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Vishuddhi Chakra

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About 

Vishuddha is the throat chakra. The throat chakra resonates “I speak,” and its Sanskrit name, Vishuddha, translates as “pure.” Naturally, the throat chakra is important to our personal expression, and communication with spirit, ourselves, and others. As you can imagine, when Vishuddha is imbalanced, it can be difficult to connect with the purity of our expression and may cause communication to be difficult or even scary. If you find it difficult to say what’s really on your mind or tell someone how you’re feeling, you might have a “blocked” throat chakra.

Vishuddha is located in the center of the throat and governs the thyroid. Since the thyroid controls the body’s metabolism, the physical expression of an imbalanced throat chakra might be weight gain, fatigue, hoarseness, dry skin, or muscle pain/ weakness to name a few. When the throat chakra is balanced, we find ease in speaking our truth, and communication with others can be fun, pleasurable, and healing.

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Location 

Vishuddha is positioned at the throat region, near the spine, with its Kshetram or superficial activation point in the pit of the throat. Due to its position, it is known as the throat Chakra.

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Appearance

According to Hindu tradition, this chakra is described as having a "white color" with sixteen "purple" or "smoke-colored petals." Within the pericarp is a sky-blue downward pointing triangle containing a circular white region like the full moon. This represents the element of akasha or "aether." This region is represented by the deity Ambara, who is also white in color and is depicted with four arms, holding a noose and a goad. He makes the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear while seated upon a white elephant. The silver crescent is the lunar symbol of nada, pure cosmic sound. The crescent is symbolic of purity, and purification is a vital aspect of Vishuddha Chakra.

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Asana Associated with Vishuddhi Chakra

1.) Simhasana (Lion Pose)

In this asana, the body and face are manipulated at once to invoke the force and intensity of a lion’s roar. In fact, this posture is thought to be one of the best face exercises you can get. People often overlook another benefit of Lion Pose: it stimulates the platysma, which is a thin, rectangular-shaped muscle in the front of throat. This exercise will keep the platysma strong as you age.

Benefits 

  • Relieves tension in the face and chest

  • Improves circulation of blood to the face

  • Keeps your eyes healthy by stimulating the nerves

 

Contraindications 

  • Avoid doing this asana if you have incurred a recent injury to your tongue, or knees.

  • If you have a knee injury, always be cautious in flexed-knee sitting positions and, if necessary, sit on a chair to do the pose.

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2.) Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) 

Dhanurasana has been named after the shape the body takes while performing it – that of a bow. Dhanu means bow and asana mean posture or pose. Just as a well-strung bow is an asset to a warrior, a well-stretched body helps keep you flexible with a good posture.

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Benefits

  • Strengthens the back and abdominal muscles

  • Stimulates the reproductive organs

  • Opens up the chest, neck, and shoulders

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Contraindications

  • Ladies should avoid practicing this yoga pose during pregnancy. 

  • Do not do this pose if you have High or low blood pressure, a hernia, neck injury, pain in the lower back, headache or migraine, or recent abdominal surgery.

3.) Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) 

This pose is both an asana and a mudra in hatha yoga. It is the simplest of the inverted asanas, easy to do. It is said to bestow similar benefits of the shirshasan i.e. headstand and Sarvangasana i.e. shoulder stand. 

Benefits 

  • Increases the blood flow to the neck region and thyroid glands, good for those having hypothyroidism

  • Tones up the spine, neck, intestines, and other abdominal organs. And releases the organs of the pelvis and abdomen improving blood circulation therein.

  • Gives stability and strength to the wrists and lower arms.

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Contraindications 

  • People with high blood pressure, heart problems, inflammation of spleen or liver, serious neck and back problems/injuries should not do this

  • Avoid doing during menstruation
     

Pranayama Associated With Vishuddhi Chakra

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Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

This is most often used in support of yoga postures, especially in the vinyasa style. In this breathing technique, you constrict the back of the throat to support lengthening each breath cycle. Each inhalation and exhalation is long, full, deep, and controlled. You can learn this breath while seated in a comfortable cross-legged position. Once you get the hang of it, begin to use it during your yoga practice.

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Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayam

  • Improves your concentration & releases tension throughout the body.

  • Practicing this breathing pattern also calms your body’s fight-or-flight response to promote relaxation.

  • Regulate heating and cooling of the body, warming the core from the inside.

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Contraindications of Ujjayi Pranayam

  • People with a history of heart-related issues, a migraine, blood pressure, or any other ailment, should only practice this pranayama under guidance.

  • Do not practice this pranayama if you are constantly feeling tired, anxious, and panicking because exertion can be harmful to the lungs and the heart.

  • Pregnant women should avoid this asana.

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Mudra Associated With Vishuddhi Chakra

 

A mudra is a sign or hand gesture that has been known to affect different parts of the body by engaging the nerve endings in our fingertips. Mudras direct energy flow from the fingers to the brain and help the body communicate with itself. Mudras are a powerful way to activate our chakras

Akash Mudra

The Akash mudra is especially useful in clearing the throat, making way for clear communication. To practice this mudra, simply bring the pads of the thumb and the middle finger to touch. Do this while meditating or taking a short break from work or studying or chanting affirmations.

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Beej Mantra & Association with Deity

 

The Bija Mantra is the syllable हं haṃ, and is written in white upon the chakra. In the Bindu, or point above the mantra, resides the deity Sadashiva, who has 5 faces, representing the spectrum of smell, taste, sight, touch, and sound, and 10 arms. The right half of his body is a white Shiva, and the left half of the body is a golden Shakti. He is holding a trident, chisel, sword, vajra, fire, a great snake, a bell, a goad, and a noose, and is making the gesture of dissipating fear. He is clad in tiger skin. His Shakti is Shakini, who is shining white, seated on a red lotus, with five faces, three eyes each, and four-armed, with a bow and arrow, noose, and goad.

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Color Associated With Vishuddhi Chakra

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Vishuddha is represented by the color blue. While this color is rightfully associated with the big open sky or the vast ocean waves, it can also represent spirituality. But when you think about it, doesn’t your spirit move when you lay back and gaze into the endless azurine heavens? Blue brings peace and serenity, calm and power. Gaze at this color when you need to relax. Got a huge presentation or an important conversation coming up? Place a blue crystal in your pocket to give you an extra boost.

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Food Associated With Vishuddhi Chakra

 

When we’re feeding Vishuddha, we want to go for blue foods of course, but also deep, dark purples as well. If you’re on the go, Blueberries - Throat Chakra Foods - Vishuddhayou can always pop some blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, figs, or plums. When you have the time, make a nourishing veggie stir-fry that includes eggplant, purple carrots, and purple cabbage. Don’t forget about tea! A warming blue/purple fruit tea can be especially healing for the throat chakra and can help loosen up those truths that you need to get out.

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Affirmation Associated With Vishuddhi Chakra

 

Reciting an affirmation changes our personal narrative and creates a new pattern of vibration for our lives. Choose one from the following affirmations of Vishuddhi Chakra - 

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  • I speak truth

  • I am understood by others and myself 

  • I am a good listener

  • I express my feelings and emotions

  • I communicate with ease

  • I clearly state my needs 

  • I always find the right words

  • Creativity flows in and through me

  • Through clear intent, I am healing

  • I am fearless and free

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