How to Activate the Third Eye Chakra

Meditation, yoga, breath work, crystals, and more!

Co-authored by Leah Morris and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 9, 2023 References Approved

Are you feeling a bit stuck? Maybe you were once so intuitive, and now you find yourself doubting every decision. This could be because your third eye chakra or ajna is blocked. The third eye chakra is your spiritual center and is in charge of your perception, intuition, and imagination. When it’s blocked, you may feel uncertain, stressed, or frustrated with the universe and yourself. Thankfully, you can do quite a few things to activate and open your third eye. With our help and some willpower, you’ll be feeling enlightened in no time.

Things You Should Know

Meditating is the number one way to open your third eye, as the practice allows you to go inward and realign your energy while strengthening your intuition.
Practice yoga and deep breathing to actively and intuitively energize your chakras.
Use positive affirmations to uplift yourself when your third eye is blocked—what you feel is valid!
Spend time in the sun and eat plenty of indigo foods to recharge your third eye chakra, so you can start feeling like yourself again.

1

Meditate on your third eye chakra.

Activate your third eye by meditating and aligning your energy. Chakras are the body's energy centers, and focusing on your third eye chakra can help you see things more clearly. Sit down in a quiet, comfortable location, free of any distractions. Close your eyes and start meditating, focusing on the point right between your brows (this is where your third eye chakra sits).
- It’s okay if thoughts come up while you meditate. Simply let them come and go rather than focus on them.
- Whisper a phrase or word to yourself as you meditate to help you open your third eye. This should be something you resonate with, like “I choose happiness” or “peace.”
- Chant the sound om or aum while meditating to open the third eye even more.^{[1]
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- Use hand mudras to channel your energy. Make a heart with your hands, then lift your middle fingers up into a triangle to activate the third eye chakra.
- Make meditation a part of your daily routine to keep your third eye open and active every day.

2

Move intuitively with yoga.

Yoga poses like Eagle, Dolphin, and Headstand can open your third eye. Starting a yoga practice is a great way to connect your mind, body, and spirit. Not only does it help you stay mindful, but it also reminds you just how capable you are. If you’re feeling stuck or can’t seem to shake away those anxious thoughts, try one or more of these third eye-opening yoga poses:^{[2]
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- Eagle Pose: Stand with your knees hip-width apart and bend your knees. Shift your weight onto your left foot and lift your right leg over your left knee, wrapping your right foot around your left shin. Stack your left elbow on top of your right, and wrap your right hand into your left. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.
- Dolphin Pose: Start on your hands and knees. Place your elbows under your shoulders and join your hands in prayer. Tuck your toes and lift your hips. Keep your head down and your back straight.
- Headstand: Sit on your knees and bring your arms to the ground under your shoulders. Interlock your fingers, so your arms form a triangle. Place the top of your head on the ground with your hands cupping the back of it. Start walking your feet up towards your shoulders. Bring one knee up and then the other. Straighten your legs and hold. (This is an advanced yoga pose, so don’t feel discouraged if you can’t get it on the first try—keep practicing and building strength.)^{[3]
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3

Try pranayama breathing.

Open your third eye chakra with a deep breathing exercise. Sometimes all you need to realign your energy is a few deep breaths. Pranayama is a breath technique practiced in yoga but can be used at any time of day to reduce stress and anxiety.^{[4]
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Research source} Follow these steps to alleviate tension in your third eye:
- Place your middle fingers over your eyes, your index fingers on your brow, your pinky fingers under your cheekbones, and your thumbs over your ears.
- Take a deep breath in and exhale the word aum. Notice how the “m” sounds like a bee buzzing.
- Do this for 2 minutes or until you feel relief.^{[5]
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4

Practice mindfulness every day.

Become more observant and aware by noticing the world around you. When your third eye chakra is blocked, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Thankfully, you can easily open your third eye by tuning in to the world around you. Be mindful by actively paying attention to what’s happening around you and noticing any physical and emotional sensations you may feel.^{[6]
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Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
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- Try to avoid being judgemental while you’re being mindful. There is no “right” or “wrong,” only what is.
- Simply observe and acknowledge your emotions rather than putting yourself down for them.
- Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to get started by focusing on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can smell, 2 things you can touch, and 1 thing you can taste.

5

Repeat daily affirmations to yourself.

Mantras can help you strengthen your intuition. One common sign of a third eye blockage is uncertainty. It can be easy to doubt yourself when your third eye chakra is blocked, so it’s important to remind yourself how worthy you are.^{[7]
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Research source} Open your third eye by speaking one or more of these affirmations out loud:
- I am wise.
- I am connected to a higher power.
- I am worthy of love and joy.
- I am open to new experiences.
- I am moving towards my purpose.
- I trust my intuition.
- My feelings and thoughts are valid.

6

Start a dream journal.

Record your dreams in a journal to be more self-aware. The third eye chakra is in charge of your imagination, and when it’s blocked, you may have more nightmares or unusual dreams. Documenting what you dream about could help you connect with yourself and your greater purpose.
- Keep a pen and notebook beside your bed so you can jot down your dream the second you wake up.
- Notice any common themes or patterns in your dreams. Is the universe trying to tell you something?^{[8]
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- Don’t worry about remembering all of the details. Simply write what you can, as the most important points will make themselves known.

7

Spend time outside.

Go for a walk or sunbathe to open your third eye. Believe it or not, sometimes fresh air really is the best medicine. Take a moment out of your day to unplug and appreciate the great outdoors. Something as simple as a quick walk around the block or having your morning coffee on the porch can make the biggest difference.
- When your third eye is blocked, it can be easy to feel stuck or lost, and spending time in nature can help you reconnect with your spiritual self.
- What you do outside doesn’t matter as long as you enjoy doing it.

8

Do something creative.

Paint a picture, play an instrument, or write a poem to activate the third eye. Sometimes all you need to feel less stuck is a creative outlet. Pour your heart and soul into a creative project because it may just help you see things more clearly again.^{[9]
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- Practice mindfulness while you’re being creative to get the most out of your activity.
- If you start a project and still feel stuck, move on to something else. Remember, you have the freedom to choose what you’ll do, and it’s okay to change your mind.

9

Take a bath with Epsom salts.

Relax in a warm tub full of Epsom salts to help you unwind. When your third eye chakra is blocked, you may feel high-strung or tense. Take a deep breath and draw yourself a comforting bath. It may sound silly, but a bit of self-care and self-kindness can go a long way when opening your third eye and feeling more in tune with yourself.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living
Go to source}
- Listen to what you and your body need to be at peace.
- Epsom salts can cleanse your body of stress, anxiety, and inflammation, which can help you feel more aware and at ease.^{[11]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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10

Diffuse essential oils to calm the mind.

Use lavender, bergamot, and clary sage oils to ease anxiety. These essential oils are great for opening and balancing your third eye chakra because they can help you relax and steady a wandering mind.^{[12]
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Research source}Diffuse the oils in the air with an essential oil diffuser, spritz them on your pillow before bed or rub them (along with a carrier oil like coconut) on your wrists.^{[13]
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Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
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- Try diffusing one or more of these oils while you meditate or do yoga for an extra healing boost.

11

Heal your third eye with crystals.

Keep sodalite, lapis lazuli, and amethyst close when discouraged. Depression, doubt, stress, and helplessness are all symptoms of a blocked third eye. These crystals and stones can help clear your mind and unblock your third eye chakra. Try wearing them as a ring or necklace, carrying them in your pocket, or holding them while you meditate to cleanse your energy.^{[14]
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- Sodalite represents focus, balance, and mental clarity and encourages calm creative energy.
- Lapis lazuli is the stone of friendship, truth, and awareness and can help you discover your self-worth.
- Amethyst is associated with memory, focus, and spiritual balance.

12

Eat dark blue or purple foods.

Include purple kale, grapes, and blackberries in your diet. The third eye chakra is associated with the color indigo, and some believe that eating more of a chakra’s color can help you balance your energies.^{[15]
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Research source} So, if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, why not give it a try? Here are some other foods you may want to eat:
- Purple cauliflower
- Cherries
- Elderberries
- Purple cabbage
- Blueberries
- Plums

13

Listen to chakra healing music.

Balance your third eye with sound frequencies. Some believe the emotional distress and confusion you experience when a chakra is blocked could be healed with just the right sound. Sound healing is a therapy that uses sound frequencies to align the mind and body. Traditionally, singing bowls, gongs, and tuning forks are used for this therapy, but there are plenty of instrumental songs you can put on to experience a similar experience.^{[16]
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- The third eye chakra is triggered by a frequency of 720 Hz and the musical note A.
- Pair sound healing with meditation or sound therapy to get the most out of your healing practice.
- Find free chakra healing music by searching “third eye chakra sound healing” on YouTube.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I train myself to be mindful?

Leah Morris
Life Coach
Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.

Leah Morris

Life Coach

Expert Answer

Practice naming what you're feeling and simply acknowledging it. Just say "This is what I'm feeling in this moment" without feeling the need to change it in any way.