How do we express our thoughts and feelings and listen to others?
Focus on the Vishuddha – Throat Chakra
Written by Staša Mišić
The Vishudda chakra helps us creatively express ourselves. It encourages us to find and connect with universal truth. It represents creativity on a higher level of the mind. It controls speech, body, and fear. In this center, the energy of love is transformed into joy.
This energy center absorbs the largest amount of prana (subtle life energy force) from food, and that is why it is important to be aware of the process of consuming food. Food should be kept in the mouth as long as possible, i.e. we should chew it longer. Doing this also facilitates the digestive process.
In Vishuddha, everything is purified and perfected.
How do we know that our fifth chakra is out of balance?
Vishuddha is out of balance when we feel fear of not being accepted or of being judged by others, when we feel that we are not good enough, when we are shy or withdrawn, when we have a fear of public appearance, or even when we stutter, as well as when we talk too much and are prone to criticism, lies, manipulation. These are all signs of an imbalanced throat chakra.
On a physical level, an imbalance in this chakra can cause thyroid problems and problems in the neck, shoulders, jaw and ears.
Those whose throat chakra is balanced and awakened are fine with everything, they accept the pleasant and the unpleasant equally, let things happen, have no prejudices, listen carefully and understand their thoughts.
By awakening Vishuddha, one acquires knowledge about the past, present, and future, and becomes free and flexible.
Some of the yoga postures that can help us free the flow of energy in our throat center, recognize our authentic truth, and communicate with others are:
1. Simhasana – Lion Posture
Benefits on a physical level: it helps to open up the throat and exercises facial muscles. It is very helpful for people who stammer. It energizes and activates the throat center
2. Marjarasana – Cat Posture
Benefits on a physical level: it improves spine, neck, and shoulder flexibility. It also helps in the prevention of back pain and menstrual disorders.
3. Sethubandhasana – Bridge Posture
Benefits on a physical level: it helps to strengthen the back and knees, stimulates the thyroid gland, and opens up the chest
4. Matsyasana – Fish Posture
Benefits on a physical level: it stimulates the abdominal organs, regulates the thyroid gland, and helps to relieve asthma and bronchial problems.
5. Sarvaṅgasana – Shoulder Stand Posture
Benefits on a physical level: it prevents varicose veins, hernia, and the displacement of organs. It also improves circulation and immunity, stimulates the digestive systems, helps improve brain functioning and works on the thyroid and other endocrine glands.