International Day of Yoga 2024: Yoga poses to activate chakras for good health

International Day of Yoga 2024: International Yoga Day, held annually on June 21, is a global celebration of yoga's benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health. People from around the world come together to recognise and embrace yoga as a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation. The date is significant as it marks the longest day of the year, which holds cultural and spiritual significance in various traditions.
 
According to Yoga practitioner Ann Saravanan, M.Sc (Yoga), yoga's impact on the immune system is rooted in the connection between the endocrine system and the body's energy centres, or chakras and activating chakras can lead to good health.

Here are a few poses to activate your chakras:

- The Crown Chakra corresponds to the pineal gland, which helps with melatonin support and better sleep patterns. Inversion asanas like plough pose and shoulder stand to stimulate and regulate the pineal gland.
 
- The Third Eye Chakra corresponds to the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones regulating various bodily functions. Practices like Brahmari Pranayama, Aum Chanting, and Seated Meditation help this gland.
 
- The Throat Chakra is connected to the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. Practices for Thyroid Regulation include Plough Pose, Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose, and Heart Openers like Ujjayi Breath.
 
- The Heart Chakra is connected to the thymus gland, which helps with the production of immune cells. Practices like Cobra Pose, Bridge Pose, Camel Pose, and Pranayama support the thymus.
 
- The Solar Plexus Chakra aligns with the pancreas, which influences digestion and energy regulation. Twisting Asanas, Prone Asanas, and Chest-Opening Asanas help regulate the pancreas.
 
- The Sacral Chakra corresponds with the reproductive organs, helped by Cobra Pose, Fish Pose, and Goddess Squat.
 
- The Root Chakra is linked to the adrenal glands, which respond to stress and maintain overall balance. Mountain Pose, Garland Pose, Tree Pose, Reclining Bound Angle Pose, and Child's Pose help this gland.