are creative, productive, adventurous, courageous, outgoing with social nature. Individuals which are normally good-hearted, kind and honest, can be hot headed and quick to lose their temper, successfull in life goals but sometimes impatient to start. If bright orange: very good health; orange-yellowish: a scientific mind and tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, mind challenger; orange-redish: great ego and self confidence.

  • Red

It is one of the most powerful colors found in an aura. It can be a positive or a negative element. Red represents blood, that’s why it represents the physical body, heart or circulation. The densest color, it creates the most friction. Friction attracts or repels; money worries or obsessions; anger or unforgiveness; anxiety or nervousness. If dark red: centered and grounded to the earth, self-sufficient, and able to survive any circumstance; muddied red: anger; cloudy red: powerful, energetic, competitive, sexual, passionate.

  • Pink

Pink indicates an artist, a loving sensual person who appreciates the finer things in life. If you’ve recently fallen in love, you’ll have a significant amount of pink in your aura. If dark pink: not trustworthy, this color indicates deceit, dishonesty, and an immature person.

  • Blue

This color represents the throat, specifically the thyroid. If your aura is blue, you’re intuitive, and you love helping people, a natural peacemaker. You remain calm during a crisis and others lean on you for support. If royal blue: highly developed spiritual intuitive or clairvoyant, very generous and giving spirit, open to new possibilities; dark blue: don’t trust the future and can’t face the truth due to your desire to take control; light blue: truthful and serene, and you excel in all fields of communication; indigo: relates to the third eye, intuitive, sensitive, deep feeling; turquoise: a powerful healer who helps others discover their inner truths. It’s usually found in doctors, healers, and counselors

  • Green

Green is the color of the heart and lungs. It is a very comfortable, healthy color of nature. When seen in the aura this usually represents growth and balance, and most of all, something that leads to change. This is usually found within the aura of teachers and people who work for the public good. If bright emerald green: healer, also a love-centered person; green yellowish: communicator, creative with art; forest green: tied to nature and use herbs in your healing practice; dark and cloudy green: a very jealous person and full of resentment, who refuse to accept responsibility for your own actions.

  • Purple

It is associated with the pituitary gland, pineal gland, and the nervous system. The most sensitive and wisest of colors,  the intuitive color in the aura, and reveals psychic power of attunement with self. Intuitive, visionary, futuristic, idealistic, artistic, magical individuals. If violet or lavender: a visionary of the highest level, someone who can daydream and change the world with spiritual love.

  • Rainbow

These auras are found in highly evolved spiritually persons, healers, especially those trained to work with the body’s energy fields. Rainbow auras are typically seen as shards of colorful light, resembling a sunburst.  Can be brilliant or pale, but usually a healer’s rainbow aura is often seen as colorful stripes radiating around the hands and head. Often the entire body of a healer or creative individual radiates a rainbow of colors that surrounds the person.

  • Silver

This is the color of abundance, both spiritual and physical. Lots of bright silver can reflect to plenty of money, and/or awakening of the cosmic mind. They are blessed and successfull. Silver people are attractive, exceptionally gifted, talented, lucky and have immense versatility and adaptability. If metallic silver: receptive to new ideas, intuitive, nurturing; dark or muddy grey: residue of fear is accumulating in the body, with a potential for health problems.

  • Gold

As silver, it is a very positive and spitirual color. It relates to the enlightenment and divine protection. When seen within the aura, it says that the person is being guided by their highest good, with protection, wisdom, inner knowledge, spiritual mind, intuitive thinker. The Gold Aura individuals are very attractive to other people and admirers, very charismatic, great listeners and generous, very proud and fiercely independent. Usually they hate to be criticised and cannot stand any of their flaws exposed.

  • Black

Black auras indicate you’re holding on to negative feelings. Draws or pulls energy to it and in so doing, transforms it. It captures light and consumes it. Typically, it indicates an unwilling and unforgiving spirit, long-term unforgiveness (toward others or another) collected in a specific area of the body, which can lead to health problems (abortion if near ovaries or uterus). It can also indicate past life hurts.

  • White

White typically indicates a newness and purity, reflects other energy, it’s a pure state of light. Often represents spiritual, etheric and non-physical qualities in a person, transcendent, higher dimensions, purity and truth, angelic qualities. It can be found in highly spiritual people who’ve transcended the physical and are preparing to ascend. If there are white sparkles or flashes of white light: angels are nearby, or it can indicate that the person is pregnant or will be soon.


The possibilities of what you might see by looking at someone’s aura are endless. And learning to read and protect your own aura can be important to your physical, emotional and spiritual health. You don’t have to be a mystic to read an aura. In fact, it’s widely believed we all have auric-sight (the ability to read auras) and could see them easily when we were children, but them we lost the ability to focus on more mental tasks.

Anyway, seeing auras can be developed with practice. First, you begin to learn how to see your own. At the beginning, you will only be able to see the lower layers of the Aura, with time and practice, you will develop the ability to see the higher levels as well. For this exercise, you will need a quiet room with a white wall, preferably at dusk time, when the light is low and the eyes need to switch to night vision. With time and practice, you will be able to do this exercise during daylight or in any other light conditions and eventually without using the white background.

  1. Begin by sitting down across from the white wall. Your back should be fully supported by a chair, your feet flat on the ground. Connecting to your breath, take a few minutes for relaxation.
  2. Extend one arm, palm facing the wall, fingers together. Soften your gaze as you look at your hand. Hold this soft gaze for 30 seconds and you will begin to see energy field surrounding your hand.
  3. Slowly spread your fingers apart. Continue with the soft gaze looking at your fingers and the space between your fingers. What do you see?
  4. With time and practice, you will begin to see and outline around your hand and around your fingers. At first, it may appear as a heat wave, almost colorless field, later on, you will begin to see different colors of your aura.
  5. Patiently observe. There is nothing to strive for. Just being here, in the moment, focusing softly on the hand, on the fingers, and the space between the fingers.

You can do a similar excercise but in front of a mirror. Look into it and look in the center of your forehead between your eyebrows. When done at the correct distance for you (up to 18 feet), you’ll be able to see an aura and its colors.

After having practised for a while on yourself, you can try looking at someone else’s aura, using them as partner in the exercise.

  1. Have your partner stand against the white wall, not touching it, just standing very close.
  2. Stand away from your partner so that you can see her from head to toe, including white space behind them.
  3. Feel your feet firmly planted on the ground and connect with your breath. Close your eyes for a few seconds.
  4. Open your eyes and with a soft focus look at your partner in a way that encompasses their whole body. Gaze softly, passively noticing whatever arises. There should be no striving to see anything, just allowing whatever arises in the moment.
  5. You will begin to see the energy field around the head and upper body. This is the area of the body that is easiest to see. At first, it will appear colorless, like a heat wave. With time, you will begin to see colors and you will no longer need a white background.

But before starting practising you have to consider few things:

  • Know when it’s time to cleanse. We pick up other people’s energies without even being aware of it. When those energies are negative, they affect our aura negatively (for instance, you’re feeling irritable and anxious for no apparent reason while you’re out with your friends having fun). Even if your aura doesn’t seem out of balance, it’s a good idea to cleanse it periodically to release any negative energies.
  • Cleanse your aura. Focus on your root chakra located at the base of your spine and associated with the color red. Then envision yourself engulfed in a shower of brilliant gold light radiating down from the sun. Let the light penetrate your body and your aura. Hold this image for some time. Then envision a violet light extending from the soles of your feet to the top of your head. See and feel it as a warm, protective blanket and believe that it has the ability to heal and protect any gaps in your aura. At this point, the cleansing and healing process is underway, and you should feel yourself becoming stronger, releasing negative energy and feeling more at peace. Meditate on this feeling for a while. Use some music in the background to relax.
  • Protect your aura. You can take other steps to protect and strengthen your aura. These include the cleansing meditation written above, massage, create a shield by meditating, invisible negative cord cutting and reiki energy meditation.
  • Use ethics while reading and healing auras. When you learn how to see auras, you may be tempted to share everything you see with other people. Aura colors change throughout the day, with each emotion, blockage in the body, thought pattern, energy levels and the flow of prana through the body. So, what you see in the moment is just that, in this moment. You need to be careful about interpreting aura colors of other people. Why? For two reasons. First, when you see the aura of someone else, you are seeing it through your own aura. You are seeing it through your own perceptions, your knowledge, and your beliefs. Jumping to conclusions may not be wise. Use your heart, your mind, and your soul to guide you. Second, once you develop the skill of seeing auras, you will be able to see auras around people anywhere on the street, in shopping mall, at work. Seeing somebody’s aura is like looking into someone’s bedroom and intruding on their privacy. It should not be done without the person’s consent.

Sad but true, it may take a while before you start seeing progress, but don’t give up and keep practising, that is the key! I will be glad to know your own experience, so remember that feedbacks are very much appreciated.

Enjoy your new vision!

Comprehend Ouserlves through our Aura – Part 1

The aura given out by a person is as much a part of them as their flesh – Lucien Freud

Someone once wrote that “we are spirits having a human experience” and it is actually this spirit’s frequency which vibrates creating the energetic field around us. This field around our physical body is known nowadays as the “aura“. Such a belief comes back to Egyptian and Hindu times, when it was thought that we have 10 colorful auric bodies which can generally be seen radiating from 6-18 inches outside of the physical system. Later in our holistic and energy-life path as human being, by the time we were also developing more our scientific knowledge and point of view of the world, we assigned to this belief the name of “subtle anatomy”.

As I was writing above, the subtle anatomy surrounding a person refers to the aura, or our electromagnetic field. It is ovoid in shape, with the widest part around the head and the narrowest under the feet. The aura is made up of seven layers or bodies, each of them interpenetrating and working with others.

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The layers consist of the etheric, emotional, mental, astral, etheric template, celestial and casual bodies.

Closest to the physical body lies the etheric body. This layer is the blue print of the physical body, and disintegrates with it at death. It is here that can be seen or felt as an accumulation of energy in the wrong place, which if it is not eradicated it will progress into a disorder or proper disease in the physical body. The etheric body contains the Chakras, our central wheels of rotating energy, and Nadis, the energy channels connected with the nervous system.

The second aura layer is called the emotional layer and extends two to four inches away from the physical body. This layer is primarily connected to the second chakra, feelings, emotions and experience. It is constantly in a state of change, reflective of our current mood. This layer also stores unsettled emotions such as fear, resentment, and loneliness. The energies present in the second aura layer will communicate with the first layer, and then process this information into the physical body. That’s the reason why usually physical tension, muscle cramps and upset stomach could be a result of the first layer being bombarded by emotional pain.

The third aura layer is the mental body, extending itself four to eight inches from the physical body. This layer is connected to the third chakra, our consciousness, ideas, logical processes, belief systems and intellect. Here stay our mental health and/or mental issues, thoughts and ideas are rationalized and validated. Every thought that we have creates a form or shape: if we think negative thoughts, they will attract other negative thought forms, and thereby amplify the original thought. Same for positive thoughts.

The astral layer is also called “bridge layer”, as it is a window to our spiritual nature, separating the first three layers from the outer three aura layers. It is eight to twelve inches away from the physical body and connects to the fourth chakra, our sense of love, well-being, expansion and life-balance.

We named the fifth aura layer the etheric template one. It is one to two feet away from the physical body. It connects with the fifth chakra, sound, vibration, communication and creativity. Primarily this layer of the aura serves as a carbon copy of the physical body on the spiritual plane.

The sixth aura layer is called the celestial body. It extends two to three feet away from the body and reflects our subconscious mind, memories, dreams, spiritual awareness, intuitive knowledge, trust, honesty, and unconditional love. It is where the physical mind comes to connection with the spiritual mind through meditation and devotional practices. The celestial layer holds our experiences of having a connection to something greater than ourselves, untangible.

The causal layer is the link to one may call “God”, “Creator”, “Source”, or “All That Is” within each individual, and extends three to five feet away from the physical body, depending on our spiritual state. The seventh aura layer, or causal layer, is connected to the seventh chakra, all knowledge and all possibilities. This layer protects and holds all other aura layers together, and contains the blueprint of our spiritual path, reflecting all of the soul’s experiences and events through time. So basically, it is the record of all our previous lives, plus the reason for our present incarnation. When we reincarnate, we bring with us the knowledge of the path that we have chosen to walk and the challenges we have selected to meet. But from the moment of birth we are subjected to conditioning which makes us forget our life plan.


I know there is a lot to take in…

So I will let you “digest” all these information first, and I will be back next time focusing on the colors and their meaning of the aura and then on how to start seeing the layers, with some useful tips and suggestions for beginners with the will to learn!

Thanks for reading,

Namaste

 

 

Picture taken from: https://nexusnewsfeed.com/article/consciousness/how-aura-energy-healing-works-1/

 

Focus on: The Throat Chakra

Sanskrit name: Visuddha
Element: Akasha
Color: Blue
Shape: Crescent
Petals of the lotus: Sixteen
Rights: To speak
Physical association: Throat, ears, mouth, shoulders, and neck
Psychological function: Communication
Identity: Creative identity
Challenge: Lies
Plane: Human plane
Planets: Mercury
Incense: Frankincense
Herb: Chamomile


 

The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra and it is the first of the higher or spiritual chakras on the “chakra ladder”. Located at the center of the neck at the level of the throat, it is the passage of the energy between the lower parts of the body and the head. “Visuddha”, which means “pure” or “purification”, is related to the element of sound. Through the throat, sound is propagated into the air and its vibration can be felt not just in our ears, but also in our whole body. That’s why the function of the Throat Chakra is driven by the principle of expression and communication.

The Throat chakra is most commonly represented with the color blue turquoise or aquamarine blue. And its symbol is composed of a circle with sixteen petals, a crescent with a circle inside of it and, sometimes, it is symbolized by a circle containing a downward-pointing triangle in which is inscribed another circle. The most commonly accepted location for the fifth chakra is at the level of the throat. It’s important to remember that this chakra is multidimensional and is often represented as going out of the front of the throat, and going in the back at a slight upward angle.

As a communication center, it not only allows you to express who you are and what you stand for, but also allows you to listen deeply to another. Infact, the gift of this chakra is accepting your originality, expressing your authentic voice and speaking your truth. The energy of this chakra allows you to seek knowledge that is true, beyond limitations of time and space, beyond cultural and family conditioning. A person with an open Visuddha Chakra is a good listener, enables another person to have the experience of being heard, one of the most profound human needs. He/she has also good sense of timing and the propensity to create and projecting ideas, realizing his/her vocation and purpose in life.

The main challenge for the fifth chakra is doubt and negative thinking. A Throat Chakra blockage can also manifest as the inability to express and realize your truth in the world, which can significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals and being able to communicate effectively with others for fear of ridicule and judgement. Lack of control over one’s speech, speaking too much or inappropriately, not being able to listen to others, imperceptible voice, not being able to keep secrets and telling lies are just some of the manifestation of problems related to Visuddha.

But how can you open and rebalance it again?

  • Be blue. Using chakra colors to support or stimulate the fifth chakra opens up a whole array of possibilities. For example, incorporating the color blue into your decor at home and work is a nice, subtle way to bring focus to the throat chakra. The calming effect of this color of wisdom and honesty can help open up and heal a blocked fifth chakra. Wearing precious or semi-precious blue stones is a great boost for chakra healing and balance. Meditating on the color blue also helps alleviate throat chakra imbalance.
  • Yoga for the Throat Chakra primarily focuses on simple neck movements, such as moving you head from side to side, can help ease tension that can block it.
  • Sing and drink water. These are great Throat Chakra cleanser.
  • Clear the air. At-home aromatherapy can help dispel negativity and restore balance to the chakras. Consider introducing one or a combination of these scents to heal and activate your fifth energy center: jasmine, rosemary, sandalwood, calendula.
  • Write it down. Learning how to express yourself without censoring or editing can be valuable. Practice mindful self-expression by journaling. Get it all out on paper and let it sit, then revisit what you have written at a later time.
  • Talk it out. Talk openly with close friends and family. Make it a point to be open and honest with all you say. Simply speaking in a heartfelt way can work wonders to strengthen and balance the throat chakra. Speak the truth with love.
  • Let it be. Letting go is difficult. Holding on to things over which you have no control can lead to resentment, guilt, and anger — all of which contribute to an imbalance of the throat chakra.
  • Work on these believes you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Throat Chakra Affirmations

I am open, clear and honest in my communication.
I have a right to speak my truth.
I communicate my feelings with ease.
I express myself creatively through speech, writing or art.
I have a strong will that lets me resolve my challenges.
I nourish my spirit through creativity.
I live an authentic life. I have integrity.
I love to share my experience and wisdom. I know when it is time to listen.
I express my gratitude towards life.
I listen to my body and my feelings to know what my truth is.
I take good care of my physical body.
I am at peace.

The Healing Technique of Hand Reflexology

Every single part of the human body is connected through the nerves through feet, hands and ears“. This is what the ancient healing technique of reflexology believes.

According to this principle, the different organs in the body have nerve endings that culminate in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. These nerve endings and their associated organs have been identified by reflexologists and divided into various zones or pressure points. Any disfunction or blockage in the organs causes pain in the associated pressure point and when this one is stimulated, the blockage is removed and the organ returns to its proper function.

If you would like to compare, the prime difference between the hand reflexology and foot reflexology is that the first one uses the key points in the hands, instead of the feet, for stimulating the nerve to relieve tension, stress and imbalances of various connected parts/organs. Hands are also more flexible and the reflexes are much deeper beneath the skin as compared to the feet where the reflexes lie close to the skin surface. This means that one needs to reach deeper and hold for a longer time period in hand reflexology to stimulate a point in the hand as compared to the feet reflexology, where the effect in much efficient and quick.

Nowadays our hands are perhaps the most active parts of the human body, as most of our daily activities involve the use of the hands in a more sedentary lifestyle. It is no wonder that most people’s hands and bodies are in such agony! Hand reflexology is actually a natural form of alternative massage therapy that targets the key body zones of your body right from the palm of your hands. There are people who get instant relief from various conditions by doing this and even more who get gradual benefits only by doing it daily.

Studies conducted to measure the efficacy of this olistic massage have shown that it is beneficial for the whole body circulation and heart and produces the same positive effects on the brain as meditation. Plus, reflexology can help you to beat stress. It is also used to treat diseases and conditions such as constipation, headaches (migraine or sinus induced), and asthma.

Hand reflexology is a popular and easy self-massage technique. A simple massage takes only about ten minutes and it does not require any special oil or lotion, unless you want it, but only thumb, finger, and hand massage movements. One should be familiar with a hand chart, which is a graphic display of how each part of the body is represented in both hands. Using this chart as a guide, you can focus the massage on specific problem areas.

hand-small-reflexology

By following a series of simple steps, an easy hand reflexology self-treatment can be performed. You should follow these steps first on the right hand, followed by the left.

  1. Sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet room, use relaxing music, pillows, incense or candles as you wish. Enter a state of relaxation using a bit of your favorite oil hands, if you like.
  2. Rub the cream on your hands for several minutes until completely absorbed. This will relax your hands and increase flexibility in preparation for applying reflexology. Be sure not to use a cream or oil greasy your hands are not slippery.
  3. Close your eyes and focus on any area of your body where you feel an uncomfortable pain. Sometimes you just feel as if some part of your body feel misaligned.
  4. Consult a hand reflexology map to identify the points of reflection in your hands that correspond to the parts of your body you want to work.
  5. Firmly press the reflex point you need to stimulate. You can gradually increase the pressure to make sure you’re “activating” the reflex, but loose a little if you feel some pain.
  6. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds and release. Wait a few seconds and repeat. You can press either 30 seconds or you can press and release the point of a pulsed for 30 seconds.
  7. Use your thumb to apply light pressure technique pressure if you are uncomfortable. To do this, use a circular motion over the same point of reflection for about 5 seconds, then rotates in a circular in the opposite direction for 5 seconds. Repeated several times for each point of reflection.
  8. Reflexology applies to all areas in both hands, but lend him more attention on problem areas.
  9. When you’ve finished your reflexology session sit quietly for at least 10 minutes. If possible, lie down and rest well for half an hour.
  10. Drink several glasses of water after applying reflexology. Water will help to drain the toxins released from your organs and muscles during the session.

 

 

 

Picture taken from: http://www.massageiraniyan.ir/fa/galleryfa/the-pictures/category/1-anatomy

Focus on: The Heart Chakra

Sanskrit name: Anahata (unstruck)
Element: Air
Color: Green
Shape: Crescent moon
Petals of the lotus: Twelve
Rights: To love
Physical association: Heart, lungs, circulatory system, arms, hands
Psychological function: Love
Challenge: Grief
Plane: The plane of balance
Planets: Venus (lunar, feminine), Sun
Sense organ: Skin
Predominant sense: Touch
Incense: Jasmin, lavender, rose
Herb: Yarrow, meadowsweet, oris root


In Sanskrit Anahata means “sound produced without touching two parts” and at the same time “pure, clean” or “unstruck”. The name of this chakra signifies the state of freshness that appears when we are able to become detached and to look at the different and apparently contradictory experiences of life with a state of openness and expansion. Normally we are used that an effect is produced by the confrontation of the two opposite forces. At the level of Anahata chakra appears the possibility to integrate the two opposite forces and create an energy of cooperation and integration, which brings peace and a new perspective in the world.

The symbol for the Heart chakra is traditionally composed of a circle with twelve petals and a downward-pointing triangle interlaced with an upward-pointing triangle, forming a six-pointed star or hexagram. The twelve petals, often colored in red, match the disturbances of lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, competence, discrimination and defiance, that can easily sneak in our heart and upset it. The intersecting triangles represent the air element and its all-encompassing quality. They also symbolize the union of seemingly opposite principles or types of energies, such as male and female, spirit and matter. The star that they form evokes the harmonious joining of forces and highlights the function of the heart chakra as a center of integration and connection.

The most commonly accepted location for the fourth chakra is at the center of the chest, between the breasts. It’s slightly to the left of the actual organ of the heart, from whom it takes its name. Because of its location, the heart chakra is associated to the cardiac system and the lungs, organs that are interdependent and rely on air and the “breathing of life” to function properly.

Anahata moves love through our life. It is the center of our deep bonds with other beings, our sense of caring and compassion, our feelings of self-love, altruism, generosity, kindness, and respect. The energy of Anahata allows us to recognize that we are part of something larger, that we are interconnected within an intricate web of relationships extending through life and the universe. This chakra allows us to recognize and get in touch with the sacred and fundamental truth that runs through all of life and connects everything together. It suggests us to live our life with loving kindness and compassion towards others, to keep our heart open and inspire kindness, to create a safe and supportive environment.

When Anahata is open and energy is flowing freely, you are not only loving to others, you are also loving to your self. You know when you need to say no and when you need care and self-nurturing. But when this chakra becomes imbalanced as a result of life experiences that have a strong emotional charge or significant changes in your environment, it may manifests as a blockage in the energy flow or, on the contrary, as a tendency to become overactive or have an excess of energy. You might feel overly defensive, closed down, jealous, relying on other’s approval and attention, trying to please at all cost, falling into victimization, antisocial and at the physical level, it can show up as respiratory ailments, such as lung infection, bronchitis or circulatory and heart-related issues.

But how can you open and rebalance your Anahata?

  • The best way to receive love is to give it! So give hugs and kisses, smile at everyone you see daily, try to forgive and move on (life is too short to hold grudges), give friends, family and co-workers positive affirmations and feedback. Do not criticize anyone or anything, including yourself. Focus on receiving if you are naturally inclined to be a giver, and on giving if you’re more inclined to receive all the time.
  • Express your gratitude, even if it’s in silence. You can be grateful for the presence of other people in your life or simply for good things that make your life happier. If you find easier, make a written or mental list in your mind before going to sleep.
  • Learn “empathy”. It will open your mind and implement your kindness and compassion towards others. Walking in another person’s shoes is not easy to do, but can be helpful in growing a sense of empathy and compassion. Try to play a game called, “the what if scenarios.” When encountering a person who is being unpleasant or who has treated me poorly in the past, ask yourself “What if that person is just having a bad day?” etc. And as you create these stories, of which the possibilities are endless, you begin to empathize with the other person and his or her situation. This method also takes you away from yourself and self-pity.
  • Cultivate your appreciation for beauty, whether it’s in nature, people or in the arts. Engage in activities that feed your heart.
  • Any yoga pose that opens the area of the chest will help to balance the heart chakra. Some poses include camel, standing bow pose, and cow face pose.
  • Work with the breath to balance your energy. Observe it, play with it with breathing exercises.
  • Work on these believes you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Heart Chakra Affirmations

I am open to love.
All love resides within my heart.
I deeply and completely love and accept myself.
I nurture my inner child. I am wanted and loved.
I live in balance, in a state of gracefulness and gratitude.
I love the beauty of nature and the animal world. I forgive myself.
I am open to love and kindness.
I am grateful for all the challenges that helped me to transform and open up to love.
I am connected with other human beings.
I feel a sense of unity with nature and animals.
I accept things as they are.
I am peaceful.

Discover the properties of Lobelia

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy and it is one of the greatest herbs ever given to the world. A brief history of this amazing herb starts with the Native Americans, who smoked it as a treatment for respiratory problems. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed Lobelia to induce vomiting in order to remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name “puke weed.” After that, the belief that Lobelia was a dangerous poison began, due to the fact that Dr. Samuel Thompson was having an amazing success treting his patient with this herbal remedy, instead of using orthodox medicine.

Nowadays, scientists think an active ingredient in the Lobelia plant, lobeline, may have similar effects to nicotine. For this reason, back in the days they were using lobeline as a nicotine substitute in many antismoking products and preparations designed to break the smoking habit.

In general, Lobelia is an efficient relaxant, the best counter-irritant known to mankind! Its action is felt immediately on the serous, mucous, muscular and nervous system of our body. It is also a powerful antispasmodic, expanding at the same time the contracted parts of the respiratory system, allowing the “breath of life” (oxygenized blood) to flow freely in the whole body.

Lobelia is also commonly known as a “selective thinking herb”. This means that when a foetus is dead or in an extremely weakened condition, this herb will cause it to abort. While, if the foetus is healthy but the mother is sick, it will help the mother healing and strengthen, enabling her to carry the child until the delivery. Then during the labour, Lobelia will allay and regulate the violent pains and ease the spasms. Very effective also for menstrual disorders.

Be careful though! Bear in mind that Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb. You can safely use it in small doses (for example homeopathic doses), but moderate to large doses may cause side effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma. As a general rule, an herbalist should always give it in combination with a stimulant as per its powerful relaxing effects. But anyway, you should use lobelia only under the supervision of your health care provider.

Preparations and Dosage (for adults, with normal weight and no medical conditions):

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion (mostly seeds crushed), pills, poultrice, powder (leaves, stems, flowers and pods), syrup and tincture (green and dried leaves). With prudence, you may give Lobelia in either small or large doses, at shorter or longer intervals:

  • Decoction: 1/2 cupful
  • Fluid extract 10 to 30 drops
  • Infusion 1 cupful
  • Powder 200-650 milligrams
  • Solid Extract 100-300 milligrams
  • Syrup 1 to 4 teaspoons
  • Tincture 1/2-1 teaspoon, or 10 to 30 drops

Syrup of Lobelia (for cough and vomit inducer):

2 and half ounces of Lobelia and 2 ints of distilled water, simmer togheter down to 1 pint. Strain and dissolve 2 pounds of raw sugar or 1 pounds of honey into it. Take 1 teaspoon for coughs or up to 1 cupful as a vomit inducer.

Decoction of Lobelia (for liver problems, jaundice):

1 part of Lobelia, 1 part of Pleurisy root, 1 part of Catnip and 1 part of Bitter root. Mix the herbs well and steep 1 teaspoon of this combination in 1 cup of noiling water for 15 to 20 minutes, then strain. Take 2 tablespoon hot every 2 hours.

Tincture of Lobelia (for relief fever, asthma and spasms):

2 ounces of Lobelia herb, steam and flowers, 2 ounces of crushed Lobelia seeds and 1 pint of apple cider vinegar (better choice than alcohol). Macerate in a tightly capped bottle for 10 to 14 days. Shake every time you walk by it, or at least once a day. Strain off the liquid and bottle it for use.

Focus on: The Solar Plexus Chakra

Sanskrit name: Manipura (jeweled city)
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Shape: Triangle (downward-pointing)
Petals of the lotus: Ten
Rights: To act
Physical association: Digestive system, liver, gall bladder
Psychological function: Will
Challenge: Shame
Plane: Celestial plane
Planets: Sun and Mars
Incense: Saffron, musk, sandalwood
Herb: Cinnamon, ginger


Located between the navel and the solar plexus, this chakra is also called “Manipura“, which translates from Sanskrit as the “City of Jewels” (Mani – gem, Pura or Puri – city).

The main elements of the Solar Plexus chakra symbol are a circle with ten petals and an downward-pointing triangle. This last one in particular represents the fire element and the transformative power of this energy center. Infact, fire turns matter into energy that can be used to propel, move forward. The ten petals are often represented with the color blue, like the blue color of the flame.

That is the rason why it is said that Manipura governs digestion and metabolism, as it is connected with the fire energy and it is the home of the coeliac plexus, which innervates most of the digestive system. Other than that, the Solar Plexus is the core of our personality, our identity, of our ego, our willpower. While the Sacral chakra seeks pleasure and enjoyment, the third chakra is all about the perception of who you are.

The gift of this chakra is sensing your personal power, being confident, responsible, and reliable. The energy of this chakra allows you to transform inertia into action and movement. It allows you to face challenges and move forward in your life. Manipura reminds you that you can choose, you have the power to choose and create your life, making your own decisons. And here comes the hard work, as the main challenge for the third chakra is to use your personal power in a balanced manner, which means being proactive rather then reactive or inactive.

So what happens when you have a Solar Plexus unbalanced? Other than having digestive problems, people with excessive Manipura energy react to much to life circumstances, they have emotional outbursts and are often stressed out. If they have a blocked or deficient third chakra, they are passive and inactive , allowing life to pass by while they do nothing. On the other hand, when the Solar Plexus chakra is balanced, you may find yourself being assertive, showing your will in a way that leads to the expected results (usually effortlessly) and having harmonious relationships with your surroundings.

But how can you open and rebalance your Manipura?

  • Essential oils (lemon, ginger, clove, cinnamon and black pepper) are an easy, subtle way to open your solar plexus chakra. They can be worn as perfume if diluted properly, or used in oil diffusers. A few drops in a hot bath can provide a relaxing location for meditation.
  • Since the goal is to have an opened and activated solar plexus chakra, try imagining a bright yellow flower opening over your navel. A glowing golden ball of light or a burning flame are also good meditations for opening Manipura. Imagine those for a few minutes at a time throughout the day while taking deep, calming breaths.
  • The best Solar Plexus chakra yoga poses are those that strengthen your core and help you to feel more powerful and confident. Step into the Warrior I pose to access your inner spiritual warrior.
  • Certain foods (sweet potatoes, pumpkins, corn, lemon, lentils and brown rice) can be used to heal the Solar Plexus chakra. Adding these to your diet or increasing the amount you eat can help activate your chakra.
  • Work on these believes you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations

I love and accept myself.
I stand up for myself.
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 healthy relationships.
I am authentic.
I direct my own life.
I appreciate my strengths.
I feel my own power.
I am free to choose in any situation.
I seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
I am at peace with myself.

How to choose your own Bach Flower Remedy

I wrote about Dr Bach’s Flower Remedies here. This time I’m looking at how to find the right remedy for you.

Each person is an individual, with their own emotional world, fears and stresses. Rather than give patients a diagnostic label, Dr Bach suggested that discovering how each person feels should be the guide of choosing individual support and treatment when they are unwell. This is what we could call an “olistic approach” to each patient.

In treating cases with these remedies, no notice is taken of the nature of the disease. The individual is treated and as he becomes well the disease goes, having been case off by the increase in health. (Dr. Bach in The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies)

The remedy dosage

The Bach flower remedies are completely safe and natural and they work exclusively and directly on an emotional level, seeking to balance negative emotions. Their aim is to empower us to support ourselves through difficult times and to help us developing our positive strengths. For obatain the best results an adult should take 4 drops from a treatment bottle 8 times a day for chronic states. For very acute states take 4 drops every 30-60 minutes, reverting to the normal dosage when more balance has returned.

It starts with self reflection

Going into the path of identifying the Bach Flower Remedies that will be the most beneficial, either for yourself or someone else, is a simple process of self-reflection and observation. Easier to say than to do maybe. But remember that no matter what is the issue, you are simply looking for the remedies that will help you bring greater balance to how you think and feel.

Start by looking at how you are reacting to the situation that you are experiencing in a egative way, then review your general reaction to the events and conditions of your life, to identify any general trends or patterns in the way that you think and feel. For example, some people face the world with feelings of hopelessness, doubt or judgement, while others struggle to find balance in their relationships with those around them, and so on.

It is possible to mix almost 293,000,000 different bottles of remedies to suit each person’s individual emotional state. There are 38 individual flower, plus one ready mixed combination which Dr Bach called the “crisis mix”, but it is often known as Rescue Remedy. This is used for emergency help when we feel traumatised, shocked or upset. The remedies can be mixed to match the emotional state of anyone needing support and they can be easily grouped in seven families, in order to help people finding what they need quickly:

  • Fear Group:

Aspen, Cherry Plum, Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Rock Rose

  • Uncertainty Group:

Cerato, Gentian, Gorse, Hornbeam, Scleranthus, Wild Oat

  • Insufficient Interest in Present Circumstances:

Chestnut Bud, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Mustard, Olive, White Chestnut, Wild Rose

  • Over Care for Welfare of Others:

Beech, Chicory, Rock Water, Vervain, Vine

  • Over-sensitive to Influences & Ideas:

Agrimony, Centaury, Holly, Walnut

  • Loneliness Group:

Heather, Impatiens, Water Violet

  • Despondancy or Despair:

Crab Apple, Elm, Larch, Oak, Pine, Star of Bethlehem, Sweet Chestnut, Willow

If you find really hard exploring yourself and your emotions, going through this online questionnaire may help you sorting out your doubts and make a choice:

Online Bach Flower Questionnaire

Also available for purchase.

Focus on: The Sacral Chakra

Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana (sweetness)
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Shape: Circle with crescent
Petals of the lotus: Six
Rights: To feel, to want
Physical association: Womb, genitals, kidney, bladder
Psychological function: Movement and connection
Challenge: Guilt
Plane: Astral plane
Planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Moon
Incense: Gardenia, damiana
Herb: Fennel, corriander


The most common Sanskrit name for the sacral chakra is “Svadhisthana”, which means “your own place”. This chakra is your passion and pleasure centre and it is located in the pelvic area. While the Root Chakra is satisfied with survival, the 2nd chakra seeks pleasure and enjoyment. The gift of this chakra is experiencing our lives through feelings and sensations.

The symbol of the Sacral Chakra is composed of a circle with six petals and a moon crescent. The circle represents the elements of water. Typically, the moon crescent is colored in silver and represents the connection of the energy of the moon with water. These symbols point to the close relationship between the phases of the moon and the fluctuations in the water and the emotions.

The energy of this chakra allows you to let go, to move, and to feel change and transformation occurring within your body. It allows you to experience this moment as it is, in its own fullness and it is also the centre of creativity. Motivated by pleasure, it’s the driving force for the enjoyment of life through the senses, through taste, touch, or sight. Opening your sacral chakra allows you to “feel” the world around and in us. For this reason, it’s an important chakra at the foundation of our feeling of well-being.

The main challenge for the second chakra is the conditioning of our society. We live in a society where feelings are not valued, where passion, and emotional reactions are being frowned upon. We are being taught not to “loose control”. And we get disconnected from our bodies, our feelings. That’s why we have so many issues with our passion centre, the wellspring of feelings, enjoyment, and sensuality.

But how can you open and rebalance your Svadhisthana?

  • Hip-opening yoga postures (as for example, “the cow”). This may directly connects you with your Sacral Chakra. While it’s ideal to do a few postures that stretch your hips through their full range of motion, holding one pose and focusing on completely letting go is a great place to start.
  • Dance like no one’s watching. One of the best and easiest way.
  • Tone up. While learning to let go of unnecessary muscular gripping and tension is ideal for chakra health throughout your body, it’s also important to take care of your body and keep your muscles strong and healthy. By the way, one of the main reasons to have a physical yoga practice is to create a fit body.
  • “Visualize orange”. Orange is the sacral chakra’s color. Imagine a bright, healing orange glow filling up your entire lower abdomen, keeping in mind that we’re three dimensional.
  • Learn how to “let go”of unhealthy emotions, people, and memories. This is so important. When we learn to let go of the baggage that we don’t need to carry, we create space and energy for new and better opportunities.
  • Work on these believes you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them:

Sacral Chakra Affirmations

I love and enjoy my body.
I have healthy boundaries.
I am open to experiencing the present moment through my senses.
I am passionate.
I feel pleasure and abundance with every breath I take.
I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water.
I know how to take care of my needs.
I value and respect my body.
I am open to touch and closeness.
I allow myself to experience pleasure.
My sexuality is sacred.
Emotions are the language of my soul.
I take good care of my physical body.
I am in peace.

UPDATE

Dear Abundy's supporters and friends, It is with sadness that I have to announce the temporarily closure of Abundy Studio due to unexpected circumstances. During this time you can stay tuned and read the Abundy blog, but all the treatments will be suspended until further notice. Hopefully we won't stay close for long! Thank you for your understanding and support. With Love and Gratitude.