Virtuous emotions and feelings such as joy, love, compassion and respect all emanate from the fourth or Heart chakra. In some cultures the heart is said to be the seat of the soul, in Yoga teachings the Heart is the center of one's beliefs and ideals and in Buddhism a whole and receptive heart center is referred to as the "Great Compassion".
With the Heart chakra we feel a connection to others and to the world around us, so when we are emotionally or spiritually wounded it's no wonder that this pain is often referred to as heartache. In order for spiritual healing and wholeness to take place the Heart chakra must be tended to, and there are many ways in which you can do this. First of all, here is a brief rundown of the mind/body associations of the Heart chakra:
Location: Center of the chest
Color: Emerald Green and Pink
Parts of the Body (influenced by the Heart chakra): The heart and circulatory system, the lungs and the immune system.
Consciousness: Feelings and perceptions of love. Relationships with those who are close to one's heart.
Sense: The sense of touch
Ways to Open and Heal your Heart Chakra
Since the Heart chakra is associated with the colors pink and emerald green it can be helpful to work with crystals and gemstones of this color. Rose quartz, which is strongly associated with love and self-worth, is a crystal that can be used during meditation in order to help heal and open the Heart chakra. The calming energy within rose quartz can also help bring some relief to anxiety and stress.
Jade is a mineral that can help encourage tranquility and kindness, and the rich green Emerald gemstone can encourage harmony, friendship and unconditional love. Besides meditating with these crystals and gemstones, wearing them in jewelry, or keeping them in your immediate environment can also help with the healing and opening of the heart chakra.
Reiki treatments can help to clear out and release any built up negative energy in the body and spirit. This Japanese technique is done by a Reiki practitioner and is a safe, natural way to assist with spiritual healing and the opening of the heart chakra.
Practice compassion and forgiveness. Walk in another person's shoes, so to speak, in order to help you understand what they may be feeling. Be compassionate toward yourself and forgive yourself of mistakes you make in life. Release yourself from toxic relationships that leave you feeling constantly drained or chip away at your sense of self-worth. Work on healing past issues that create a cycle of pain in your life. These are valuable ways to heal your Heart chakra and to help your life be filled with greater joy and harmony.
Unlocking the Heart Chakra: Heal Your Relationships With Love - by Brenda Davies
Vibrational Healing Through The Chakras: With Light, Color, Sound, Crystals and Aromatherapy- by Joy Gardner-Gordon
