According to Eastern philosophy, the body has invisible energy centers known as chakras. Chakra is a Sanskrit term that originated in Hindu texts meaning "wheel" or "turning." When the chakra located at the center of your chest is blocked or not functioning properly, you may feel congestion in the chest. Natural remedies are used to unblock chakras, but consult with your doctor before trying them.
Chakras 101
There are seven main chakras and over 100 small chakras located throughout your body. The seven main chakras start at the base of your spine, the pelvic floor. The first chakra is known as the root chakra. The second chakra is located just above the pubic bone and is known as the sacral chakra. The third chakra, or the naval chakra, is located just above the belly button. The fourth chakra is located at the center of your chest and is called the heart chakra. The throat chakra, or the fifth chakra, is located at the base of your neck. The sixth chakra, also known as the forehead chakra, is located between your eyebrows. And lastly, the crown chakra is located at the crown of your head.
Heart Chakra
John Selby in his book "Kundalini Awakening" suggests that the heart chakra is the most important of all the chakras; if it is not functioning properly, all of the chakras will be affected. To balance the chakras, Selby focuses on the heart chakra. He says doing so can have a profound effect on your health and resistance to disease. If the heart chakra, or the fourth chakra, is blocked or imbalanced, you may experience congestion in the chest, asthma, heart problems, circulation problems, depression or anxiety.
Remedies for Chest Congestion
To remedy chest congestion due to a heart chakra imbalance, proponents use cedarwood, rose or sandalwood essential oils. They place three drops of the oil on the center of the chest and massage it into their skin for up to three minutes. Specific poses practiced in yoga, an ancient system of holistic health, are also used to balanced the fourth chakra. Back bending poses such as camel pose can stretch the chest and break up congestion. Opening up the heart chakra with back bending poses can also give you energy, proponents claim.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Pranayama, the yogic practice of breathing exercises, may also bring balance and relief to your fourth chakra. While natural remedies may help balance your chakras and bring relief to your chest congestion, there is no scientific proof that the chakra system actually exists. It is best to consult with your health care provider to determine the severity of your condition.
References
- A Handbook of Chakra Healing; Kalashatra Govinda
- Yoga Journal: Asanas for the Chakra System
- Yoga Journal: Energize Tired Backbends
- Kundalini Awakening; John Selby
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