SAHASRARA CHAKRA

The Seventh, or Crown Chakra is en energy vortex located at the crown of the head that opens downward towards the body as well as upward towards the cosmos. All wisdom must pass through the crown before it can be used to manifest blessings from the lower energetic centers. This center rules the brain and connects your individual awareness with divine consciousness.
 
Location: Crown
Color: Purple
Parts Affected: Brain
When Open: Connected to universal consciousness
When Blocked: Cannot connect to spirituality
Mudra: Hakini Mudra (see also Mudras for Meditation)
Bija Mantra: Ha
Gemstone: Amethyst

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Hakini Mudra
Touch the tips of all fingers together and sense the energetic connection between the fingers and palms.
Benefits: Engages the witness consciousness, directs breath into the entire body
Practice Tips: Use to feel inegration of mind, body and emotions

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Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breath)
Inhale through right nostril, exhale through left nostril, inhale through left nostril, exhale through right nostril, repeat for 10 rounds at a time, monitoring the effects.
Digital Method: With right hand touch index and middle fingers to forehead, close right nostril with thumb and left nostril with ring finger in the sequence above. Do  not turn head toward hand but bring hand in front of face. This method has a stronger affect and is best done in a seated position.
Psychic Method: Breathe in and out through alternate nostrils using your imagination. This method has a subtler affect but is easier to do lying down.
Benefits: Balances the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), increases communication between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

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