The 7th Chakra, or energy center, along the spine is called the Crown Chakra or Sahasrara. It’s located at the top of the head, as well as the space just above the top of the head. This Chakra is representative of enlightenment. Its element is thought and when this chakra is in balance you feel a connection to spirit, a sense of universal consciousness, a higher sense of wisdom, unity, and self knowledge.
The Color of the crown chakra is violet, or white. The affirmation for this chakra is “I understand”. The sacred sound of this chakra is “OM”, this sound is considered to be the sound of the universe, encompassing all other sounds within it.
When your crown chakra is blocked you may experience physical signs such as; imbalance, overall poor coordination, or poor physical function. You may also experience mental signs of a blocked crown chakra, such as; confusion, lack of connection to the world, loneliness, poor mental function, hyper-spiritualization (I.e. too much meditation, or assuming a religion as an identity), or being too materialistic.
To unblock your crown chakra, you can practice asanas designated for this area,
such as; lotus pose, rabbit, or head stand. Work with your yoga teacher when trying new poses or for more ideas about poses that can help with your crown chakra and how to make adjustments that work for your body and your practice.
You can also use a pranayama practice to unblock your crown chakra. Nadi Shodhan or alternate nostril breathing, helps calm the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for our stress response.
To practice: make your way into a comfortable seated position, sit tall out the top of your head to create a long spine and settle into your seat. With one hand bring the index and middle finger down and keep the ring and pinky finger extended, also keep your thumb extended. If your using your right hand to create this shape, place your thumb on your right nostril and breathe in through your left nostril. Exhale out of your left nostril, then swap your hand position so your ring and pinky fingers are on your left nostril, breathe in through your right nostril and exhale out of your right nostril, then swap sides. Continue this practice for about 5-9 repetitions, less when you are starting and learning this practice. Feel free to swap hands, to get coordination practice on your right hand and your left hand. Also when blocking your nostril, apply gentle pressure so it’s closed off but shouldn’t move your nose to one side or the other.
Having an unblocked crown chakra can lead into the super conscious, or the state of being where you recognize that you are connected with everyone and everything around you. Breathe in and allow yourself to understand.