Ajna – The Third Eye Chakra

In this article we will be looking at the sixth of the major energy centres which is known as Ajna – the third eye chakra. As with the other chakras in this series, it has particular characteristics such as associated colour, element and sense. There are a number of indicators for an unhealthy chakra, including physical and psychological issues.

There are also indicators for a healthy chakra, where the energy is balanced and flowing as it should. If you feel your chakra is in need of some healing, you will also find some tips and methods below for starting the healing process.

What is the Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra, also known as the brow chakra, is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. It’s called Ajna in Sanskrit, which translates as “command” or “summoning.” This can be interpreted as a summoning from our higher selves, or all that is, to move forward on our path towards enlightenment and higher consciousness.

This chakra is represented visually by either a 2-petal or 96-petal lotus, and the colour associated is indigo. It’s linked to our sixth sense (i.e. E.S.P. or extrasensory perception) which relates to intuition, knowledge and awareness of the supernatural or the “other-worldly.”

The element associated is light. This relates to all that we know being lit up more clearly – removing the blinkers of our previous beliefs, expectations, physical reality and awareness, allowing us to really see – with more than just our eyes.

Understanding the Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra is closely linked to the pineal gland and the pituitary gland. These regulate our sleeping patterns and the production / secretion of hormones into the blood stream respectively. This chakra is also associated with the nervous system, in particular the cranial nervous system. This connects the optical nerves to the brain along with other similar functions.

There are a number of indicators of a blocked third eye chakra. These include the following : suffering with headaches or migraines on a regular basis, respiratory infections such as sinusitis, problems with eyesight, erratic sleep patterns or insomnia, sciatica and high blood pressure.

Other signs of a blocked chakra in this area include : having trouble making decisions, a tendency to daydream but being unable to visualise your future or what you want out of life, a feeling that you’re just treading water and not really getting anywhere, the lack of motivation to do anything about it and generally feelings of being lost and no longer knowing who you really are. In addition, you may experience anxiety, paranoia, and a complete rejection of anything spiritual or “unexplained.”

Healing the Third Eye Chakra

Listed below are some ideas and suggestions for healing the third eye chakra. You could start trying some of these today, but make sure you consult your G.P. if you have any known health issues. Also, some blockages run deeper than others, so if you are in need of professional help, please seek the appropriate support. (See the directory page for relevant associations.)

Purple foods are really good for the third eye chakra, such as – blackberries, blueberries, plums, grapes, aubergines, onions, cabbage and kale. Also dark chocolate, black olives and brain boosting foods that are rich in omega 3 e.g. oily fish, avocado, nuts and seeds. Flavour your food with mint, sage, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and turmeric.

Surround yourself with purple, blue or indigo – either in your environment, the clothes you wear, or with crystal jewellery. The crystals most closely associated with healing this chakra include amethyst, labradorite, lapis lazuli, sodalite and fluorite.

Reiki, meditation and yoga are excellent methods of healing any of the chakras, but may be particularly beneficial to the upper energy centres. If you can combine one or more of these activities with aromatherapy all the better. Essential oils for the brow chakra include clary sage, elemi, cypress, juniper and frankincense. (See Safe Healing With Essential Oils.)

If you’re fairly new to meditation, why not try a guided meditation specifically for the third eye chakra. Have a search on YouTube and you will see there are many to choose from. Ideally, try one that uses chanting as this is a great way to transmit the vibrational healing energy directly to the chakra. The mantra for this chakra is OM, but you don’t have to chant along – you can just listen if that’s more your thing.

Some affirmations you could use include :

• I listen to my inner voice and trust my intuition with confidence
• I am driven and motivated to fulfil my life’s purpose
• I am one with all that is around me and I am deeply connected to all that is

Of course, these are just a few examples. Why not think up some of your own – the possibilities are endless. When affirmations are repeated often, they can help us to change our thoughts and overcome limiting beliefs in order to become the person we want to be.

After Third Eye Chakra Healing

When the third eye chakra is balanced and working as it should, you will experience a greater sense of clarity – both mentally and emotionally. You will have a deeper understanding of your own truth and identity, with a clear idea of your life purpose. You will be more comfortable with self-reflection and creativity, and able to visualise where you want to be in life.

When the brow chakra is balanced, you have the energy and motivation to drive yourself forward and instinctively know which steps you need to take in order to achieve your goals. You feel guided by a higher knowledge, feeling connected to your higher self, and ultimately all that is. You are grateful for all that you have and live your life with a positive attitude.

With regular spiritual practice, and an inclination towards enlightenment and a higher consciousness, you may develop certain psychic abilities. These might include aura reading, astral projection, premonitions, clairvoyance and more. Yoga and meditation are good ways to develop yourself spiritually. They are also extremely beneficial to physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Having read this article, did you recognise any of the signs of a blocked third eye chakra? If so, maybe try two or three of the healing methods above and see how you get on. I would also suggest reading the other articles in this series if you haven’t already done so. It’s important to assess all of the major energy centres so you can work towards overall health and chakra alignment.

Sometimes, however, blockages may be due to past events or traumas that are deeply buried and in need of attention from a professional. Consult your doctor if you have medical concerns. Maybe give professional energy healing a try in the form of reiki for example. (See An Introduction to Usui Reiki.)

The next and final article in this series is coming soon – keep a look-out for “Sahasrara – The Crown Chakra.”

Please take a moment to comment in the box below. I’m really interested to hear what others think about chakra healing, especially if they have personal experience. Also, if you have a friend or loved one who may benefit from reading this, or any of the articles on this site, please send them a link. Thanks.