Vishuddha – Throat Chakra
As we move past Anahata – the heart chakra, our fourth energy centre, situated at the heart centre, the 3 upper primary chakras – Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), Ajna, Sahasrara – all located in the upper body, are concerned much more with the spiritual, more subtle aspects of ourselves rather than the physical ones.
The fifth primary chakra, Vishuddha, bridges the heart and the mind. When the channel between heart and mind is clear, the wisdom of both can arise and spiritual truths flow more freely.
Vishuddha is located at the base of the throat. The Sanskrit word Vishuddha translates loosely as ‘very pure’ or ‘purification’. The sense associated with Vishuddha is our hearing and sound. The fifth chakra is very much associated with our voice and our vibration. Sound vibrations are thought to be able to connect currents of energy that exist in the universe. Because of this connection to the voice, some translate Vishuddha as ‘Truth’.
A bija mantra is a one-syllable sound that, when said out loud, helps activate and balance the energy of a particular chakra. (Each chakra has a unique bija mantra or sound. ) The bija mantra of Vishuhdda is “ham.” (pronounced more like hom). Vishuddha is closely related to our Throat or Chin Lock (Jalandhara)
The throat chakra has a masculine energy and is symbolised by a smokey blue 16-petaled flower. Its Element is Ether. This suggests, that, when in balance we can feel spaciousness around the throat and neck. There is space and a channel through which spiritual truths can be spoken
Vishuddha and Self Enquiry
Vishuddha relates to our ability to speak our truth, to express our idea, thoughts and feelings clearly and truthfully. It asks us to be in harmony with both our inner and outer vibrations. The fifth chakra is about communication – not only how we speak but also how we listen. It’s also about having a healthy internal dialogue – how strong is your inner critic?. Vishuddha is about seeking and sharing of truth, having healthy boundaries, our personal integrity and honour, creativity, and self-expression.
On a physical level, an out of balance throat chakra can result in ailments such as sore throat, thyroid problems, neck, jaw or shoulder pain, mouth ulcers, hoarse throat or even issues with our hearing.
On a mental level when the throat chakra is out of alignment, you may feel like you don’t know how to ask for what you need. You feel unable to shape the world you want to create. It may be someone who talks too much or doesn’t communicate freely extreme quiet or refusal to speak.
When there’s an imbalance in this chakra, you may notice you have a harder time with communication. You might feel fearful about speaking your personal truth, have a hard time expressing your thoughts or feel anxious about speaking or communicating
A balanced throat chakra sets us free from the fear of judgement or the need for approval from others. How to striking the balance between speaking and listening. Our fifth chakra helps us to embrace our originality and invites us to be unique and honour our individual experience of being in the world.
And whilst the feminine Sacral chakra governs our creative instincts, it is the Throat chakra that enables us to express those creative ideas, rather than stifling them for fear of others’ opinions.
Balancing the Throat Chakra
There are lots of things you can do off the mat to help balance Vishuddha. For starters, simply wear more blue. Surround yourself wih more blue. Blue crystals or necklaces such as turquoise or aquamarine may help balance your throat chakra.
Do deep neck stretches that open the area around the neck and release pent up stress and tenson avoid neck strain and hyperextension.
A breathing technique called lion’s breath is believed to be beneficial for the throat chakra. To do Lion’s breath, take a deep inhale. Then stick out your tongue, and “roar” your breath out audibly – as loud as a lion’s roar. Yoga poses such as ShoulderStand, Plow, Fish all gently release neck muscles and stimulate your throat and chest area easing stress, eliminating toxins.
Journal writing is also an excellent tool for cultivating the capacity to listen to yourself.