These chakras are placed just inside the center of the shoulder blades. It could also be felt between shoulder-blades (opposite the heart chakra).

When open, they stimulate one`s system and open one to elevated learning. When closed, one may think of massaging them, but of course it is hard to massage that area by oneself. One may rub up against the side of a door, but it is desirable to have someone else to do the massaging. One must allow them to be open. One can question, which energies have one been blocking since, in what manner can one be more open. These chakras may open one up to other worlds and other processes of doing it.

This is a region of hot (yang) energy pertaining to the will. This centre also works with the heart chakra in the front of the body to activate happiness, peace, love and joy; this centre acts as a pump that sends chi energy to higher centers;

Associated Psychological states:

Open and Balanced: You have a feeling of freedom and a deep sense of the meaning of life and the universe and feel your will to be in harmony with the Divine Will. You have a well-developed will-power and a willingness to really live life you are driven to embrace your life, enjoy it, learn from it, use it to grow personally, and discover your Divine origins.

Overactive: You are impulsive and lacking in caution, especially in situations where caution is required also when this centre is over-active it produces an immoral, irresponsible individual.

Malfunctioning: (e.g. active but rotating anti-clockwise) You see the universe as a hostile place, and you react aggressively to your environment.

Blocked: You lack will-power and motivation; you have a fear of life and cannot put your heart into actions. You feel burdened, hopeless, and full of melancholy.

Some Exercises for the Shoulders:

Shoulder Shrugs:

Wring out one of our biggest stress receptacles. Repeat three times.
1. Stand upright arms relaxed alongside of body; inhale and shrug the shoulders up by the ears
2. Hold breath while pushing shoulders back
3. Exhale, squeeze shoulder blades together, opening chest
4. Release the squeeze
5. Inhale, target the area 3–4 inches below the upper traps between shoulder blades (lattisimus dorsi); squeeze with an exhale
6. Release the squeeze
7. Inhale, target muscles below shoulder blades (serratus anterior) and squeeze with exhale

Eagle Arms:

Brings freedom and awareness to the area underneath the shoulder blades, the rotator cuff muscles. Repeat three times on each side.
1. Stand upright, bring right arm up in front of chest, bend elbow so forearm (radius and ulna) is vertical and arm (humerus) is horizontal
2. Bring left arm under right, hook elbows and place hands as close as you can get to a prayer position
3. Inhale into upper back, slide shoulder blades down back
4. Exhale, easing elbows away from body, bringing elbows up in line with nose

Archer Arms:

Stretches tricep muscles, opens shoulder blades. Repeat three times on each side.

1. Inhale, raise right arm straight above head, then bend elbow so forearm comes vertically down back (use a belt if hand does not come half way down the back)

2. Exhale, rotate left arm so palm is out, then sweep it around and up middle of back

3. Clasp hands, or grab belt if hands do not reach each other

4. Inhale, right arm up and over to midline

5. Exhale, left arm down and over to midline

Opening the Heart ~ Skandha Chakra ~

This asana is perfect to do after a long day or first thing in the morning.

Skandha Chakra - shoulder socket rotation

Either sit in a meditation posture or with the legs straight out in front with the back upright & straight, or stand in the shower.

1st step:

Stand straight Thumb should be back and other four fingers in front of the shoulder.

Bring both the elbows forward & together at the same time in a large circle. Rotate in clockwise (from front to back) and anticlockwise (from back to front). Count: 10.

2nd step:

Stand straight. Interlock your fingers of the both hands and put it at the back of your head.

Do not touch the head, keep a minimum distance. Then move your hand from right to left. Count 10.

Practice slowly 10 times clockwise & then 10 times anti-clockwise.

Breathing - inhale on the upward stroke, exhale on the downward stroke.

Awareness - on the breath, mental counting & the stretching sensation around the shoulder joint.

 ~ NAMASKAR ~