Where is the location and what is the physical counterpart of the elusive  Ajna and Sahasrara Chakras ( the two main head’s energetic centres )? And how do we access and stimulate them? Two extremely powerful yet simple Yoga techniques that help you locate the two upper chakras are Shambavi and Kechari Mudra. Both are described in two ancient treatises of Hatha Yoga, the Geranda Samhita and  Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The fact is that the language of the Seers was purposedly esoteric.

With this and the next article I will try to map both Shambavi and Kechari Mudras from yogic into modern , tangible and scientific language. Let’s start with The Ajna Chakra – third eye – and Shambavi Mudra.

The physical counterpart of Ajna Chakra is the Pineal Gland, a tiny protuberance the size of a pea and the shape of a pinecone that seats deeply inside the skull, behind and slightly above the line of your eyes. This gland and its functions are still being studied by modern science as Neurophysiology has only been recently developed, thanks to the technological advancement made in MRI scan of the brain. Nonetheless it is known that the Pineal Gland is affected by light ( hence its name) and it regulates the circadian rhythm of the body ( the internal body clock).  Ajna Chakra is considered the chakra of the mind. Working on Ajna chakra results in increased power of intuition , refines awareness, it provides clatiry of thought, insights and wisdom. The third eye centre allows one to connect with the “higher Self” for guidance and inspiration. It improves vision and allows for non-verbal communication. One becomes able to build up focus and one pointedness of mind.

One of the main Yogic techniques to stimulate the Pineal Gland is Shambavi Mudra with Om chanting. Shambavi Mudra consists in the fixing of the gaze inwards and slighlty upwards , towards the middle of the skull, the seat of the pineal Gland .  Adding the Om chant to the internal gaze makes the technique much more effective as we are turning inward two of our five senses( the Jnanandryias), the hearing and the seeing.  Moreover when making an inner sound you are engaging your tongue and vocal cords to work inward. The tongue ( and vocal cordes) in yoga is one of the organs of action (Karmandryias). Therefore in Shambavi Mudra the stimulation on the Pineal Gland is threefold. It comes from the optical nerves, the auditory Nerves and the nerves that control the tongue and the vocal cords! That’s a rather sofisticated way to get inside our body!

Now drop the theory and dwelve deeply into the practical side of it. Just give it a try. Turn your telephone-senses ( vision and hearing )  inward; utter the internal sound.  Where do you feel it? You are pointing at the Pineal Gland so in time , with repetition , you should be able to locate it! The ancient Seers ( the Yogis) have passed down their knowledge of internal geography , they have given us tools. We are the explorers . Make the most of this knowledge, use that compass  to navigate the vast expanse of your own Being.

Namaste

Alessandra