Vishuddha or Throat Chakra
The 5th Chakra is the Throat Chakra, or in Sanskrit Vishuddha. This chakra is the center of the way we communicate with the world, and is the gateway for the energy from the lower parts of the body to the head. With this chakra we are able to tune in, not only to what is happening within us, but also what is happening in our outside world. It is located in the center of the neck, and is linked to the mouth, jaw, tongue, pharynx, soft and hard palettes, shoulders, and neck.
The Sanskrit word Vishuddha translates to pure or purification. When it is balanced we are at our purist, meaning when we give our word we honor our word. Others can place their trust on you because you value your integrity and don’t want to let others down.
Effects of the Throat Chakra
The Throat Chakra bridges the heart and mind. When this space is clear we are able to allow spiritual wisdom to flow freely, so we can integrate these truths into our being. It also regulates hearing and listening, so we are able to communicate effectively with others. It allows us to fully express ourselves through speaking our truths, expressing our individuality and creativity.
The Throat Chakra is governed by the Ether element: the space within us, which within that space our truest self exists. Sound travels through space, and as such our communication travels through the space of the Throat Chakra allowing us to express ourselves.
The Throat and Sacral Chakras are connected, as both help us express ourselves and are centers of our emotions and creativity. The Throat Chakra specifically helps us express ourselves and communicate to others clearly, gracefully, and honestly. It allows us to share our knowledge and ideas with others, and live in an open and honest way.
When the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance
An imbalanced Throat Chakra may manifest itself physically by causing a stiff neck, shoulder pain or tightness, a tight jaw or teeth grinding, a sore throat, or frequent headaches. You may have difficulty asking others for help, or even identifying ways to express what you need. Or you may be afraid to speak up or be timid when expressing yourself. Other communication problems that come up when the Throat Chakra is out of balance are being at a loss of words, having doubts or being untrusting of other people’s intentions, being overly gossipy and being unable to hear or listen to others, feelings of being isolated or misunderstood and experiencing a general lack of connection with others.
How to Bring Balance back to the Throat Chakra
You can do a few things, both on and off the mat, to help bring balance back to your Throat Chakra.
Off the Mat
Since the Throat Chakra is about expressing yourself effectively, you can use daily affirmations to help you open up this chakra. Affirmations around expressing yourself, trust, self doubt, and releasing guilt are helpful. Find an affirmation that resonates with you and use that as prompts in journaling or meditation.
On the Mat
Meditate on the color blue, or use the seed word HAM. If you have mala beads you can chant HAM and use the beads to help you maintain focus during the meditation.
Here is a short yoga sequence you can practice to help bring balance back to the Throat Chakra:
Prep Poses
Staff pose
Neck rolls
Easy neck release
Cat/Cow with Lion Pose
Reclining Nose to Knee
Asana Poses
Puppy pose
Cobra pose
Knees to chest and chin pose
Locust pose variation, hands at sides on ground or clasped behind low back
Shoulder stand
Plough pose
Cool Down Poses
Fish pose
Extended Fish pose
Legs up the wall
