What is the heart chakra?
The heart chakra is called Anahata in Sanskrit, which means “unstruck.” It sits at the center of the chest and is linked with love, compassion and connection. When it's balanced, you give and receive love easily, forgive more freely and feel connected to the people around you.
| Heart chakra | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Anahata (“unstruck”) |
| Location | The center of the chest |
| Color | Green |
| Element | Air |
| Seed sound (bija) | YAM |
| Petals | 12 |
| Frequency | 639 Hz |
| Linked with | Love, compassion and connection |
Heart chakra color and symbol
The heart chakra color is green. The rainbow colors used today are a modern addition: they were first added in 1927, and the old Sanskrit texts describe the chakras differently.
The traditional heart chakra symbol is two overlapping triangles forming a six-pointed star (the sign for air) inside a twelve-petaled lotus.
Heart chakra frequency
Most modern chakra charts pair the heart chakra with 639 Hz, one of the solfeggio frequencies. This pairing is modern: the solfeggio tones as we know them date from the 1970s, and pairings vary from chart to chart. Many people still find a steady tone a helpful focus for a few minutes of chakra meditation.
Signs of a blocked heart chakra
In energy-healing traditions, a blocked or underactive heart chakra is described as:
- Feeling closed off or guarded
- Holding on to old hurt or resentment
- Finding it hard to trust or receive love
- Loneliness
How to heal and balance the heart chakra
- Play 639 Hz for five minutes at a low volume, using the session above.
- Chant the seed sound YAM slowly on each out-breath, and feel it at the center of the chest.
- Try heart chakra yoga poses: Camel pose (Ustrasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana), Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana), Fish pose (Matsyasana).
- Practice: Put a hand on your chest, breathe slowly and think of someone you love, then send the same warmth to yourself.
- Repeat a heart chakra affirmation from the list below, morning and night.
Heart chakra affirmations
- I am open to love.
- I give and receive love freely.
- I forgive myself and others.
- My heart is open and safe.
- I am worthy of love.
- I choose compassion.
- Love surrounds me.
- I am connected to everyone I love.
Heart chakra crystals and stones
Stones commonly paired with the heart chakra are rose quartz, green aventurine, jade and rhodonite, mostly because of their green tones. Many people hold one during meditation as a reminder of their intention; there's no evidence the stones themselves have healing effects.
