Review International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

REVIEW STUDY OF W.S.R. TO CARDIAC PLEXUS Deepa1,Bhatnagar Vikash2,LahangeSandeep M3 1MD Scholar, 2Assistant Professor, 3Assistant Professor, Dept.of SharirRachana, NIA, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT The Chakra has its own importance in . Traditional writings mention 88,000 . Most of these Chakras are extremely small and only have minor role to play in the energy system. Only approximately 40 secondary Chakras can be considered significant. The six primary Chakras, which are located along a central, vertical axis at the front of the body, are of relevance for the functioning of the most important and fundamental aspects of the human body, mind and . The Chakras are thought to vitalize the physical body and to be associated with interactions of a physical, emotional and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy or , which is thought to flow among them along pathways called Nadis. The function of the Chakras is to spin and draw is this universal life force energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance. Chakras have the potential to generate two qualities of energy, ordinary subtle energy and heightened subtle energy.There are six primary Chakras. From lowest to highest they are Chakra (root Chakra), Chakra (sacral Chakra), Chakra (solar or navel Chakra), Anahata Chakra (heart Chakra), Chakra (throat Chakra) and Chakra ( Chakra). This article is about Anahata or heart Chakra. Keywords : Ayurevda, Anahata Chakra, , Prana.

INTRODUCTION Traditional writings mention aspects of the human body, mind and 88,000Chakras. This means that there is soul.The true seat of the six Chakras is in scarcely a minute area of the human body the etheral body. They resemble funnel which is not a sensitive organ for the re- shaped blossoms, each possessing a differ- ception, transformation and transferral of ent number of petals. The petals of the energies. Most of these Chakras are ex- blossoms represent Nadis or energy chan- tremely small and only have minor role to nels, through which energy is able to flow play in the energy system. Only approxi- into the Chakras, where it is then con- mately 40 secondary Chakras can be con- veyed to the subtle bodies. The number of sidered significant. The most important of petals or Nadis ranges from four at the root these are located in the area of the spleen, Chakra to nearly a thousand at the crown the back of the neck, the palms of the Chakra. hands and the soles of the feet. The six The word Chakra is derived from “Kri- primary Chakras, which are located along yategatirenena”. One which has the action a central, vertical axis at the front of the of movement is called Chakra. Chakra body, are of relevance for the functioning denotes a centre of power or energy. They of the most important and fundamental are considered as receptors and transmit- Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus ters of or Pranic energy. The Fig.2 Petals of Anahata Chakra Shatchakra are represented as energy cen- Appearance: Anahata is represented by tres aligned along the spinal cord, which a lotus flower with twelve petals. In- form an integrating channel. The Chakras side there is a smoky region at the in- are constantly in a state of rotation. This is why they are called “Chakra”, which in means “wheel”. It is their rotation which attracts energy and draws it in or gives it off, depending on the direction of rotation. The Chakras rotate either to the right or to the left, depending on sex. There are six primary Chakras. From low- tersection of two triangles, creating a est to highest they are Muladhara chakra . The Shatkona is a symbol (root Chakra), Svadhishthana Chakra (sa- used in Hindu Yantra, representing the cral Chakra), Manipura chakra (solar or union of male and female. navel Chakra), Anahata Chakra (heart Basic principle: Devotion, self aban- Chakra), Vishuddha Chakra (throat Chak- don. ra) and Ajna Chakra (third eye Chakra). Devshakti or Goddess: Kakini Each level in the Chakra system is the sum Presiding God: Isana/ total of various physical, emotional, men- Bijaakshara or seed:YAM tal and spiritual elements. That is why each Associated parts of the body: Heart, Chakra is connected to a neurological upper back, including the thorax and plexus. thoracic cavity, the lower area of lungs, Anahata Chakra Fig. 1 Location ofAna- the blood and the blood circulation hata Chakra system and the skin. Associated gland: Thymus. It regulates Literary meaning- Sound without any growth and controls the lymphatic sys- break. tem. It also has the function of stimu- Location: Hridaya lating and strengthening the immune Colour: Green, but also pink and gold. system. Associated element: Air Associated astrological planets and Sense: Touch signs: Leo/Sun-Emotional warmth, sincerity, generosity. Libra/Venus-Contact, love, striving for harmony, augmentation of self. Saturn-Overcoming the individual ego thus making selfless love possible. Gyanendriya or sense organ: Twak Corresponding nerve plexus in the Karmendriya or motor organ: Hasta physical body: Cardiac plexus Bijavahak or bearer: Antilope (deer) In Sanskrit, Anahata means "unhurt, un- Granthisthana: struck, and unbeaten". Anahata is associat- Symbol: 12 Petalled lotus (Kam, kham, ed with balance, calmness, and serenity. In gam, gham, ngam, cham, chham, jam, Anahata Chakra there are two triangles, jham, nyam, tam and tham in Sanskrit). 322 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus inverted triangle is and upright tri- love, understand and accept our own per- angle is . sonality, the prerequisites to saying yes to Purpose and function of Anahata Chak- others and life in general. ra Once we have accepted that all our experi- The Anahata Chakra is the centre of the ences, wishes and emotions have a deeper entire Chakra system. It connects the three sense, and that their purpose is to lead us lower physical and emotional centres to back through different steps of learning to the three higher mental and spiritual cen- an all embracing order, we find in the tres. The hexagon as its symbol clearly il- fourth Chakra a loving acceptance that all lustrates how the energies of the three feelings and expressions of life come from lower and the three higher Chakras mutu- the longings for love and union with life ally permeate each other. It is assigned to and that in the final analysis, they too are the element air and to the sense of touch. expression of love. This indicates the flexibility of the heart, With every negation and rejection we re- the ability to establish contact and the will- generate separation and negativity, where- ingness to be touched and at the same time as positive and loving acceptance, a con- be in touch with all things. Here we find scious “yes”, produce vibration in which the capability to empathize with others and negative forms of expression or feelings sympathize with them and to attune our- cannot survive. The energy of the Anahata selves and join in with the cosmic vibra- Chakra streams out extremely strongly and tions. Through the same energy centre we an open heart Chakra can have a sponta- perceive beauty in nature as well as the neous healing or transforming influence on harmony to be found in music, the visual others. However, in case of conscious, de- arts and poetry. In the fourth Chakra im- liberate healing, the inner eye chakra has ages, words and sounds are transformed to be part of the process. into feelings. The twelve red petals are inscribed with The purpose of the Anahata Chakra is to the syllables Kam, kham, gam, gham, achieve perfect union through love. All ngam, cham, chham, jam, jham, nyam, tam yearning for deep, intimate contact, for and tham in Sanskrit. They match the vrit- oneness, harmony and love, even when tis of lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, these feelings come to us in the guise of hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arro- sorrow, pain, fear of separation or loss of gance, competence, discrimination and de- love etc. is expressed via the heart Chakra fiance.The heart Chakra radiates in the or Anahata Chakra. In its pure and com- colours green, pink and sometimes gold. pletely opened state, the fourth Chakra Green is the colour of healing, sympathy forms the centre of true, unconditional and harmony. If an enlightened person love which exists only for its sake and perceives a clear light green in a person’s which therefore can neither be possessed heart Chakra, this indicates a well devel- nor lost. When connected with higher oped capability to heal, while a golden au- Chakras, this love transforms itself into ra, interwoven with pink, shows a person Bhakti, the divine love which makes us who lives in pure and selfless love of the aware of the divine presence in all creation divine. and guides us to unity with this heart of all The heart Chakra is often referred to as the things in the universe. On its way toward seat of our deepest and most vivid feelings achieving this goal, our heart must learn to of love. Through this energy centre we can 323 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus also establish contact with the universal grow and prosper. We recognize that all part of our soul, that spark of the divine beings, both sentient and non-sentient, live within us. The heart Chakra also plays a in our heart decisive role in refining the perception that The feeling of being alive grows so strong- accompanies the opening of the third eye ly within us that we begin to understand or brow chakra, for it is the devotion of the what life in its purest and most original heart that makes us receptive to the subtler form really signifies an everlasting expres- aspects of creation. Thus the higher capa- sion of divine love and bliss. bilities of the brow chakra develop concur- Disharmonious functioning of Anahata rently with the unfolding of the heart Chakra Chakra. A malfunctioning Anahata Chakra Harmonious functioning of the Anahata may express itself in various ways. It can Chakra manifest itself as upper back and shoulder A completely open Anahata Chak- problems, asthma, heart conditions, shal- ra that works together with all the other low or rapid breathing and lung diseases. Chakras in harmony will transform us into Emotionally imbalance in the chakra is a channel for divine love. The energies of indicated by difficulty with love, lack of our heart can change the world about us hope, despair, moodiness, fear, , and unite, reconcile or even heal the peo- anger and anxiety. We might, for example, ple in our surroundings. We radiate natural always want to be there for others and give warmth, sincerity and happiness. This freely, but without really being connected opens the hearts of the people around us, with the source of love. In secret perhaps inspires confidence and creates joy. Com- without being conscious of it or admitting passion and the willingness to help, come to it-we always expect recognition and re- perfectly naturally to us. Our feelings are assurance in return for all the “love” we free of inner disturbances, conflicts, doubts give and feel deeply disappointed when or uncertainty. We feel safe and comforta- our efforts are not sufficiently appreciated. ble with all creation. We put our heart in Insufficient functioning of Anahata everything we do. Chakra The love in our heart also makes us aware Inadequate functioning of the heart of the cosmic game of separation and re- Chakra makes us very vulnerable to injury newed union taking place in all manifest and dependent on the love and affection of life, maintained in this and permeated by others. If your Anahata Chakra is com- divine love and harmony. Our own experi- pletely shut, this will express itself in ence has taught us that longing for reunifi- coldness, indifference or even heartless- cation with the divine is rooted in separa- ness; in order to feel anything at all we re- tion from the divine aspect of the life and quire strong external stimulation. We are the sorrow resulting from this separation. out of balance and suffer from depression. To experience the infinite joy which grows Possibilities for cleansing and activating out of true love of God, separation must the fourth Chakra take place first. Through this “wisdom of 1. Experiencing nature: Every quiet walk the heart” we view worldly and personal through the unspoiled green country- happenings in a new light. The love in our side harmonizes entire being through heart spontaneously supports all efforts the heart or Anahata Chakra. Every that help love for god and his creation single blossom conveys a message of 324 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus love and innocent joy and lets the same Pink: The gentle, tender vibrations of qualities bloom in heart. Pink colour the colour pink can loosen tension in flowers are especially suitable for the heart, awaken feelings of love and ten- gentle revitalization and healing of derness and bring back a childlike feel- thisChakra’s energies.A pink colour ing of happiness. These vibrations also sky with gossamer clouds brightens up stimulate creative activity. and expands hearts. Let the beauty and 4. Aroma therapy softness of the colours of this painting Attar of roses: No other fragrance has in the sky envelop you and carry you such a harmonizing effect on our well away. being as the precious attar of roses. Its 2. Sound therapy : Music: Any type of gentle, loving vibrations soothe and classical, new age or sacral music of heal the wounds of our heart. They the Eastern or Western tradition which awaken our perception of love, beauty has an identifying effect and makes the and harmony everywhere in creation. heart join in the dance of life is suitable A deep joy and readiness for dedica- for the Anahata Chakra. It will awaken tion enter our heart. Attar or oil of ros- the power of love and influence it in a es also induces stimulation and refine- revitalizing and harmonizing way. Sa- ment of sensual pleasure, and at the cral or meditative dances which ex- same time helps transform them into press the harmony and joy of creation transcendental love. in their movements are also highly 5. Gemstone therapy suitable.Vowel: The vowel sound “ah” Rose quartz: The soft, pink colour light is assigned to this Chakra. The “ah” of the rose quartz encourages gentle- sound symbolizes direct awareness of ness, tenderness and love. It envelops heart, as expressed in the exclamation the soul in loving vibrations that heal “Ah!”. It is the most open of all sounds the wounds of y heart caused by hard- and represents the greatest possible ness, lack of consideration or careless- richness of expression available to the ness and opens your soul so that it is human voice. The “ah” sound ex- able to give and receive love more presses unbiased acceptance of all freely. The rose quartz teaches to ac- manifestation, the acceptance which cept and love yourself, and opens your brings forth love. It is the sound that heart for all expressions of love and babies, whose intellect is as yet unable tenderness within yourself, in others to distinguish between good and bad, and in all creation. It makes us recep- use most frequently to comment on tive for the beauty of music, poetry, their experience.: YAM. painting and other art forms and enliv- 3. Colour therapyGreen: The colour of ens our imagination and creative power the meadows and forests or our planets of expression. provides us with harmony and compas- Tourmaline: The pinkish-red tourma- sion and makes us receptive to recon- line leads out of narrow emotional ciliation. We feel empathy and experi- structures and opens and expands ence inner peace and serenity. Addi- heart. It makes you conscious of the tionally, green has a regenerating effect joy- bringing aspect of love and con- on the body, mind and soul and pro- nects you with the female manifesta- vides us with new energy. tion of divine love as expressed in the 325 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus beauty of creation, in innocent joy, The Kapalbhati is mentioned for this spiritual dance or play. Thus it inte- Chakra. grates the various expressions of divine The form of that works pri- and worldly love. Pink tourmaline marily through the fourth Chakra edged in green, which are often availa- Bhakti yoga: Bhakti yoga is the way ble as cut slices, are of particular value, which leads to the realization of the di- since they unite the expansive qualities vine through devotion and love of God. of the pinkish-red tourmaline with the Devotes deepen and intensify their healing, harmonizing vibration of the feelings and direct them towards God. green colour. They relate everything to him, perceive Kunzite: The kunzite combines the him in all things and are transfigured in tender pink of higher love with the vio- their love for him. let of the crown chakra which supports In our body cardiac plexus corresponds union with the divine. Kunzite opens to Anahata Chakra. heart chakra to divine love and helps to Cardiac plexus develop your heart to the point of self- The cardiac plexus is divided into a super- lessness and perfection. It will make us ficial part and a deep part. The two parts straight forward and will always lead are closely connected. us back onto this path if ever we leave Superficial part: the superficial part of the it. cardiac plexus les beneath the arch of aor- Emerald: The emerald is the gemstone ta, in front of the right pulmonary artery. It of all embracing love, for it strengthens is formed by the superior cardiac branch of and deepens love on all levels. While the left sympathetic trunk and the lower providing with peace and inner harmo- superior cervical cardiac branch of the left ny, it will also tune you into the ener- vagus nerve. A mall ganglion, the cardiac gies of nature. The emerald draws ganglion of Weisberg, is occasionally healing energies from the cosmos to found connected with these nerves at their the earth. It regenerates, rejuvenates, point of junction. This ganglion, when pre- refreshes and relaxes. sent, is situated immediately beneath the Jade: The soft, green light of jade arch of aorta, on the right side of the liga- brings peace, harmony, wisdom of the mentum arteriosum. The superficial part of heart, fairness and modesty. Jade re- the cardiac plexus gives branches (a) to the laxes our heart and makes us calm, lets deep part of the plexus, (b) to the anterior us discover and experience the beauty coronary plexus and (c) to the left anterior of all nature and thus enhances our ap- pulmonary plexus. preciation of and love for all creation. Deep part: the deep part of the cardiac Jade will bring relief if we are fidgety plexus is situated in front of bifurcation of and restless and help us sleep peaceful- the trachea, above the point of division of ly and have pleasant dreams. the pulmonary artery and behind the aortic 6. for Anahata Chakra-There are arch. It is formed by the cardiac nerves three Asana and one that derived from the cervical ganglia of the are helpful to open and balance the sympathetic trunk and the cardiac branches heart Chakra. These are Bhujangasa- of the vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve. na, Ushtrasana and Hastapadasana. The only cardiac nerves which do not enter into the formation of the deep part of the 326 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Deepa et al: Review Study Of Anahata Chakra W.S.R. To Cardiac Plexus cardiac plexus are the superior cardiac REFERENCES nerve of the left sympathetic trunk and the 1. Amarakosa, Parameshwari lower of the two superior cervical cardiac Vyakhyanam. branches from the left vagus nerve, which 2. Grays anatomy. 40th ed. London, pass to the superficial part of the plexus. Churchil Livingstone Elsevier;2008. Right half: the branches from the right half 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anahata. of the deep part of the deep cardiac plexus 4. http://www.chakras.net/energy centres pass, some in front of and others behind /Anahata. the right pulmonary artery; the former, the 7. Richard L. Drake. Grays anatomy for more numerous, transmit a few filaments student. 2nd ed. London, Churchil Liv- to the anterior pulmonary plexus and are ingstone Elsevier; 2009. then continued onward to form part of the 8. Sir John Woodroffe Serpent power, anterior coronary plexus;those behind the Shat chakra nirupana, Ganesh and pulmonary artery distribute a few fila- company, Madras. ments to the right atrium and ere then con- 9. Shatachakra nirupana. tinued onward to form part of the posterior 10. The chakra handbook by Shalila coronary plexus. Left half: the left half of Sharamon and Bodo J. Baginski, Mo- the deep part of the plexus is connected tilal Banarasi dass Publishers Pvt. Lt., with the superficial part of the cardiac Delhi,2006. plexus and fives filaments to the left atri- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR um and to the anterior pulmonary plexus Dr.Deepa and is then continued to form the greater Dept. of SharirRachana, part of the posterior coronary plexus. National Institute of Ayurveda, Fig. 3 Superficial and deep cardiac plexus Jorawer Singh Gate, Amer road, Jai- pur.302002. Email:[email protected] Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None Declared

CONCLUSION A Chakra is a centre of activity that assim- ilates and expresses life force energy. The- se chakras serve as an energetic template of the nerve plexuses that function in the physical body. The fourth Chakra, the Chakra of the heart, is the place where re- sides our spirit, our true self, which is eternally pure and unaffected by anything, like a shining diamond hidden within us which witnesses all our actions. It is relat- ed to love, equilibrium and well being. It is symbolized by a lotus with twelve petals.

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