The Throat Chakra | Vishuddha Chakra in Yoga

Vishudha Chakra, throat chakra, fifth chakra

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THE THROAT CHAKRA

VISHUDDHA

The throat chakra is located in the throat region and is associated with communication, expression, truth, and creativity.

“Heal the chakra that influences self-expressive identity, communication, and integrity.”

VISHUDDHA SYMBOL

Throat Chakra, Vishuddha

FIFTH CHAKRA 

Sanskrit Vishuddha

The fifth chakra, or Vishuddha which means “pure” or “purification”, purifies the energy body for the state of higher consciousness of the upper chakras. 

This chakra is described as having sixteen petals. The seed sound in the center is HAM.  Downward pointing triangle containing a circular white region like the full moon for pure cosmic sound and purity.  

It is here we filter many many thoughts that go on our minds. It is the passage, the bottleneck, the translator, of the energy between the lower parts of the body and the head, literally a bridge toward the focus of consciousness. Mind-body communication can be affected when the neck is out of alignment. In the body, it relates to the anatomical regions of the thyroid, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and arms. This chakra is related to the Ether, the realm of space, the hearing–sound sense.  Sound has a purifying effect on the energy body.  

The function of the throat chakra is driven by the principle of resonance, expression, and communication: sound, vibration, rhythm, music, voice, words, and communication. Through the throat, sound is propagated into the air and its vibration can be felt not just in our ears, but also in our whole body. To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to speak, listen, and express yourself from a higher form of communication, and freeing your creativity. It moves energy from the inner world of thoughts and feelings and expresses them to the outer world.

 

THE ELEMENT OF ETHER

The element “ether” or “akasha” is associated with the idea of space, sound, and the expansive nature of the throat chakra. In traditional elemental models, “ether” is considered to be the fifth classical element, often associated with the heavens and outer space. However, it’s important to note that ether is a concept that has evolved over time and has different meanings and interpretations across various cultures and belief systems.
 
CONCEPTS BEHIND ETHER
Historically, ancient Greek philosophy and early scientific theories included the concept of ether as a hypothetical medium that filled all of space and allowed the transmission of light and other electromagnetic waves. It was believed to be a substance that permeated the cosmos, distinct from the other four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire.
 
In modern science, the concept of Ether has largely been replaced by the understanding of space-time in the context of Einstein’s theory of relativity. The theory of relativity explains the behavior of objects in space and time.  Space-time is not considered a substance like Ether but rather a fundamental framework that encompasses both space and time.
 

In the context of spirituality and philosophy or study to define reality and our understanding of it, Ether is often associated with a subtle, spiritual, or energetic element that connects and interpenetrates all things.It may be linked to concepts like energy flow, consciousness, or the subtle vibrations underlying reality.

EXPRESSIVE IDENTITY

Vishuddha –

Expressing, Power of the Word.

Location

Throat, pharyngeal plexus.

Purpose

Sound, vibration, communication, self-expression, creativity, being heard.

Issues

Listening, self-expression, speaking.

Glands/Organs

Thyroid gland. Work organ is the vocal cords, the trachea, throat, neck-cervical vertebrae, shoulders, back of the arms. 

Color

Blue.

Element

Ether “akasha” (also named Space).  Sit in an open space under a blue sky and meditate or relax. Listen to soothing music. 

Plane

Human plane.

Sense

Ears – Hearing.

Right

To speak / Be heard.

Demon

Lies.

Seed Mantra or Bija Mantra  

HAM. Meditate repeating the mantra Ham silently to yourself.

Sanskrit Sounds

a, aa, i, ee, u, uu, rru, Lru, Lrruu, e, aie, o, auu, um, aha.

Developmental stage

7 – 12 years.

Nutrition

For the thyroid gland: iodine, tyrosine, zinc, vitamin A and E, copper, selenium, and the omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid; for supplying, sea vegetables.

Affirmation

I express myself with grace and integrity. I communicate effectively with everyone I meet.

Exercise benefits 

Joyful Light and Creative by singing – chanting – toning, writing (automatic, morning pages or the past), prayers. We are what we say.

Throat chakra, fifth chakra, vishuddha

IMBALANCE

Do you experience difficulty communicating your thoughts or speaking your truth?

If your throat chakra is out of balance, this may manifest as difficulty communicating and expressing your feelings, indecision, and mood swings. Thyroid problems, a sore throat or stiff neck, and teeth issues may also be a sign of fifth chakra imbalance.  

The demon of this chakra is the opposite of truth: lies. Lies come in many forms. We can keep secrets, omit truths, or fail to speak up at crucial times. We can tell ourselves lies or live in ways that do not resonate with our natural being. All of these actions put us out of resonance with our core truths.

Here are some common signs of an imbalance in the throat chakra:

Difficulty in Communication: Individuals may struggle to express their thoughts, ideas, or emotions clearly and confidently. This can lead to misunderstandings or a feeling of being unheard.

Excessive Silence or Reserved Behavior: Some people with a throat chakra imbalance may find it challenging to speak up, share their opinions, or participate in conversations. They may fear judgment or lack self-confidence in expressing themselves.

Excessive Talking or Overuse of Communication: On the contrary, an imbalance can also manifest as excessive talking, where a person dominates conversations without considering others’ perspectives. This might stem from a need for validation or an attempt to compensate for underlying insecurities.

Inability to Listen or Empathize: Difficulty in truly listening to others and empathizing with their experiences can be a sign of a throat chakra imbalance. This could result from being overly focused on one’s own thoughts and opinions.

Inconsistency or Dishonesty: An imbalanced throat chakra may lead to inconsistency in speech, where a person says one thing but does another. Dishonesty or withholding the truth can also be a manifestation of this imbalance.

Fear of Speaking or Judgment: A person with an imbalanced throat chakra might fear public speaking or expressing their true feelings due to a fear of judgment, criticism, or rejection.

Physical Symptoms: Chronic throat problems, such as sore throat, voice issues, or thyroid imbalances, can also be physical manifestations of an imbalance in the throat chakra.

It’s essential to address any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be contributing to the imbalance for long-term healing and harmonization of this chakra. If the issues persist or worsen, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or energy healer may be beneficial.

Balancing the throat chakra involves practices aimed at improving communication, speaking one’s truth, and fostering authentic expression. Working on the lower chakras will help prepare you for this level of communication. For example, when you align the first and second chakras, it helps with overcoming fear. Opening the third chakra helps you to feel your personal power and have the confidence to express yourself. Knowing what’s in your heart comes when you align the fourth chakra. Then, when verbalizing your needs, desires, and opinions, you’re better able to determine how to be truthful to yourself and others.  

Techniques such as meditation, energy healing, yoga, chanting, affirmations, and conscious communication can help restore balance to the throat chakra. 

NOW REPEATING 3 TIMES

Loud or in Silent

“Words are not a small thing. Words are the real power. The whole universe is a magnetic field. If we create positive words, we feel love. If we create negative words, we feel hatred. Communication is a gift to know, to understand, and a gift to realize.”

In summary, understanding and working with the throat chakra is believed to help individuals communicate more effectively, express their true selves, and align with their purpose and creativity.

It’s during the search for a deeper meaning in life, from the early thirties to late thirties, here the energies strongly influence people. It’s important to note that beliefs and practices related to chakras may vary among different spiritual and cultural traditions.

MEDITATION

YOGA PRACTICE

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Nancy M.Sc, ERYT-500

Bound Angle Pose – Baddha Konasana

I love connecting with great yogis. Being inspired by the teachings of renowned yogis, my passion for sharing the teachings of ancient science within modern practice is absolutely stunning.

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