The Chakra Series: Part 5

Continuing with our closer look at the Chakras, today we will focus on the 5th Chakra- Vishuddha.
For more information on the Chakras, check out the earlier posts in the series here: 1/2/3/4

Vishuddha is the Throat Chakra. It is located centrally at the base of the neck, and is associated with the thyroid.

Vishuddha is a Sanskrit word that means "intense purification." It is associated with the color blue, and the element Ether.

The Throat Chakra, not surprisingly, is associated with communication and self-expression. Its Sanskrit name gives us some insight to how this Chakra is to be understood- it is not concerned with everyday chatter, but rather the expression of Self through sound. It is tied in to the concept of personal responsibility in our communication; the purification of our words and thoughts

Disfunction in the Throat Chakra can manifest physically as sore throats, hearing problems, tinnitus, thyroid problems, or asthma.

To determine whether you have an imbalance in Vishuddha Chakra, try asking yourself the following questions:

• Do others view me as aggressive or threatening?
• Do I dominate conversations?
• Do I find it difficult to speak up for myself?
• Do I feel creative inspiration?
• Do I live in a way that is authentic to my Highest Self?

When the Throat Chakra is spinning too fast, it can show up as excessive chatter, self-rightous actions, arrogance, or aggressive speech. When it is spinning too slowly, it can show up as a lack of self-expression, an inability to "speak one's truth," inconsistent or wishy-washy beliefs, and a lack of spiritual connection.

A great way to help balance Vishuddha Chakra is Ujjayi Pranayama: the Victorious Breath. It is performed by narrowing the vocal cords at the back of the throat, similar to the action of fogging up a mirror with your breath, except with the mouth closed. The idea is to create a hollow, echoing sound (it is sometimes referred to as the "ocean sound breath" or even "Darth Vader breath") which makes the breath an easy point of focus. It also keeps you from breathing too rapidly during asana practice. Ujjayi Pranayama is practiced with the mouth closed, the sounding breath entering and exiting through the nostrils. It is especially helpful in balancing the Throat Chakra because the sound that it creates helps to purify the channels of the throat. 

A properly balanced Throat Chakra will manifest as good communication skills, ease in the expression of one's thoughts and emotions, authenticity linking words and actions, and creative inspiration. 

Some helpful affirmations to balance Vishuddha Chakra-

• I speak up for myself.
• My words are worth being heard.
• I speak my truth.
• My voice is strong and clear.
• I consider the impact of my words.

Namaste.

Rebecca