The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha
Vishuddha Chakra is the fifth chakra, and happens to be located in the throat. That is the reason, it is also called, the Throat chakra. The word means purification. Probably, Lord Shiva used his chakra, to nullify the effects of the poison that he had stored in his throat in the Vedic times. It is the chakra that facilitates communication and expression. You will study about this chakra in greater detail, in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. The chakra is tasked with the responsibility of communicating, just one thing, and that is the truth. Moreover, it is not just involved in the communication on the physical plane, but also the spiritual plane. It is not just about the communication with others, but with the self as well.
When the Throat chakra is balanced, you will be able to communicate everything freely, with one and all. Furthermore, all the interactions will be free from fear or any sort of inhibitions. The chakra lies in the space between the Third Eye and the Heart chakra. In this same context, you can say that it connects the brain and the heart. Throat is the first place, which facilitates the movement from the self to all. You can increase your Universal consciousness, through the proper usage of the chakra.
Before, you delve deeper, into the psychology of the chakra, and it’s functioning, you should know a little bit about the characteristics.
Characteristics of the Vishuddha Chakra
- The first thing that you ought to know about, is the location of the chakra. The energy centre is located in the hollow of the throat. Moreover, it governs the Thyroid. The chakra impacts seven centres in the anatomical body, which are the vocal cords, oesophagus, neck, ears, and the mouth region. You can learn about the human anatomy and physiological processes as a part of the sound healing course in rishikesh. The Throat chakra also controls your hearing abilities.
- The symbol of the chakra is represented by a circle that is surrounded by 16 petals. The colour is light Turquoise blue. You can activate the chakra, with the help of the 16 ‘Swaras’ or sounds. You can activate the dormant Shakti and help it to move through the Throat chakra, into the Ajna chakra and then the Sahasara chakra. Lord Sada Shiva, is the male deity which is associated with the Vishuddha chakra. Whereas, Goddess Sakini is the female deity. The space element is skilfully associated with the chakra, in the form of a Nabha.
- If you are wondering, what element governs the chakra, you should not have to wait for that, any longer. Akash or the Sky governs the chakra. You can also call it the space. The chakra is really multifaceted. The reason being that the space is a place of immense possibilities. You can paint beautiful images in such a space. The sound waves also travel through space, and that is why the sense of hearing is also associated with this chakra. Both listening and speaking are associated with the chakra. The reason, being that the spoken words also travel through space. Therefore, yogis will often tell you to speak good things, as bad things released from the mouth will translate into negativity. The yoga teacher training is one of the courses, which can propel your forward in your yogic journey. Moreover, it is for people, who want to soak in spirituality and become one with the Universe. Tantra is a part of the sphere as well. So, you are most likely to use the chakras and energies for spiritual enlightenment.
- The Beej mantra of the chakra is ‘Ham’. These are very powerful mantras, which can uplift you. If you chant Ham on a daily basis, it is most likely that you will be able to remove all sorts of blockages from your path. Moreover, if you meditate along with the chanting, your Throat chakra will be thrown open.
Learn to More About Chakras You Can Visit How to Activate Chakras in Human Body
How Should You Find Out If The Throat Chakra Is Balanced?
When you are attending meetings, or are at work, and you communicate in full swing, it means that the Throat chakra is working well. You could be coming up with great ideas that affect the profits of your firm, manifold. Furthermore, you could be winning contests and debates quite easily. Additionally, you will be a great listener. That shows that the chakra is working just fine. If you visit the Rishikesh Yoga School, you will be able to learn about the ways through which, you can activate the chakra and make it work at optimum levels. When you see yourself, having a self-dialogue, that means that you are communicating well and that the channel is obstacle-free. In this process, you will be listening to your inner desires as well. Intellect and your emotions work in tandem with one another, too.
The neck region will also be flexible, if the chakra is working just fine. The voice will also sound friendly and attractive to the others. The best yoga center will actually give you a very spiritual learning on the same.
Signs Of A Blocked Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra)
If the Vishuddha Chakra is blocked, things will not be the same. Some of the physical signs of a blockage are sore throat, a hoarse voice, pain in the neck region, stress, voice issues, and hearing problems as well.
Additionally, you could show some psychological symptoms as well, like non-communication, stammering, fear of speaking the truth, confusion, insecurity, and you may also have zero confidence. You may not be able to speak to a group of people, authoritatively.
All those, whose Vishuddha chakra is overactive, speak a lot, and that may be annoying to others. Such people may also neglect others opinions. You may seem very dominant in discussions, unnecessarily. You may also show off a lot.
However, you do not have to worry much. Once you have identified, where the problem lies, you can rectify it.
How To Unblock The Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)?
The Throat chakra mainly works with the Sacral chakra. There are several things that can help you to get back on track.
Yoga
- Cat-Cow Pose – It is one of the poses that can help you to impact the sacral chakra and the throat chakra. It can be a wonderful way to start with yoga for the Vishuddha chakra. It is one of the poses, which start with the introduction of spine movement, in a subtle manner. As you move through the Cat pose to the Cow pose, you move each and every part of the spine, lubricating the same in the process.
When you inhale, you have to lift the tail bone, and drop the belly down. When you exhale, you have to tuck the tail in, arch the spine and drop your head. In this stance, you have to gaze at the navel. This is one of the best practices, known to yogis today. Learn about the same in the Yoga TTC.
- Plough Pose or Halasana – This is yet another pose, that creates an impact on the throat and the sacral chakra. You can also start this pose, in front of a wall, if you are a beginner. In this asana or pose, you simply have to lie down on your back, and lift the legs together, with the hands by your side. The palms of both the hands will face the floor. Slowly, lift the legs upward and try to bring the legs onto the other side of the head. Thereafter, you have to roll both the shoulders inside, and tuck the chin into the chest. Ideally, the hips should be placed above the shoulders.
- Fish Pose or Matsyasana – It is yet another pose, which you can do today, to activate the Throat chakra. You can do this pose, with the legs in cross-legged position or stretched outward. Slowly, place the hands by your side, with palms facing the floor. Exert pressure on the palms and lift the back from the floor, while maintaining support on the floor, with the head. Look back at the wall, behind you. The pose helps you to open the throat. In this pose, the elbows provide additional support to the torso.
- Simhasana – It is also called the Lion pose. It is one of the best poses for the throat and the lungs as well. You have to sit in kneel-down position, at first. The hips should rest on the heels. The soles will face upwards. The upper body has to be maintained straight. Now, you have to spread the thighs a little, and bend the body forward slightly, and place the palms on the floor. The fingers should face backward, towards the body. Inhale and stick the tongue out, and focus your gaze on the centre of the eye brows. As you exhale, you have to roar like a lion. The roar should come out of the Throat. This is also called Lion’s Breath.
Apart from the above asanas, you can also practice head rolls and shoulder stretches. If you are a beginner in yoga, you must train under a good teacher, before you take up such practices on your own.
Meditation
This is one of the best ways, to remove the blockages from the Throat chakra. You can visualize the colour blue, as you meditate. No matter, what blockage you have, meditation can help you. You can chant Ham mantra during the meditation, as well. If you have a problem, with making the sound Ham for a prolonged period, you can switch it on a recorder. Listen to the sounds and repeat, if you desire. While you do this, the Beej mantra will heal the chakra. You can also just sit in a comfortable position, and imagine the symbol of the chakra in the throat. Imagine the area glowing with a blue light. You can also do Trataka, while visualizing the blue colour filling up the room.
Affirmations
This is another way, by which you can unblock the chakra. Some of the affirmations that you can use are-
- I communicate with ease.
- I am balanced while I am speaking and listening.
- I am a very active listener.
- I feel comfortable when I am speaking my mind.
These are a few of the affirmations that you can chant during meditation. By repeating such statements, you will be creating a positive aura around you. You will also start believing in what you say. Create new patterns around yourself as well.
Food and Diet
There are certain foods as well, which you can eat daily. Whole grains like brown rice is good for your overall wellbeing. You must reduce the sugar intake as well. Moreover, you can eat fruits like apples and oranges. They are good for all the chakras. Salt, ginger and lemon grass are also very effective in unblocking the Throat chakra.
You can also use stones for healing. Use the blue coloured stones like Aquamarine, Turquoise, and Lapiz Lazuli. You can also wear them in your neck, for prolific results. Try the above and you will surely be able to unblock the Vishuddha chakra. There are various ways like Reiki Healing, which you can use as well.
If you want to learn more about the chakras, then you should head to Hrishikesh Yoga School and enrol in one of their courses.
