This month we will continue to move up to the fifth chakra the Vishuddha also known as the Throat Chakra. It is located at the base of the throat and is responsible for effective communication. The Throat Chakra is the first of the 3 spiritual chakra’s and is also the centre for inspiration, expression, and truth. Vishuddha is a Sanskrit word that means purification. The idea of purification is that the body and mind are free of toxins and negativity so that the mind can be clear and still. It is only a clear mind that can see the truth that isn’t clouded by our own personal experiences and beliefs. Without this sense of clarity and purity, it is hard for the fifth Chakra to be balanced. This Chakra has a close relationship to the 2nd Yama – Satya (Truthfulness) that is honest and kind, and the 1st Niayama – Sauca (Cleanliness/Purification), clearing the body of toxins.
It is only a clear mind that can see the truth that isn’t clouded by our own personal experiences and beliefs
The element of the Throat Chakra is Space. Space is the most subtle of all the elements, and its essence is stillness and emptiness. Its stillness allows space for all the other elements. It is still because it lacks wind, it is cold because it lacks fire, it is dry because it lacks water and it is light because it lacks the heaviness of earth. Space is where everything happens or in its most subtle form, the place before anything happens much like a blank canvas. Space gives the mind freedom to open up its perspective because it is clear of all negative chatter and allows emotions to arise and expand without becoming too attached to the experience. Sound is energy or vibration that is manifested into space, the throat is where the vibration of our voice box makes sound so we can use our voice and speak the truth, and is even our internal communication to our true or higher self so we can effectively express our creativity and potential.
The Throat chakra works in association with the 2nd Chakra it is the centre of creativity. The ideas for creativity are born in the 2nd (Sacral) Chakra, however, it’s the Throat Chakra that enables you to express these ideas and brings them to life. It is said that the energy of the Vishuddha Chakra could turn out to be your greatest strength if used effectively. This makes sense, if this is the centre of communication that enables you to express your creativity and true self in a way that is honest and kind how can that not be a strength. Alongside that the color of the Throat chakra is bright blue and color blue has an energy that is pure, soothing, calm, and healing.
Signs that the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance
When imbalanced, communication breaks down and we refuse to listen to ourselves (that quiet inner voice) and others. Emotionally you may feel:
- Lonely, like no one understands you.
- Hesitation in expressing emotions
- Lacking the words to describe your feelings
- Behaviour becomes aggressive
- You experience outbursts of emotions or the opposite, extreme quietness and refusal to speak.
- Use negative words and actions
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling depressed or anxious.
- Knowing something needs to be said but you can’t get it out.
- Talk too much or ramble (overactive throat chakra)
- Put your foot in your mouth (overactive)
- Interrupting or talking over people (overactive)
Physically an imbalance may show up as:
- A sore throat
- Fluctations in hormone levels
- Pain or stiffness in the neck area
- Mouth ulcers
- Gum disease
- Throid dysfunction
- Ear infection
- Sinus infection
- Tight shoulders
How Do We Keep the Vishuddha Chakra in Harmony
Healing or helping to maintain harmony and balance in this Chakra doesn’t have to be complicated, improving communication skills can go a long way. However, if you’ve always found it hard to communicate know that unhealthy food and polluted air block this Chakra so eating a healthy diet and getting fresh air is a great start. Include wholegrain foods like brown rice, tree-grown fruits like apples, oranges, pears, include spices such as lemongrass, ginger, and salt. Reduce overall sugar intake including sugars from fizzy drinks and alcohol. Good clean food helps to purify the body, when we start to feel better physically, it’s easier to become more positive and reduce negative self chatter.
You can protect your neck by wearing scarves or clothing around the neck, especially in the colder winter months when the element of space and Vata is predominant. Drink warm tea with honey to warm the throat. Chant, sing, hum, or read out loud so you use and hear your own voice and become more confident in trusting your voice. Yoga and pranayama (breathing practice) can also be helpful.
How can Yoga’s Help to Keep Balance in the Throat Chakra
The practice of physical asana helps to stimulate the throat chakra by using the breath to release tension in the neck and throat. The physical asana practice can help to connect the physical and spiritual bodies as it often helps to quieten the external noise and chatter so you get to know yourself better.
Being mindful of neck alignment throughout the practice and including gentle neck stretches can help to keep the throat and neck area free of tension. Compressing and stretching the throat, neck and shoulders is a nice way to keep energy flowing here. Poses that help to support the fifth chakra include:
- Salamba Sarvangasana – Shoulderstand
- Halasana – Pough Pose
- Setu Bhandasana – Bridge pose
- Bhujangasana – Cobra
- Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward facing dog
- Bitilasana Marjaryasana – Cat Cow
- Ustrasana – Camel
- Matsyasana – Fish Pose
Focusing on breath and using the breath throughout the practice helps to keep the throat clear. Lion’s breath is a nice pranayama to practice as it helps to ease stress and gets rid of toxins, especially in the throat and chest.
The Bija Seed Mantra: Ham (pronounced Hum) helps to create a vibration in the Throat Chakra that helps to bring it into a more balanced place.
Pose Focus for the Throat Chakra
Simbha Pranayama – Lion’s Breath
Level: All
Lion’s Breath is a pranayama or breathing technique that helps to open the Vishuddha (Throat Chakra). I picked this pose/breath because I find it’s a great way to release stress and tension in the face, I find I always end up smiling after, probably for two reasons. One is that it’s silly (children love doing this too) and the increased blood flow and circulation that it creates in the face feels great. Practicing Lion’s breath is a fun and effective way to use your voice and build confidence, to make the pose/breath even more effective when you breathe out have the intention of releasing negativity, doubt, and resentment. Clear the throat from tension and see how it feels in the face, neck, and shoulders.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Helps to release built up emotions and negativity
- Energising
- Relieves Tension and stress
- Clears and opens the Throat Chakra
- Boosts Confidence
Physical Benefits
- Stretches the muscles in the face…. may help reduce wrinkle if done regularly
- Warming breath that helps to prepare for physical asana practice
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves lung capacity
Therapeutic Benefits
- Mild Asthma
- COPD (with guidance from medical team)
- Bad Breath
Hints and Tips
- Spread fingers and draw shoulder blades down the spine on the exhale
- Have fun, really stick the tongue out and roar…. or alloe your “Ha” to be aubile.
