Sanskrit word Chakra translates to a wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. In your physical body, chakras are located in front of the spine, and act as vortices of energy or prana in your body. If these vortices are blocked, you may experience it in your physical body. The subtle body influences the physical body and our reality.

Chakras store the energy of thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences, and actions. They influence and direct our present and future mindset, behaviour, emotional health, and actions.

Turquoise coloured Vishuddha or Throat Chaka is the fifth chakra in our subtle body. It governs anatomical regions of the throat – thyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.

If you think about being stuck for words, you may need to practice and open the channels of Vishuddha chakra. The chakra is associate with Ether element – which is void, spacious. To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to speak, listen, and express yourself from a higher form of communication. The physical signs of blocked fifth chakra are thyroid problems, shoulder and neck problems, sore throat, issues with hearing and jaw pain.

The physical organ is tongue for communication and your voice, whereas the sense is hearing. This energy centre is for speaking the truth, expressing yourself clearly and truthfully with grace and attitude at the same time and being able to be harmonious and in tune with your body and vibrations.

To open the fifth chakra, you need to work on the lower chakras too. And you need to prepare yourself for this work in the fifth chakra, so best is done over a period of time. But there are some “quick fixes” that can be done. For example, affirmations are very useful.

Write down what you might want to express to others. Write out the phrase/s and practice it in front of your mirror. Practice makes it perfect!

Chanting, singing, and reading aloud are also great ways to open the fifth chakra. Chanting OM or the mantra sound for this chakra, HUM is a way of opening the Vishudha chakra.

Practicing Pranayama (Ujjayi breath and Lion’s Breath) can stimulate the throat chakra.

In Asanas, shoulder practices, neck joint release practices, shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana), and plow (Halasana) may have an effect in opening your Vishuddha chakra. Also, camel pose (Ustrasana), bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana). These poses will stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as bring energy to the area of the throat.

But for this chakra to be completely open, the other four chakras need to be open. 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 your heart comes with aligned fourth (heart) chakra.

Have you addressed the issues associated with chakras 1–4 yet? This will increase your understanding and sensitivity, which will in turn gain you deeper access to the gifts of the more subtle upper chakras. 

The colour of the fifth chakra is blue. Gems balancing this chakra are sapphire, blue topaz, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, and turquoise. See Vishuddha Chakra Mala and Wrist Wrap

Come and practice with us and find out more about chakras and yoga.

Read more about Muladhara (Root) Chakra here

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