The journey from the inner to the outer realm is completed through the Throat or Vishuddhi Chakra. It is the gateway to our creative expression, communication and our authentic truth, where our highest expression become manifest. The active sense associated with the chakra is speech; organ is the voice box, and the cognitive sense is hearing. It governs the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.
Moving away from the lower chakras, throat chakra is also the starting point of the upper three chakras, which directs us to higher spiritual realms.
Blue color signifies the fifth chakra, and the 16 petals of the lotus flower have 16 Sanskrit vows inscribed over it, through which our speech derives power. The center holds a circle and an inverted triangle in it, that has the Beej mantra ‘Ham’ inscribed over it.
Problems associated with an Imbalanced Throat Chakra
There are quite a few problems that can arise from an imbalanced chakra. Responsible for purification, one can face problems with their speech and/or thought.
An excess energy trapped in the throat chakra can lead to negative talks, bickering, and gossiping. Since hearing is the cognitive sense associated to this chakra, people with an overactive chakra suffer from poor listening skills and inability to keep secrets.
On the other hand, when there is a lack of energy in this center, one can experience a substantial degree of fear to express themselves.
Some other issues include, shyness, improper vocal expression, and tightness in the throat. Sometimes, people experience a choking sensation in the throat or are unable to swallow food, even that can be regarded as both a symptom and a problem arising from a blocked throat chakra.
Physical problems occurring from blockages in this energy center include, earaches, toothaches, throat lumps, sore throat, tonsillitis, tight jaw, sinusitis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, neck stiffness, cervical, frozen shoulder, etc.
Ways to Heal the Throat Chakra
Asana or Bodywork
Few yoga poses that are effective in removing blockages in the throat chakra are Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Halasana (Plough pose), Matsyasana (Fish pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose), etc. Regular practice of these poses will stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as bring energy to the throat region.
Pranayama or Breathwork
Pranayama is more potent than most of the other steps because it has the ability to manipulate our life force (Prana) itself. Bhramari or the Bee’s breath, where with every exhalation you make a low- to medium-pitched humming sound in the throat like a bee and Ujjayi Breathing technique can activate the voice box and engage both the active sense (speech) and the cognitive sense (hearing).
Singing
Singing is an amazing way to cleanse your throat chakra, whether it’s in the shower or on your way to work. Singing massages the vocal cords through vibration and activates the speech center. If singing alone is not an option, you can join Satsang groups in the vicinity. Chanting and singing both feel liberating and helps in activating this chakra.
Beej Mantra
The root sound of this chakra is ‘HAM’. It is chanted just like the way we chant OM. Be seated in a comfortable position and start by chanting ‘HAM’ multiple times, this will allow you to gather your attention and breath inwards along with activating the throat center, or you could also chant OM, followed by HAM.
Alternative chanting of these mantras allows the practitioners to connect the throat chakra to the crown chakra.
Speak up
One of the primary reasons and also a consequence of blockages in this chakra is the inability to express your feelings. An honest expression can do more good than you can imagine. Speak with love and add a heartfelt expression to your words. This will create mindfulness and balance. If you find it difficult to speak, you can start by journaling your thoughts as well.
The power of blue
The color of each chakra is the key to chakra balancing. Start by wearing sky blue colored clothes more often or drink a lot of water. The instinctive color of water is always depicted as blue. You can also wear blue crystals or jewelry like Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Amazonite, Blue Tourmaline, Blue Calcite, Blue Aragonite, etc.
Meditate on colour blue
Taking the above point forward, you can imagine a blue ball of light at the throat center. This ball of light is pulsating heavily and growing in size gradually to cover the whole body in the ball of blue light. This practice can be done anytime during the day, while you are working, cooking, traveling, bathing, etc.
Restoring the health of our chakras is as important as getting rid of an ailment or disease. Wellness of the subtle body creates wellness in the physical body and mind.
Image Source
Throat Chakra by Mark Preston
Throat chakra artwork
