Author: Dr. Paul PaezDC, NRT, NET, CMT
Most people aren’t aware that you can improve the health and quality of your chakras by examining your posture. The secret lies in the optimal functioning of the three main bandhas of the body. The correct functioning of the bandhas is based on correct posture. Why? Because the bandhas are made up of muscle and bone structures based on optimal communication and coordination of nerves – this is the core of correct posture.
A quick primer on chakras
In the study of Eastern philosophy, as well as in the teachings of South American natives, we see the study of the chakra system. In India they are called the seven chakras, while in South America they are called the three main chakras. Either way, chakras are rotating forces or vortexes of energy in the body. The results of our energy bodies as concentrated focal points of swirling energy, as well as points of connection with the world outside the body.
A healthy chakra system has countless benefits. The exciting thing is that we can influence them through direct means. According to the chakras themselves Dr. Guru Rattana, PhD (1) can be influenced by three main components:
- Activation
- Licensing
- Alignment
In energy medicine circles, it is generally accepted that a “healthy” chakra rotates clockwise, that its opening is adequately opened, and that there are no energetic cords or other imbalances interfering with its functioning. The health of the chakras can be regulated and improved by both mental and physical means.
The gangs
It can positively influence your chakras by improving the structural alignment of your body by improving the structures associated with the bandhas or body locks. Bandhas are muscle groups located in three main areas of the body. They are called “locks” because the muscles contract with a force that serves to control energy in the body. The three bandhas involve physical structures that you can consciously control. The three main bandhas are:
Mula Bandha: Controlled by the pelvic floor muscles
Uddiyana Bandha: controlled by the abdominal muscles and diaphragm
Jalandhara bandha: controlled by the muscles of the neck
Bandhas are controlled by contracting the appropriate muscle groups. If these muscles have poor symmetry or neurological input, then the basis for proper bandha function is weak. Symmetry is vital to the full use of bandhas.
Symmetry begins where the muscles connect to the bones as anchor points. If these anchor points are not properly aligned throughout the body, they will affect symmetrical contractions. Neurological deficits resulting from poor posture also lead to muscle weakness. The net result is poor posture throughout the body.
Improve your chakras – improve your posture
Clearing your chakras through breathing or energetic means means you are more connected to your physical body and improve your posture. To understand this, I break it down into the following two systems:
Chakra Visceral System (CVS) – This is the connection between the energy qualities of the chakra and the corresponding organ or gland. For example, the 2nd chakra is associated with the genitals.
Visceral-somatic system (VSS) – The VSS is the connection between the organs/glands and muscles of the spine. For example, the spleen and liver are connected to the muscles in the middle of the back through a reflex mechanism (2). The connection of these two systems creates the so-called energetic-somatic system (ESS). This system represents the relationship between the body’s energies—in this case, the chakras and the physical body—and how they relate to posture. Connecting the points to these systems means that the chakras that affect the organs/glands will affect the postural muscles along the spine. This results in healthy chakras that are equal healthy posture (3).
Improve your posture
You can instantly improve your posture. Begin with the basic meditation sitting position. In a sitting meditation position, you can maintain a healthy sitting posture by optimizing the biomechanics of the spine and pelvis (6). This will have a positive effect on your chakras.
Here are four body parts to focus on – to improve your posture.
Pelvic level – if you are sitting on a chair, floor or cushion, make sure that your waist is even. This is done by keeping the legs in a symmetrical position. For example, if you are on the floor with your legs crossed, you may notice that the “top” leg lifts the hip on the same side. I recommend placing a pillow or block under your pelvic bones to elevate your hips so your legs can rest more evenly.
Low arched back – Squeeze your abdomen slightly (Uddiyana Bandha). This will help prevent your back from arching too far forward or too far back. It keeps your center of gravity aligned with your core and chakras.
Raised chest – Imagine a cord attached to the top of your head that gently pulls your head and torso up. This will lengthen your spine and help decompress your spine. A common mistake people make is to stick out their chest. Avoid the recommendation to lift the chest as this tends to cause people to lean back instead of lifting straight up.
Shoulders slightly pulled back – Instead of lifting the chest, a more effective posture correction is to gently pull the shoulders back. It’s like squeezing your shoulder blades together without over-straining the muscles that connect your shoulder blades to your spine.
In addition to improving your sitting posture, I recommend seeking posture guidance from a posture specialist. We provide recommendations for exercise, therapy, and posture tools to help you make long-lasting, profound changes in your posture. I am confident that you will not only see improvements in the health of your chakras, but also in your overall health and well-being.
References
(1) https://www.yogatech.com/Guru_Rattana_PhD
(2) https://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=55724
(3) http://www.posturepossible.com/what-is-good-posture/
