The Fourth Chakra rules the heart, lungs and thymus gland (an important part of the immune system) and is situated in the center of the chest between the shoulder blades. Also called the Heart Chakra due to its location, this energy center is represented by the element of Air and the color green.

Having established our human needs of survival, procreation and dominion through the first three chakras, the Fourth Chakra serves as the balancing point between the lower and upper triangles of energy. The Heart Chakra that blends the energies of these two poles and shifts our awareness from "me" to "we."

Obviously this shift can have dramatic impact on the quality of our relationships. Communication that generates from the heart center includes consideration for both speaker and audience. You don't have to be a yogi to know what I'm talking about. The phrase "speaking from the heart" is widely known. Think about the last time someone said something to you and it really resonated. Were they trying to convince you of their point or were they sharing something authentic and personal? 

A person with an open, balanced Fourth Chakra has a great capacity for love and compassion without becoming drained. This chakra point is the home of courage, which relates to the French word coeur meaning heart, and inspiration, a word derived from the Latin root spirare meaning to breathe -- a lovely reminder that the Fourth Chakra rules the heart and lungs.

Looks like The Grinch needs a little work on his Fourth Chakra

Fourth Chakra imbalance can manifest physically in the form of heart and lung problems, arthritis, asthma, hypertension, stroke and a compromised immune system. Poor posture or slouching can signal problems here. The shoulders are a gateway to the heart and, from an energetic perspective, their role is to protect the heart from "bad" stuff. Awesome tactic -- unless the shoulders never get any release and instead become clogged with chronic tension.

Emotional symptoms of a problematic Heart Center can be seen in fear, bitterness, co-dependency, insensitivity, grief, depression, jealousy, loneliness, despair and holding grudges (see the quintessential image of this phenomenon, at left, by Dr. Seuss). Those are some pretty bleak character traits -- but if a sorry case like The Grinch can expand his shriveled heart, there's certainly hope for the rest of us.

All pranayam (breath exercise) provides healthy stimulation to the Fourth Chakra. A wonderful asana (pose) to begin with is Baby Pose, which opens this area from the back body and, therefore, may feel less vulnerable than sending the heart forward. As your heart center begins to open, it becomes possible to explore more advanced poses. From baby backbends such as Sphinx Pose, Warrior I and Cat/Cow you may eventually work your way into more challenging asanas like Camel Pose, Bow Pose or even Wheel Pose (a good-old-fashioned backbend).

Working on the Fourth Chakra invites compassion, love and grace into our lives. But remember, there is no advantage to rushing into heart opening. If this area is blocked, it is with good reason and attempting to move too fast, too soon here can actually make matters worse. By the time many folks get to a yoga class (child prodigies excluded), the Heart Chakra can be quite closed thanks to emotional wounds that happen in life.

Often the early stages of a yoga practice involve encouraging this area to revive after trauma, conflict, death or divorce. Allow this chakra to open slowly and gently. In other words, I urge you to say no if a teacher wants to stand on your upper back and pull your arms behind you to "open" this center! Such force can cause not only physical injury but can also overwhelm you to the point of being reluctant to continue your practice. Instead, use breath awareness and gradual progress to invite the heart to melt open over time.

Yoga teaches us to begin exactly where we are. My students hear me say often during class, "Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs." Slowing down and allowing a pose to show itself to you on your mat creates protected space not only for your physical body but also for suppressed emotions. When the old hurts are released safely, and we can look upon our own frailties gracefully, the authentic power of the Heart Chakra can shine upon ourselves and others.