The heart chakra, also known as anahata, forms the warm center of who we are and how we connect with others and ourselves. We all experience it from time to time: you feel out of balance, emotions take over, or a longing for a deeper connection looms on the horizon. This is where your heart chakra, also known as the fourth chakra, green chakra, or heart chakra, comes into play. Where exactly is this energy point located, what is its significance, and how can you bring your heart chakra into balance? We'll lovingly delve into the world of this powerful energy, gentleness, and compassion.
What does the heart chakra (anahata) mean?
The heart chakra—called anahata in Sanskrit, meaning "unblemished" or "unbroken"—is the fourth energy center of the seven major chakras in yoga philosophy. It is located at the level of the heart, in the center of the chest. Traditionally, love for yourself and others converges through this place, not in its sexual form, but in empathy, forgiveness, compassion, and a sense of deep harmony. Our sexuality is a topic linked to the sacral chakra .
In yogic tradition, the heart chakra is said to form the bridge between the first three (more physical) chakras and the last three (more spiritual) chakras. It is literally and figuratively the center of balance, where earthly desires converge with higher, loving energy. A balanced heart chakra expresses itself in warmth, openness, forgiveness, and deep joy. However, if this energy is out of balance, you may experience loneliness, bitterness, or difficulty setting boundaries.
Signs of an unbalanced and imbalanced heart chakra
- In balance: You feel love for yourself and others, you are forgiving, feel connected, and can set open and healthy boundaries.
- Out of balance: You may experience feelings of loneliness, difficulty giving or receiving, hold onto grudges, or withdraw quickly after disappointments. Physically, this can sometimes manifest as tense shoulders, shallow breathing, or chest pain. Note: this is not medical advice; always consult a doctor if you have any complaints.
Do you find yourself enjoying helping people in company, but finding it difficult to ask for support yourself? Or quickly withdrawing after a difficult situation? These are typical signs of an imbalanced Heart Chakra. And it's good to know: this happens to all of us, somewhere between "everything's going smoothly" and "I just can't take it anymore."
Symbolism: color, element and mantra
The heart chakra is green. For good reason: green symbolizes growth, healing, and balance. The element of air is also associated with the heart chakra: the breath—subtle yet powerful—brings harmony into motion. Want to work on your anahata? Then you can use the mantra "YAM" (pronounced "yam"), associated with this chakra in the yoga tradition.
Heart chakra affirmations: I am open to giving and receiving love. I forgive myself and others. I love myself and others unconditionally. Love is my guiding truth. I am love.
How does the heart chakra work according to yoga philosophy?
According to yoga philosophy, chakras are subtle energy centers that together reflect the delicate interplay between body, mind, and soul. The heart chakra is the core of balance within this. Ancient texts, such as the Upanishads and the Yoga Sutras, speak of the importance of loving kindness and openness: when anahata radiates, our relationships with others and ourselves become lighter, calmer, and richer. It's not a magic wand; it requires practice and awareness—you could compare it to growing a plant (but within yourself).
Did you know: In many ancient insights, the heart chakra symbolizes “the gateway to the soul”: according to some yogis, the heart is not only a biological pump, but also the center of intuition, feeling and inner wisdom.
Practical tips to support your heart chakra
- Yoga heart openers: Consider poses like bridge, camel, cobra, or fish (pictured left to right). Use a firm yoga mat for comfort.
- Conscious breathing: Practice deep abdominal breathing or lengthen your exhalation for a few minutes each day. This helps you relax and opens your chest.
- Write a gratitude list: Reflect on what you're grateful for, big or small. This increases your sense of connection and appreciation.
- Connect: Call a friend, hug a pet, or spend time in nature. Connecting with others (or just yourself) helps open your heart.
- Meditation: Focus on the heart area. Sit comfortably in a lotus or cross-legged position and gently bring your attention to your chest, imagining the color green or repeating the mantra "YAM."
Want to dedicate a full yoga session to your heart chakra? Then take this class from Yoga with Akshaya Agnes and bring it back into balance.
Heart Chakra and Nutrition: Is There a Link?
While there's no hard science that officially links nutrition to chakras, many yogis believe that green and fresh foods—think avocado, broccoli, spinach, green tea, or matcha—support the heart. Not because of magic spells, but because nutritious and natural products literally do us good. Ultimately, it's all about listening to your body and nourishing yourself with gentleness and love.
Heart Chakra Incense – Rose
The soft, floral scent of roses opens your heart and invites love, compassion, and connection. This fragrance helps the heart chakra flow again when you want to give and receive love, without losing yourself.
Chakra incense helps you relax, focus, and deepen your senses – perfect for meditation or yoga practice. Each scent is tailored to a specific chakra and supports its associated energy.
Setting boundaries, staying open: the challenge
Perhaps you recognize this: the balance between opening your heart and setting healthy boundaries can be quite a challenge. An open heart doesn't mean you always say "yes," swallow everything, or keep giving everyone a second chance. With a strong heart chakra, you'll have a better sense of what's good for you and for others. Think of saying "no" with love, staying true to yourself, and still connecting with others. It might sound simple, but we all know it's not always that simple. So be gentle with yourself if things are still a bit shaky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I sometimes feel pressure on my chest during emotional moments?
The heart chakra is energetically connected to your chest and lungs. During intense emotions, tension can arise, literally feeling like pressure, tightness, or tightness—a signal that something is waiting to be felt.
Can past sadness get stuck in the heart chakra?
Yes, unresolved grief, heartbreak, or old pain can build up energetically around the heart chakra. That's why old emotions can sometimes surface unexpectedly during yoga or meditation that opens this area.
Why do I have trouble receiving love, even when I give it?
A blocked heart chakra manifests not only as an inability to give love, but also as a reluctance to receive it. This often relates to self-esteem and the feeling of being worthy of love.
How do I know if I'm "too open" in my heart energy?
If you're easily overwhelmed by other people's emotions, afraid to set boundaries, or are constantly in "caregiving mode," your heart chakra may be overactive. Balance also means not forgetting yourself.
Can the heart chakra become unbalanced due to stress or perfectionism?
Absolutely. When you're constantly "trying hard" to be good or taking care of everything for others, you often unconsciously shut yourself off from your own heart energy. It helps to pause for a moment and turn inward.