The chakras are the centers of energy in the body according to yoga philosophy. There are seven main chakras that run along the midline of the body, each associated with specific organs, emotions, and aspects of our consciousness. Determining which chakra is associated with the heart is an important step in understanding how to heal and balance the physical heart and the emotional heart.
The Fourth Chakra – Anahata
The fourth chakra, known as Anahata or the heart chakra, is considered the chakra that controls the heart. Located in the center of the chest, it bridges the lower chakras (associated with the physical body) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As such, the heart chakra is believed to be the integrative energy center where mind, body, and spirit meet.
When the heart chakra is open and balanced, we experience love, compassion, self-acceptance, healing abilities, and a sense of inner peace. An blocked or imbalanced heart chakra can manifest as anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, grief, loneliness, codependency, and an inability to give or receive love.
Heart Chakra Location
The heart chakra is located in the central channel of the spine at the heart level. In yogic anatomy, this chakra corresponds to:
| Location | Center of chest |
| Element | Air |
| Color | Green |
| Seed mantra | Yam |
| Key issues | Love, healing, compassion, self-acceptance |
While the heart chakra is not associated with a specific organ like the other chakras, its location at the heart level reflects its integral role in circulation and nourishing the entire body with prana or life force energy.
Sanskrit Name
The Sanskrit name for the heart chakra is Anahata or Anahata-puri. Anahata means “unstruck” or “unhurt” and refers to the silent inner sound that yogis hear when they meditate on this chakra. It is called the unstruck sound because it emerges on its own without being produced by two things striking together.
Anahata-puri means the “city of the heart lotus” and refers to the heart chakra as a subtle energy center that resembles an opening lotus flower. The seed mantra or vibrational sound associated with the heart chakra is Yam. Chanting this mantra is said to open, balance, and energize the fourth chakra.
Functions of the Heart Chakra
As the integrative energy center in the middle of the chakra system, the heart chakra performs several major functions:
- Circulates vital energy (prana) throughout the body
- Establishes emotional stability and inner peace
- Allows us to give and receive love
- Connects the lower and upper chakras
- Integrates mind, body, and spirit
- Opens our capacity for compassion
- Governs the immune system and healing abilities
When the heart chakra is open and energized, we feel loving, confident, and healthy. Common signs of a blocked heart chakra are anger, fear, envy, and attachment issues in relationships.
Associated Emotions
The fourth chakra represents the spectrum of love in all its forms. The associated emotions are:
| Love | Self-acceptance |
| Compassion | Empathy |
| Joy | Inner peace |
| Hope | Devotion |
| Sorrow | Longing |
When balanced, we are able to give and receive unconditional love. Out of balance, the emotions turn to distress and include envy, anger, fear, hatred, anxiety, and grief.
Physical Associations
While not directly associated with the physical heart organ, the heart chakra influences circulation and the entire cardio-pulmonary system. Other physical associations include:
- Thymus gland – governs immunity
- Lungs – oxygenation and life force
- Ribs/intercostal muscles – protection and structure
- Skin – body’s protective barrier
- Hands – healing abilities
Imbalances in the heart chakra can manifest as heart disease, lung problems, allergies, skin rashes, asthma, and autoimmune disorders.
Mental and Emotional Associations
The heart chakra governs emotional stability, psychological health, and how we relate to others. When balanced, mental associations include:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Ability to forgive
- Self-love
- Feeling connected
- Hope
- Sense of inner peace
Imbalances manifest as:
- Mood swings
- Grief
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feeling disconnected
- Co-dependency
- Holding grudges
Spiritual Associations
In terms of spirituality, the heart chakra is where we integrate the values of the lower chakras with the insight and wisdom of the upper chakras. It allows us to bridge earthly and spiritual realms. Spiritual capacities associated with an open heart chakra include:
- Living from the heart
- Unconditional love
- Being guided by values vs. ego
- Generosity
- Feeling interconnected
- Devotion
- Compassion
- Seeing the divine in others
Healing the Heart Chakra
There are many ways to heal and open the heart chakra through yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, crystals, chanting, and other holistic practices. Some examples include:
| Asana | Backbends like Camel Pose, Upward Facing Dog, Cobra |
| Pranayama | Breath of Fire, Alternate Nostril Breathing |
| Meditation | Heart Chakra Meditation, Lovingkindness Meditation |
| Crystals | Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Rhodonite |
| Essential Oils | Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Ylang Ylang |
| Mantras | Yam, Om Mani Padme Hum |
| Color | Wearing green clothes and visualizing green light |
Consistent practices that cultivate self-love, unconditional love for others, inner peace, and compassion are extremely beneficial for heart chakra healing.
Opening the Heart Chakra
Here are some other ways to open, balance and energize the heart chakra:
– Get a massage or Reiki healing that focuses on the heart center
– Spend time caring for houseplants and gardening
– Practice mindful breathing into the heart center
– Take a class on compassion or lovingkindness meditation
– Cook for friends and family
– Spend quality time with pets and animals
– Practice yoga poses like Camel, Upward Facing Dog, Fish and Backbends
– Wear the color green and bring nature indoors
– Listen to uplifting music or songs that evoke emotions
– Cultivate self-love through mantras, positive affirmations
– Minimize time with toxic or negative people
– Practice mindful communication in relationships
– Let go of grudges and work on forgiveness
– Volunteer for a cause you care about deeply
– Surround yourself with beauty – flowers, candles, incense
– Give and receive hugs daily!
Signs of a Healthy Heart Chakra
When your heart chakra is healthy and balanced, you will experience:
– A strong immune system and overall vitality
– Feelings of compassion, empathy and inner peace
– Healthy social connections and relationships
– Ability to freely express love and affection
– Comfort expressing emotions appropriately
– Feeling purpose and meaning in your life
– Hopefulness and optimism
– Being generous and giving to others
– Feeling grateful and content
– Accepting yourself just as you are
– Willingness to mend broken relationships
– Feeling connected to all living beings
– Strong principles and integrity
– Balanced yin/yang energies
Signs of a Blocked Heart Chakra
Some signs that your heart chakra may be blocked or imbalanced include:
– Heart and lung problems
– Immune deficiencies
– Skin problems like rashes or eczema
– Difficulty giving or receiving love
– Co-dependency in relationships
– Jealousy and attachment issues
– Holding grudges
– Lack of empathy
– Emotional volatility
– Depression or anxiety
– Feeling disconnected from self and others
– Emotional numbness or isolation
– PTSD or unresolved grief
– Fear of betrayal or abandonment
If you recognize several of these signs, it may be time for some heart chakra healing through yoga, meditation, chanting, energy healing, or other holistic practices. Self-love and compassion for others are the keys to unlocking a closed heart.
Conclusion
In summary, the fourth or heart chakra located in the center of the chest governs our capacity to give and receive love. Known as Anahata, it bridges the lower and upper chakras and is considered the integrative energy center for mind, body, and spirit. When open and balanced, we feel peaceful, connected, and compassionate. If blocked, we struggle with emotions, relationships, immunity, and feeling disconnected. There are many holistic practices like yoga, meditation, chanting, energy healing, aromatherapy and crystal healing that can help open, unblock and balance the heart chakra, restoring equilibrium to the mind, body, and emotions. Focusing on unconditional love and compassion for ourselves and others brings the heart chakra into alignment.
