The 4th chakra is the heart chakra located in the heart area in the chest. It opens front and back. It is related to the thymus which is located above the heart. It is a part of the endocrine and immune systems as it produces the T cells responsible for fighting off disease.
Color: green
Sensorial function: touch
Symbol: 12-petaled lotus
Fundamental principle: the power of love
Physical organs: heart, the middle part of the back, rib cage, lower part of the lungs, blood, blood circulation, skin
Endocrine gland: the thymus which regulates growth and controls the lymph system; it also participates in immune system function producing T-cells.
Purpose and function: At the center of the chakra system the heart chakra is located between the three lower psycho-emotional chakras and the three higher mental-spiritual chakras. This chakra is often symbolized by a hexagonal star formed by two conversely inverted and superimposed triangles representing the integration of the three superior/upper and three inferior/lower chakras. The fourth chakra corresponds to the element of air in Ayurveda and the sense of touch. From it we draw the abilities to identify with and feel the beauty of nature, the harmony of music, in fact, all of the arts. The function of this chakra is to achieve perfect union through love. It encompasses compassion, kindness, and patience.
Harmonious functioning: When the heart chakra is open and functioning in harmony with the other chakras we become a medium of love. The energies of our heart propel us to seek to unify our world, and reconcile with or facilitate healing for people around us. We radiate natural warmth, compassion and cheerfulness.
Disharmonious functioning: Imbalanced function of the heart chakra can be expressed in various ways. We may enjoy giving, but we unconsciously expect gratitude in return and feel disappointed if we are not so rewarded. This causes us frustration which may lead to sadness, a fear of separation or of vanishing love. We are reticent to accept the love of others and to come to them with an open heart. Tenderness and kindness make us uncomfortable. We might even convince ourself that we do not need the love of others projected outward as a “puffed-up” chest which hides a need to protect our inner being from attack and ensuing pain.
Dysfunction: A blockage of the heart chakra causes us to feel needy – dependent on others for love and affection. If we feel rejected, we become deeply upset, especially if we had actually opened our heart for once. We withdraw into our shell, sad and depressed. We would like to share our love, but we cannot because we are convinced that we are incapable of loving. A closed heart is cold and indifferent and causes us more suffering.
