.jpg "Baddha Konasana - Bound Angle Pose")
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Yoga has a huge impact on our energetic body. Within the energetic body are dense areas of energy called Chakras - vortexes that help to channel energy or prana around the body.
Each Chakra spins in a clockwise direction and vibrates at a different frequency; each represents a different emotion, organ, colour, sense and elements.
Practicing yoga helps to balance the chakras, which in turn creates a positive effect on our entire well being.
When our Chakras are not resonating at the correct frequency an imbalance can occur.
This may present itself in the physical body as an illness, injury, insomnia or a restless mind.
There are seven main chakras:
* The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is located at the base of the spine; it is associated with the legs, bowel movements, security, survival and trust. In terms of asanas, Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose), Dandasana (the staff) and Moola Bandha (the root lock) can be used to balance this chakra.
* The Abdominal Chakra (Swadhisthana) is located between the pelvis and the naval it is associated with our sex organs, desire, willingness to feel our emotions and our food intake. Yoga postures that engage the lower abdominals stimulate this chakra.
* The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is located between the naval and the base of the sternum. It is associated with the stomach, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, liver, perception and self confidence. Santolanasana (the plank), Pashchimotanasana (seated forward bend); and Dhanurasana (the bow) can be used to help balance this chakra.
* The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is located in the centre of the chest. It is associated with the heart, lungs, matters of the heart and relationships. Ardha matsyendrasana (half twist), Purvothanasana (the inclined plane), Matsyanasana (the fish) can be used to balance this chakra.
* The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) is located in the throat it is associated with the throat, shoulders, arms, hands, thyroid, expression and creativity. Halasana (the plough), sarvangasana (shoulder stand) can be used to help balance this posture.
* The Brow Chakra (Ajna) or the 'Third Eye' is located just above the centre of the eyebrows. It is associated with the head, endocrine system, extra sensory perception (ESP) and the astral world. The direction of focus towards Ajna will help to balance and stimulate this chakra.
* The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is located on and above the top of the head. It is associated with the pineal gland, brain, nervous system and pure consciousness. Sirsasana (the headstand) will help to balance and stimulate this chakra.
Practising yoga postures that stimulate individual Chakras, while focusing on the Chakra spinning in a clockwise direction, will help balance and move the body's energy.
Sue Fuller is the founder of yoga2hear, an eco-aware company that devises and produces audio yoga classes available on CD or as MP3 Downloads. Sue has written three courses for the British School of Yoga and has taught and studied internationally for over 15 years.