The fifth chakra, Vishuddha Chakra, is located at the base of the throat, at the center of the larynx. This is the reason this chakra is also called the Throat Chakra. It is one of the 7 chakras. The energy element governed by this chakra is effective communication. It also represents inspiration and expression. Vishuddha Chakra establishes a strong connection to both verbal and body language.
The Sanskrit word 'vishuddha' means purifying the body from harmful substances. The Throat Chakra restores the energy by detoxifying the impurities from the body and mind. Unhealthy food and polluted air block the Throat Chakra. An active Vishuddhi Chakra contributes to the preservation of health.
The Throat Chakra is associated with the color bright blue. Blue energy is pure, soothing, calming, and healing and connects a person with the divine. The element of space defines the Throat Chakra. Emotions can only expand when there are space and freedom. The seed mantra of Vishuddha Chakra is Ham.
The characteristics of Vishuddha Chakra
The Expressive Element of Blue
The blue color element of the fifth of the seven chakras explores all levels of self-expression. Blue is the color of communication, providing us with the power of speaking the truth. Blue is also at the cooler end of the spectrum of colors. Blue allows the body and mind to experience stillness. It represents a pure mind that is uncluttered from any negative thought.
Expand your Mind with the Element of Akasha
The element of Vishuddha Chakra is Akasha or space. Space opens the possibility of an expansion of perspective. It symbolizes the energy of seeking and speaking the truth. The Vishuddha Chakra also governs our internal communication with our true Self. When this chakra is balanced, we are able to listen to the guidance of pure energy. We are able to understand others deeply and effectively.
Signs of a Blocked Throat Chakra
When the energy of the Vishuddha Chakra is imbalanced, communication breaks down. We refuse to listen to our inner Self and to others. Others are unable to understand us and feelings of loneliness surround us. The symptoms of a disturbed Throat Chakra are:
Hesitation in expressing emotions
Lacking the vocabulary to describe your feelings
A sense of feeling of misunderstanding by people around you
Aggressive behavior
Use of negative words and actions
Since the Vishuddha Chakra is connected to the throat, there are visible physical problems due to imbalance. A sore throat, fluctuations in hormone levels, and pain or stiffness in the neck area can be symptoms of a misaligned Throat Chakra.
Healing the Throat Chakra
Every time working on aligning a chakra maximizes the chances of creating a happy, well-balanced life. Healing the Throat Chakra isn't as difficult as it might seem and the improvement in communication impacts all aspects of life. The feeling of freedom and empowerment to understand our authentic Self comes with a balanced Throat Chakra.
Yoga Techniques to Stimulate the Throat Chakra
Yoga helps to connect the spiritual and physical of the body through asana. Connecting to the breath while holding asana helps to release tension and bring energy to the area of the throat and thyroid. The yoga asana that helps in stretching and opening the blocked channels of the throat are:
Shoulderstand | Sarvangasana - The supported Shoulderstand is a pose that’s great for stimulating the thyroid gland and activating the Vishuddha Chakra. This asana helps in increasing oxygen and blood flow in the lungs. The digestive system is improved due to better blood circulation.
Plough Pose | Halasana - This asana is effective in calming the nervous system. Reduction in stress, fatigue, headaches can be seen by practicing Halasana. This asana removes the blockage in Throat Chakra by stimulating the thyroid gland and abdominal organs.
Mindfulness Meditation for the Throat Chakra
Connecting with our inner truth begins with quieting the mind. Mindful breathing presents a way to calm thoughts by focusing attention on the breath. While inhaling deeply, experience the flow of air passing smoothly to the lungs. While exhaling slowly, experience the release of all negative impurities blocking the body and mind
Throat Chakra Affirmations
The repetition of affirmations sets the intention to break old patterns and create new, healthier and more effective, ones. To balance the Throat Chakra, repeat affirmations that relate to authenticity and open communication. Here are some examples:
I communicate confidently and with ease.
I feel comfortable speaking my mind.
I am balanced in speaking and listening.
I am an active listener.
I speak my true thoughts with clarity.
I set clear boundaries.
I hear and speak the truth.
I communicate with respect and courage.
My voice is necessary.
I feel free to express my creativity.
By repeating these statements, we create new thought patterns, behaviors, and actions that align with feelings of authenticity and open self-expression.
The Power of Mantra Chanting
Ham is the mantra associated with the Throat Chakra. The vibrations from “RAM” open your throat chakra so that your communication energy can flow strongly.
Foods for the Chakras
These are some chakra foods that promote overall openness and balance. Whole-grain foods like brown rice and reducing overall sugar intake is healthy for all chakras. However, there are also more precise dietary changes you can make to target specific chakras. Fruits like apples, oranges, and all other fruits that grow on trees are traditionally associated with the throat chakra. Simple spices such as salt, lemongrass, or ginger to foods can be added to heal the Throat Chakra.
Conclusion
The energy of the Vishuddha or Throat Chakra can prove to be your greatest strength if used effectively. The ease of communication in expressing emotions is a basic need. When our communication, with others and with ourselves flows, we experience more clarity and positivity of thoughts. When we have more clarity, our intention and actions are clear too and any toxic impurity holds less power over us.