The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha
Our primary communication hub is the fifth chakra, or Vishuddha (throat chakra).
It regulates the flow of energy from the feet to the brain, and it does so according to rules of expression and dialogue. When we make a sound, the vibrations are transmitted to the air and then to our ears and bodies. The balance provided by Vishuddha allows us to more effectively tune in to both internal and external frequencies.
The Vishuddha Chakra connects the heart and the brain. When this channel is unobstructed, profound spiritual truths can be experienced without hindrance.
Most people refer to the throat chakra as Vishuddha, which comes from the Sanskrit word for "pure" or "purification."
Vishuddha chakra is related to the etheric plane of existence. Emptiness, the very nature of space, is where we find our true selves.
Physically, the thyroid gland, which regulates core body temperature, growth, and metabolism, resides at the top of the throat chakra. It is linked to the head, shoulders, neck, jaws, tongue, pharynx, palate, and mouth.
The expression of one's truth, purpose, creativity, and uniqueness are all linked to the throat chakra and the emotional body. Another emotional and creative hub, the sacral chakra, to which this one is linked. The purpose of the throat chakra is to project one's true creative self into the world by communicating one's thoughts and feelings eloquently, honestly, and gracefully.
When Vishuddha is in harmony, one's thoughts and words are clear, allowing one to manifest the life one desires. You are self-aware and respect yourself. You have the ability to let go of resistance and to keep your internal and external environments in harmony by accepting reality as it is.
Imbalances
Stress on any level of the body (physical, mental, emotional, or energetic) can cause that level to shut down, stagnate, or go into overdrive, as we've seen in previous chakra articles (see below).
A sore throat, thyroid problems, neck and shoulder pain, sensitivity to sound, jaw pain, or TMJ may all be signs of an unbalanced throat chakra. It's possible that you lack the skills necessary to effectively express your needs and/or that you frequently engage in unnecessary squabbling. If your Vishuddha is blocked or overactive, you may find it difficult to listen, to speak up for yourself, or to feel connected to others.
The Throat Chakra: A Checklist
Can you speak up for what you believe in?
Is your communication clear (whether verbal, nonverbal, external, or internal)?
Tell me about your experience communicating with the etheric plane, the spirit world, and your innate psychic abilities.
Do you feel the urge to make something new, to bring your dreams into being?
Do you recognise why you're here?
Restoring equilibrium
A healthy throat chakra allows you to express your feelings, thoughts, ideas, boundaries, empathy, and love to others. You can find equilibrium through practises on and off the mat:
Throat-centred yoga postures:
Throat chakra opening neck rolls
Exercises for opening the throat chakra (neck rolls)
Restore harmony to this vital organ with these specific yoga postures:
Neck stretches and head rolls
Simhasana (Lion's Breath): Raise your hands in the air and take a long, deep breath in through your nose. Make a noise with your throat by sticking out your tongue and opening your eyes wide while you exhale and claw at the air below you with your hands.
Shoulder-Supportive Shoulder-Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
Fish Pose with Props (Matsyasana)
Inverted V (Halasana)
Positive statements for the thyroid gland
I have a very distinct voice.
In all candour, I express what is in my heart.
I am responsible for being understandable and honest in my communication.
Sincerity seems to gravitate toward me.
Simply by asking for what I want, I find that I get it.
Vishuddha Chakra Meditations:
This chakra's colour is blue. Try visualising it the next time you're trying to unwind or meditate.
Sound vibrations, also known as chants or mantras
The HAM sound is the bija mantra for Kundalini. When you chant HAM (pronounced HAUHM), you're raising the vibrational frequency of your throat chakra. Make the sound "HAM" by inhaling and letting out a deep breath at the same time. I AM THAT is the meaning of this potent mantra. All of this is a reflection of the ultimate truth that we are one.
Vishuddha Mudra is the mudra for the fifth chakra (Throat Chakra Mudra)
Put your feet up and sit up straight. Make a fist by pressing the tips of your thumbs together and interlocking your fingers on the inside of your hands, palms facing up. Put your hands in the middle of your tummy. Say "HAM" over and over. Focus your awareness inward, to the area of the throat, and imagine your breath as a cool blue orb of light, opening a path for you to express yourself and be heard, most importantly by yourself.
The throat chakra is associated with the ethereal and the cosmic
They lead us to our inner infinity, but only if we are willing to overcome the illusions of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual confines. Asana practise that focuses on the throat region is an excellent means of clearing the throat energetically, mentally, and physically. As we work on the body, areas of tightness and stagnation will become more apparent. The freedom to sit with whatever arises, observe it without judgement, and then consciously let it go is a priceless gift, and so is the insight into the deeper lessons, meanings, and connections of all that arises.