Chakrasana - a path to heart opening

by Nick on Feb 08 2017
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    Chakrasana - a path to heart opening Chakrasana - a path to heart opening


    There are always yoga poses that beginners, in particular, believe they will never be able to achieve. These include headstands and crow 's pose, as well as Chakrasana, the wheel. Those who encounter this pose for the first time often believe they will never be able to muster the necessary strength and flexibility, and perhaps even the courage. At the same time, Chakrasana also shows that with a gentle introduction and preparatory exercises, more is possible than you might think. This applies not only to your yoga path, but to your entire life.

    The wheel of your body


    You're probably familiar with the yoga term Chakrasana (Sanskrit: chakra = wheel) from your childhood. Even in school classes or children's gymnastics classes, the so-called "bridge" pose is a classic exercise. The practitioner stands on their hands and feet, their entire body forming the bridge, with the belly facing upward. Through the bend, the positions of body parts and organs shift relative to each other: Now the belly is higher than the heart, which is why Chakrasana is one of the inversions in yoga.

    Flexibility and strength


    The Wheel Pose is an asana that trains numerous muscles. It primarily strengthens your hands and arms, feet and legs—but also your buttocks. Chakrasana is also an important element in the practice of many yogis for effective stretching. You stretch the muscles of your entire front side, especially in the thighs, abdomen (this also boosts your digestion!), chest, shoulders, and neck.
    Many people who come to yoga want to improve their back health, especially their spine. Chakrasana is a classic backbend that increases back flexibility and can protect against injury. If you want to try this challenging asana, which is one of the more advanced yoga poses, but have back problems (especially in the lumbar spine), it's best to consult your doctor beforehand or ask your yoga instructor to show you an easier variation of the wheel.

    Physical and mental strength


    Chakrasana is a yoga pose that beautifully demonstrates the connection between body and mind, between external and internal posture. The backbend not only opens the chest and abdominal area physically. "Opening the heart" also means approaching life and other people with openness.
    It's clear that you need a certain amount of strength, especially in your arms, to assume Chakrasana. However, you can develop this gradually with targeted exercises. Even with strengthened muscles, you will still need a certain amount of willpower to commit to and maintain the asana in the yoga wheel. This experience not only shows you your stamina, but also helps you endure and master situations in everyday life. This strengthens you a little more each time.

    Energy for your chakras


    Chakrasana has the word chakra in its name. It's no wonder that this asana has an activating effect on two of your chakras. First, of course, on your heart chakra (Anahata Chakra) , which brings love, devotion, and lightness to your life. Second, through the backbend, you also stimulate Vishuddha, your throat chakra . Your energy circulates here, which has a purifying effect on your emotions and helps you show others who you are.

    Your path to Chakrasana


    To get into bridge pose, lie on your back with your knees bent on your mat. Place your hands on the floor to the right and left of your head. Stretch your chest upwards and gently place your head on the mat. Beginners can stay in this position; more advanced yogis can push themselves up until your arms are almost (or fully) extended at the elbows.
    There are wonderful exercises for the necessary strength and flexibility that are accessible even to yoga beginners . For example, you can improve your arm strength in the plank pose (Chaturanga Dandasana) . You can train your back flexibility statically in the camel pose (Ustrasana) or more dynamically with the classic sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) .
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