Yoga and creativity are inextricably linked. Yoga practitioners worldwide can attest that their daily practice serves their creativity well. So how are yoga and creativity connected? After all, one is a physical and mental discipline, and the latter a manifestation of innovative thoughts and ideas. But what seems like the ultimate mismatch, is in fact deeply entangled. Both can lead to a newfound enlightenment. Creativity needn’t necessarily be painting, sculpting or writing a novel, one can be an artist in the smallest of his or her endeavors from doing chores to planning out an afternoon. People are creative when the things they do are executed with passion, imagination, a sense of humour or a new approach.

What can yoga do for creativity?

To access the deep seated creativity within us, yoga can influence one’s body and chakras, mind, ego and focus.

Body and chakras
Yoga increases bodily and spatial awareness. Pranayama and other breathing techniques pump oxygen into the body and increase renal and cerebral blood flow, causing the organs to function better. This energised circulation as well as the inner massage from the asanas cleanses and rids the body of toxins and stimulates creativity.

The first and the sixth chakra are strongly linked to creativity. Stimulating Muladhara, the root chakra which grounds us, gives us the confidence to express ourselves. The sixth chakra, Ajna or the ‘third eye’ is associated with intuition connecting the mind and psyche, to unleash the subconscious creativity within us. The second chakra Svadhishthana is often referred to as the source of sexual and creative energy.

Mind
Yoga also creates mental awareness. The meditative aspect of yoga helps eliminate unnecessary thoughts cluttering the mind, freeing up valuable imagination real estate. When the mind is clear, ideas will flow easily and freely. The best inspiration comes from a calm mind that is free of constant distraction.

Breathing techniques are also known for their effect on banishing negativity. A mind free of dark thoughts breeds clever ideas without playing devil’s advocate and dismissing what may be constructive or worthwhile ideas.

Yoga practice also makes one mindful and subject to meta thinking (thinking about thinking) when in the process of creating. The importance of this is that one is constantly made aware of the background, possibilities and limitations of their new work.

Ego
We’re all well aware that ego (consciousness of the separate personal self) hinders innovation. Yoga can help you surrender your ego and give into the creative process. One things that severely hinders the creative process is the need to control it. Drop the ego and immediately one is less defensive, more open minded and more creative.

Focus
Yoga also increases focus, which can benefit your expression of creativity. This enhanced focus is the reason many people practice yoga early in the morning to feel more centered and productive during the day. Yoga will calm you and aid you in concentrating on what matters and shifts the focus to your art.

The key to using yoga to unearth your creativity is to practice regularly and train your body, mind and spirit. That said, even short bursts of yoga around fifteen minutes before you embark on any creative pursuit will help.

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Photo credits: leshoward, dalydose on flickr

3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
The Manipura chakra located in the area of the navel is associated with will and power.
Physical imbalances may include: Problems of the diaphragm, kidneys, respiratory system, hormonal & digestive systems, ulcers and gallstones. Basil is good for the nervous system, intestinal antiseptic and digestion. Bergamot has antidepressant and calming properties and is good for the stomach.

Other Essential oils like carnation, gold chamomile, fennel, Juniper, lavender, sandalwood, Ginger and Lemon  will help to strengthen and keep this center protected, relaxing the body and balancing mood swings.

Oils to relax, balance mood swings, protect the solar plexus and increase confidence such as benzoin, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, melissa, palmarosa, sage, myrrh, helichrysum, ylang ylang and sandalwood. Collectively these will help balance and heal issues around stress, self esteem, desire, frustration, fear, guilt and doubt.

4. Anahata (Heart Chakra)
The heart chakra is the power house of the human energy system and the center of love and healing.

Physical imbalances include: stroke, angina, arthritis, heart disease, rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, arm and hand pain, chronic restrictions in the upper back and thoracic area. Eucalyptus is an expectorant, anti-infection and a good tonic. Rose has a calming effect, which helps in calming the nerves, headaches and shock.

Marjoram, orange, rose otto, lavender, benzoin, sandalwood and bergamot will help keep the heart area open and receptive to love, and heal the heart. Essential oils that help to balance love of self and others are rose, geranium, palmarosa, neroli, melissa, hyssop, rosewood, chamomile, ylang ylang, galbanum, angelica and jasmine. Other suitable oils for this chakra include sweet orange, frankincense, himalayan cedarwood, heilchrysum and vetiver. These essential oils can help you to balance and heal emotional issues around grief and loss, emotional heaviness, sadness, feelings of despair and depression or anger turned inward, feelings of lack, loss, less than, never having enough or being good enough or not being quite up to the task of your life, feelings of being unloved, unappreciated, unaccepted, disconnected, restricted, or in some way limited and unable to find your niche in the world.

5. Visuddha (Throat Chakra)
The throat chakra is the center of our communication and rules the neck region including the thyroid, throat, trachea, neck vertebrae and mouth.

Physical imbalances may include: headache, neck tension/pain, ringing ear or tinnitus, thyroid conditions, low immunity to colds and flu, chronic infections, allergic reactions, eye problems, rigid attitudes and various phobias.

Chamomile is soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory and anti-infection. Linden blossom has calming and anti-spasmodic properties.

Other essential oils like benzoin, bergamot, blue chamomile, frankincense, hyssop, lavender, and lemon open communication skills and release stuffed unexpressed emotions that may be trapped.

Oils to enhance communication and creativity include blue chamomile, black pepper, eucalyptus, ginger, jasmine, and myrrh. Helichrysum, frankincense, lavendar, ylang ylang,and petitgrain balance and heal issues around repression of one’s thoughts and feelings, not being able, or feeling safe to speak your truth.

6. Ajna (Third Eye/Brow Chakra)
The third-eye chakra located in our forehead, between the eyes is the key to our wisdom, learning and putting things in perspective.

Physical imbalances may include: pituitary glandular disorders and kidney disease.

Use angelica seed, a general tonic, which encourages inspiration and inner focus. Other essential oils like camphor, eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, rosemary, frankincense, chamomile blue, sandalwood, clary sage, cedarwood and cypress will help balance: both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, stimulating intuitive thinking and releases rigid, judgmental thoughts.

Oils to stimulate intuition and to clarify the mind such as basil, black pepper, carrot seed, clary sage, fennel, ginger, peppermint and rosemary. Also consider lavender, neroli, petitgrain, spikenard, and ylang ylang which aid in achieving balance and help heal obsessive compulsive thoughts and emotions, recurring nightmares, repetitive unconscious patterns of experience, inability to discern the difference between fact and fantasy, feeling of being ‘out of control’, blocks to creativity, imaginative darkness and inability to focus and manifest your dreams.

7. Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
The Crown Chakra is our connection to our spiritual nature and connects to the central nervous system.

Physical imbalance include: pineal gland disorders, depressive states of mind.

Frankincense will aid in the handling of emotional problems as it is calming and antiseptic as well as an antidepressant. Other essential oils such as myrrh, viola, sandalwood, lavender and spikenard, petitgrain, ylang ylang are also particularly useful in helping issues around memory loss, breakdown of mental faculties for organizing and perceiving material reality, loss of inspiration; and to create balance in these areas in one’s life. Try cedarwood, linden blossom, neroli, and rosewood for opening the mind and dealing with spiritual issues.

*Image Credits : Pictures by Death Poodle, Opacity, wiccked on flickr.

But what many people aren’t aware of is the effect of aromatherapy on the seven major chakras, the entry gates of the aura.

In previous posts, we’ve covered the influences and imbalances of the chakras, touched on some yoga asanas that will stimulate the chakras and even the effect of color on the chakras. Here we delve into another sensory relationship, the effect of aromatheraphy on the seven chakras. As essential oils are highly concentrated and potent substances, using aromatherapy practices can help one can stimulate the chakras, realigning them and bringing them into balance, relieving stress and any negative symptoms.

Emotionally, essential oils that help to ground you, include cedarwood, rosemary, patchouli and vetiver. Rosewood, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum, ylang ylang will balance and heal issues around community or family, combating a sense of isolation from the group, the sense of not belonging, frustration, rage and blocked passion; and develop, nurture and stabilize your sense of well-being. They encourage us to feel good about our role in society.

2. Svadisthana (Sacral Chakra)
The second chakra known as the sacral chakra is your sensing power station, connecting you to your feeling sensitivities, creative sensibilities or your inner child.

Related physical imbalances may include: lumbar tension, chronic lower back pain, toxic and infectious conditions, kidney and bladder infections, immune disorders, chronic fatigue, cancer and diabetes. Clary sage is a tonic which helps in menstrual problems. Cardamom with its antiseptic and stimulant properties eases abdominal pain by relieving flatulence.

Ylang ylang has antidepressant, aphrodisiac, calming properties and aids confidence. Jasmine, patchouli, tangerine, bergamot, vanilla, sandalwood, nutmeg, oakmoss, cedarwood and rosewood also help to balance  the male/female energies and draw out the creative essence.

Aphrodisiac oils which include such as jasmine, neroli, rose otto, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and also marjoram are suitable here to assist with impotence or lack of sexual drive.

Other suitable oils for this chakra include: vetiver, myrrh, patchouli, petitigrain, sweet orange, and helichrysum. Strengthen your immune system, disperse negativity and heal issues around self esteem, rejection and victimization, toxic environmental conditions, anxiety, fear and worry.

*Image Credits : Pictures by breezeDebris, A30_Tsitika, Eggybird on flickr

As we’ve see in previous posts, our bodies have 7 main Chakras or Energy Centers responsible for the power, energy and activity of various parts and organs of the human body and which are associated with different mental and emotional interactions. (Read: The Power of Chakras- Their Influences and Imbalances, Understanding the 7 Chakras or Energy Centers). Each of the Charkas – Muladhara (Root Chakra), Swadhisthana (Sacral Chakra), Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra), Anahata (Heart Chakra), Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), Ajna (Third Eye/Brow Chakra) and Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) are associated with different colors and other energy sources that resonate the same frequency.

As centers of force, chakras can be thought of as sites where we receive, absorb, and distribute life energies. It is believed that many body functions are stimulated or retarded by the different colors of light, because of wavelengths and vibrational frequencies, which is how they affect our chakra system. We’ve seen the colors of the chakras and how wearing them or the use of that color in our lives can stimulate the chakra. Similarly we absorb energy through our senses of sight, smell, taste, sound and touch from various other places and objects like food, minerals/gemstones, aromatherapy, music, dance, exercise and everyday surroundings that resonate vibrations, an aura or energies which trigger the chakra’s they correspond to.

Chakra Yoga
Yoga is a spiritual language and a great way to stimulate the ancient system of our chakras. Yoga helps balance the archetypal elements of earth, water, fire, air, sound, light and thought as it works its way up the spine. Asanas, pranayama, chanting and meditation of Yoga are fantastic tools to navigate through the chakra system and stimulate the main energy centers.

Of all the types of Yoga, Kundalini Yoga is a great way of opening up your chakras. Kundalini yoga is sometimes called “the yoga of awareness” because it awakens the “kundalini” which means awakening of inner knowledge, awareness and evolved consciousness. The system of exercises and meditations taught in Kundalini yoga concentrates on the flow of prana (life force) in the dormant chakras of the body. The path of Kundalini is said work it’s way from the Muladhara Chakra at the lower end of the spinal column right up to the Sahasara Chakra at the top of the head. Kundalini sequences known as kriyas usually consist of rapid, repetitive movements done with breath or holding a pose while breathing in a particular way. This helps directs the prana throughout the body and maintains the vitality and functioning of our chakras.

Each of the Chakras has an associated frequency vibration, color, sounds and exercise along with yoga and meditation creates frequencies that correspond to the chakras which keeps them stimulated. Well balanced and active chakras leads to physical and spiritual well-being!

Also Read: 7 Yoga Asanas to Stimulate Each Of The 7 Chakras

*Photo Credits: photos by heraclit and Sami Taipale on flickr

Chakras or our body’s energy centers have been identified in different ancient cultures like the Indian and Greeks. Believed to be sacred centers, Chakras (spinning vortex of life force energy) are responsible for the power, energy and activity of various parts and organs of the human body and are associated with their mental and emotional interactions. They are key to the flow of energy that vitalizes the physical body and brings about the development of our self-consciousness.

While there are said to be hundreds of chakras within our body that radiate and absorb different auras (energies) from our environment, people around us, sounds and colors , it is also said there are seven main chakras that form the center of our being on all levels- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The seven main chakra centers are aligned along the spinal column and each of these seven chakras is associated with a color. You can even stimulate your chakras by wearing the colors of the chakras. Too see more about the colors of the chakras read: Heal Yourself Through Color.

When one of these main chakras is out of balance, i.e over-worked or under-worked, it is said to have a mental, emotional or physical effect on us and can even affect a neighboring chakra. This imbalance is influenced by impurities and negativity of internal or external environmental factors and their aura. As our chakras are interdependent on each other for harmony and balance, it’s important to understand the different aspects of the seven main charkas and work on them.

1. Root Chakra  - RED

Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine and in the region of the pubic bone It faces downward toward the feet.
Governs: Adrenal gland, spinal column, kidneys, legs, feet, rectum, immune system, genitals and reproductive organs.
Influences: Sexuality, mental stability, sensuality and sense of security.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Lower back pain, varicose veins, rectal tumors, depression, immunity related disorders, self esteem, social order & security issues

The base or root chakra is the force that keeps us connected to this Earth and is the base of our existence. Our physical experience and feeling of being grounded stems from this energy center of our body. The root chakra acts as the foundation of one’s physical vitality, emotional and mental health. Your sense of belonging and connection to all life, your endurance and mental perseverance stems from this center that gives you your life’s passion.

Red energizes and stimulates this chakra to boost its power. Wearing red in the form of clothing or red gemstones such as Red Jasper, Ruby, Garnet is a way of lending the red energy boost to your root chakra. Include red foods and drinks in your diet- beetroot, radishes, onions, red beans, spices like cayenne and paprika have a grounding effect too. Aromatherapy oils such as sandalwood, ylang ylang or juniper (consult a trained aromatherapist for the exact oils for your specific chakra needs) also trigger this energy center.

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2. Sacral Chakra – ORANGE

Sanskrit name: Swadhisthana, Svadisthana
Location: Sacrum, below the navel near the lower abdomen.
Governs: Gonad gland, sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine.
Influences: Reproduction, creativity, joyfulness and enthusiasm.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Anger, menace, hatred, apathy, blame, guilt, greed, power, control, morality, ob/gyn problems, pelvic pain, libido and urinary problems

This second chakra is the center of personal power, creativity, sexuality and finances. Its your sensing power station, connecting you to your feeling sensitivities or your inner child. Closely associated with acts of giving and receiving, the sacral chakra is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality.

Orange is the key color of this charka and helps stimulate it’s powers. Embracing sensation by watching emotional movies, trying different food tastes, deep tissue massages are some of the ways of arousing your chakra’s energy. Food that are orange in color and that nourish the sexual and creative center like Oranges, melons, mango, cinnamon, caraway seeds, passion fruit and honey are ideal to energize the chakra. Use aromatherapy oils such as Melissa, Orange, Mandarin and Tangerine. Dressing in the color orange and wearing or carrying copper or orange gemstones like coral or carnelian will boost this chakra’s power.

Click here for more on the remaining Chakras

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* Image Credits : Picture by breezeDebris on flickr. Chakra symbols by Sacred Centers (wikipedia.org)

Stimulate your chakras with these specially designed Chakra Colored T-shirts with Rhinestone symbols only at Yogacarashop.com

Click Here if you missed our last post (All about Chakras, the Root Chakra and Sacral Chakra explained)

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra – YELLOW

Sanskrit name: Manipura
Location: Above the navel, stomach area
Governs: Pancreas, upper abdomen, liver, gallbladder, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines, stomach
Influences: Digestion, expansiveness, growth, self-confidence and ego power, self-control and humor
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, constipation, self esteem, fear of rejection, oversensitivity to criticism, self-image fears, nervousness and poor memory.

The third charka defines our ‘self-esteem’. it is your mental awareness associated to your mind power. Your ego, will power, optimism, and confidence all arise from your solar plexus chakra. It also governs your power to concentrate and ability to learn and comprehend. The solar plexus charka is responsible for your intuition and gut instincts.

Yellow brings out the best in this chakra. Grains like sunflower seeds, rice and flax seed dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt as well as spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel and chamomile stimulate this chakra. Gold and gemstones like Citrine, Amber and Topaz emit the healing vibrations for this chakra. Yellow clothing helps balance this third chakra as do aromatherapy oils such as Rosemary, Lemon, Grapefruit and Bergamot.

See a specially designed Yellow Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ram’ symbol dedicated to the Solar Plexus Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

4. The Heart Chakra – GREEN

Sanskrit name: Anahata
Location: Center of chest
Governs: Thymus, heart, circulatory system, blood, lungs, diaphragm, thymus, breasts, esophagus, shoulders, arms and hands.
Influences: circulation, love for the self and others, passion, devotion, forgiveness, compassion.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Heart and breathing disorders, breast cancer,asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, shoulder problem, confidence, hope, despair, hate, envy, fear, jealousy and passivity.

The heart chakra is the power house of the human energy system and the center of love and healing. Connected to your emotions, it is what allows you to love and give unconditionally. This chakra also brings about any emotional healing one may require. The heart chakra is your link between body and spirit.

Associated with the color green or sometimes pink, eating green foods and drinks like spinach,broccoli, celery, squash and green tea. Herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley and cilantro also waken the powers of this chakra. Oils like Eucalyptus, Pine, Tea Tree, Spearmint and Cedarwood are stimulants of this chakra. Emerald, Jade and Peridot are the stones associated with positive effects on the Heart Chakra as is wearing the color green.

See a specially designed Green Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘yam’ symbol dedicated to the Heart Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

5. The Throat Chakra – BLUE

Sanskrit name: Vishuddha, Vishuddhi
Location:Throat region, parallel to the thyroid gland
Governs: Thyroid, throat, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus, parathyroid and hyperthalemus.
Influences: Communication, independence, self expression, sense of security, loyalty, organization and planning.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Thyroid imbalances, swollen glands,fevers, flu, sore throat, mouth ulcers, scoliosis, laryngitis, voice problems, gum or tooth problems, addiction, criticism, faith, decision making.

The Blue throat chakra is the center of our communication and will. Our struggle with choice and the ability to release your will to Divine guidance stems from this chakra.It’s essence is faith- faith in our fears or faith in the Divine. It is through this energy center that we voice our opinions and communicate our truths. At the same time it is also our center to receive and assimilate information.

As the color blue boosts this chakra water is in the forefront of water to energize it. As blue is not a natural color in food, tangy and tart fruits like limes, lemons and grapefruit, lemon grass, salt, fruit juices and herbal tea stimulate this chakra. Wearing the color blue and stones such as Sapphire and Blue Agate as well as oils such as Geranium, Chamomile, Peppermint, Mint and Cypress are associalted with energizing this chakra.

See a specially designed Blue Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ham’ symbol dedicated to the Throat Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

6. The Brow Chakra – INDIGO

Sanskrit name: Ajna (also known as the third eye chakra)
Location: Forehead, in between the eyes.
Governs: Pituitary gland, brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose, pineal glands
Influences: Co-ordination, clarity on an intuitive level, intuition and sense of trust.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Pride, arrogance, suspicion, brain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, discipline, judgment,concept of reality, confusion and emotional intelligence

The third-eye chakra is the key to our wisdom, learning and putting things in perspective. Your universal consciousness and intuitive intelligence arises from the activity of this chakra. It is key to separating fantasy and reality. The Brow chakra or third eye involves mental abilities of intellect and reasoning combined with psychological skills at evaluating our beliefs and attitudes.

A deep indigo color boosts this chakra. Present in food like blueberries, blackberries, dark grapes, red wine, grape juice, lavender and poppyseed should be consumed to stimulate this chakra. Aromatherapy oils such as Patchouli, Frankincense and Myrrh and Indigo stones like Amethyst, Tourmaline and Tanzanite are associated with the Third eye chakra. Dressing in Indigo enlivens this chakra too.

See a specially designed Red Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘lam’ symbol dedicated to the Root Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

7. The Crown Chakra – VIOLET

Sanskrit name: Sahasrara
Location:Top of head. Connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
Governs: Pineal, top center of the head, midline above the ears, central nervous systemInfluences: Physically Knowingness and wisdom, beingnness, universal consciousness and integration of the whole.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Epilepsy, chronic exhaustion not associated with physical ailments,mystical depression, right/left brain disorders and coordination problems, photo-sensitivity, mental illness, senility, humanitarianism, values, ethics and lack of purpose.

The Crown Chakra is our connection to our spiritual nature and our capacity to allow spirituality to become an integral part of our physical lives. It is this chakra that links us to the cosmos and brings about spiritual awakening. It is the energy of knowingness and enlightenment. It is throught this very important energy center that life force is dispersed to the other 6 chakras below it.

Violet is the color most associated with the Crown chakra and then white. Violet stonesof Quartz Crystal or Diamond as well as aroma oils like Lavender, Jasmine and Magnolia stimulate the crown chakra. wearing shades of violet and incenses of sage, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper help open and clearing this Spiritual Communication Center.

See a specially designed Violet Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone thousand petals symbol dedicated to the Crown Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

* Image Credits : Chakra symbols by Sacred Centers (wikipedia.org)

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