As a yoga teacher and long-time practitioner, I’ve seen many students feel lost in their thoughts, searching for clarity in their lives.
I’ve experienced this too—until I began focusing on the Third Eye Chakra. Through years of consistent meditation and chakra-focused yoga, I found inner peace and stronger intuition.
Many of my students now ask me how to open this powerful energy center. In this guide, I’ll share my experience and expertise to help you understand and activate your Third Eye Chakra with confidence and safety.
What Does the Third Eye Chakra Mean?
The Third Eye Chakra, also called Ajna Chakra, is the sixth chakra in the traditional seven-chakra system.
“Ajna” means “command” or “perceive” in Sanskrit. It’s located between the eyebrows and is linked to intuition, imagination, inner wisdom, and clarity of thought.
When your Third Eye is balanced, you can trust your gut feelings, make better decisions, and see the bigger picture in life.
What is the Anatomy of the Third Eye Chakra?
The Third Eye Chakra is located in the middle of the forehead, slightly above the space between the eyebrows. It is linked to the pineal gland, a tiny endocrine gland that influences your sleep-wake cycles and perception.
Here are its key attributes:
- Color: Indigo
- Element: Light
- Seed Sound (Bija Mantra): OM
- Associated Gland: Pineal gland
- Organs Affected: Eyes, brain, sinuses
When blocked, you may feel confused, anxious, or disconnected from reality. When overactive, it might cause headaches, hallucinations, or obsessive thinking.
How to Perform (Activate the Third Eye Chakra)
Here are ways to open and balance your Third Eye Chakra:
1. Meditation with OM Chanting
- Sit in a quiet space
- Focus your attention between your eyebrows
- Gently chant “OM” while breathing deeply
- Visualize a deep indigo light glowing at your forehead
2. Yoga Poses
- Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
- Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana) with forehead touching the ground
3. Essential Oils
- Use frankincense, sandalwood, or lavender
- Gently massage the area between your eyebrows
4. Affirmations
- “I trust my inner wisdom.”
- “My mind is open and clear.”
Here’s a video that explains this yoga pose in more detail.
Benefits of Third Eye Chakra
Physical Benefits
- Supports healthy eye function
- Helps relieve sinus and forehead tension
- Reduces headaches and migraines
Mental Benefits
- Sharpens your memory and focus
- Encourages clear thinking and decision-making
- Boosts creativity and imagination
Health Benefits
- Regulates sleep through better melatonin production
- Helps relieve anxiety and mental fog
- May improve hormonal balance
Spiritual Benefits
- Enhances intuition and psychic ability
- Connects you to your higher self
- Encourages spiritual awakening and enlightenment
Variations and Modifications
For those who may struggle with traditional practices:
- Use a guided Third Eye meditation app if you find silence difficult.
- Try legs-up-the-wall pose (Viparita Karani) with a folded blanket under your neck to support relaxation.
- If chanting is uncomfortable, listen to 528 Hz or 852 Hz frequency music, which aligns with the Third Eye.
Expert Insights and Recommendations
As someone who has taught yoga for over a decade, I’ve noticed that the Third Eye Chakra becomes easier to work with after grounding lower chakras first. If your Root Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked, your Third Eye may also feel closed or scattered.
Here’s a quick one-liner about each chakra for context:
- Root Chakra (Safety & stability)
- Sacral Chakra (Creativity & emotions)
- Solar Plexus Chakra (Confidence & power)
- Heart Chakra (Love & compassion)
- Throat Chakra (Expression & truth)
- Third Eye Chakra (Intuition & insight)
- Crown Chakra (Spiritual connection)
Balance flows upward—start from the bottom and rise toward the Third Eye.
Safety Precautions
- Do not force meditation if you have a history of trauma—start with guided visualization.
- Avoid over-focusing on the chakra; balance is key.
- If you feel dizzy, anxious, or mentally overwhelmed during practice, take a break and ground yourself through Root Chakra activities (like walking barefoot on grass).
- Pregnant or sensitive individuals should consult a yoga therapist before using essential oils.
Final Words
The Third Eye Chakra is your gateway to deeper insight, peace of mind, and spiritual clarity. As someone who’s experienced the transformation first-hand, I can tell you—this chakra is not just mystical talk. It’s a practical tool for understanding yourself and the world better.
Start slowly, be patient with yourself, and remember that intuition is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.
FAQs
Q: What happens when the Third Eye Chakra is blocked?
A: You may feel confused, anxious, emotionally stuck, or unable to make decisions.
Q: Can everyone open their Third Eye Chakra?
A: Yes, with consistent practice, meditation, and lifestyle alignment, anyone can activate it.
Q: How long does it take to open the Third Eye?
A: It varies per person—some feel shifts in a few weeks, while for others it may take months.
Q: Is it dangerous to open the Third Eye?
A: No, but over-activation without grounding can cause emotional imbalance. Always focus on overall chakra harmony.
Q: Should I balance other chakras before the Third Eye?
A: Yes, balancing the lower chakras helps the energy flow smoothly to the Third Eye.
Sources:
Snyder, S., & Snyder, S. (2025, January 23). What you need to know about the Ajna chakra. Yoga Journal.
Jain, R., PhD. (2024, July 11). Third-Eye Chakra Awakening: How To, Blockage Symptoms & More. Arhanta Yoga Ashrams.
Hamilton, C. (2025, March 3). Exploring your intuition: the third eye chakra — Midtown Yoga Studios. Midtown Yoga Studios.
Matjasic, B. (2025, March 13). Third Eye Chakra: The complete guide. 7 Chakra Colors.
