Chakra of Unity

We are continuing our journey through the seven main chakras finally reaching the end of the line at the top of the head. What we know as the crown chakra is not considered a chakra because it does not function the same way as the lower six chakras. This seventh entity is better described as the power source that energizes the six chakras below.

Sahasrara Chakra means “thousand-petaled” referring to the one-thousand-petaled lotus flower that is its symbol. Its theme is Unity, uniting opposites like masculine/feminine, spirit/matter and consciousness/creativity. But here’s the interesting thing: it’s not as if the Unity didn’t always exist, because it has; it’s just that now we are aware of the Unity that has always held everything together.

In the physical body, the Crown Chakra relates to the whole brain and the whole body. The endocrine gland associated with this chakra is the pituitary, known as the master gland. It’s located at the base of the brain. And although it’s very small—about the size of a pea—it has a powerful job: to control the functions of almost all the other endocrine glands. When you consider all the different types of hormones the glands release, and how they are being released at different times and for different purposes, you can see how important it is to have a healthy pituitary gland.

Here are some ways we can support our Crown Chakra and pituitary gland through Yoga:

• Skull shining breath: The name says it all, right? This is Kapala Bhati pranayama, a powerful breath practice that draws energy upward to the skull. It’s best practiced when the stomach is empty. Sit on the floor or on a chair with elongated spine. To prepare, breathe slowly in and out through the nose for five breaths. To practice, inhale through the nose with relaxed abdominal muscles, then exhale sharply through the nose while pulling the belly muscles in. Start with 20 repetitions gradually building up to 100 repetitions. Take your time to learn it well before trying to speed it up. 

• Yoga postures that emphasize the head: Headstand, Rabbit pose, Shiva twist, Dancer pose, Cow face, Standing forward bend (legs together or apart) with head resting on a block or chair, Child pose with head resting on a block

• Aromatherapy: The best essential oils for this chakra are frankincense and sandalwood. They’re also the most expensive! More affordable alternatives are lavender, cedarwood, tulsi and palo santo. Always dilute in a carrier oil before you massage into your temples and back of the neck.

• Meditate with crystals: The best yoga practice to cultivate unity consciousness is meditation. Using crystals—energetic gifts from Nature—can create calm and focus. Three of the best choices are amethyst, clear quartz and howlite. Rinse them in cool water to clear away any negative energy. Charge them in the sun for a couple of hours. Hold them in your hands while you bring your focus upward. Set a timer for 5 minutes, gradually increasing to 20 minutes.