Anahata, the fourth chakra, is located in the solar plexus or the heart space. It's associated with love - both towards others and yourself, compassion, kindness, joy, gratitude, and being open to new opportunities and ways of thinking. Most importantly, we feel a sense of connection and purpose; a sense of belonging.

If it sounds like you could do with a little more of these things in your life, read on to learn more about opening your heart chakra.

Anahata: The heart chakra

When Anahata energy is blocked, it can physically manifest in heart and lung conditions, issues with the arms or hands, problems with the thymus gland, and chest tightness.

An imbalance in the heart chakra can also lead to feelings of loneliness, separation, disconnectedness, unworthiness, overactive people pleasing, resentment, inability to let go, the inability to love oneself or an inability to trust others.

Poses to balance Anahata

Anything that opens up the heart space, gives the sensation of lift up and out through the sternum, and broadens the space between your collarbones. Poses include:

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
• Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
• Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
• Salabhasana (Locust Pose)
• Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose)
• Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

It may not even be a strong, big heart opening pose; it could be as simple as lifting up and out through your heart space while seated with your hands interlaced behind your back.

Other practices to open your heart

• Practice acts of compassion, kindness, love and generosity.
• Associated with the elements of air and space, practice pranayama, or breathing techniques such as Ujjayi, to help increase airflow.
• Chant the mantra 'SO HAM' (pronounced 'sow hum') which translates to, 'I am that'.
• This chakra is associated with the colours pink and green. Use these colours during visualisation, incorporate them into your wardrobe or home decor.

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