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Chakra Series-Throat Chakra
July 30, 2020
Throat Chakra
Your Throat Chakra, aka Vishuddha, is the center of communication and expressing your authentic self and truth. It is located at the base of your throat. It is responsible for the thyroid endocrine gland. The element associated with it is ether or sound.
Imbalances to your Throat Chakra can create difficulties with communicating effectively, or frequent episodes of deceit or lying. A person may experience a fear of speaking or shyness. Difficulties with or an inability to speak your truth or to verbalize your thoughts may occur. Verbally one can be very critical of others or speaks too bluntly. There also may by misinterpretation or being misunderstood by others. Physically it may manifest into sore throats, tight jaw, stiff neck or headaches.
When your Throat is balanced or open, one communicates effectively. The ability to express and being a good listener who is patient, honest & responsive and receptive towards criticism.
Yoga Poses to help open your Throat Chakra:
1) Neck Tilt & Gentle Twist: Sitting in a comfortable position with your spine straight, inhale and place your hands on your shoulders. As you exhale, slowly and gently bring your ear towards the shoulder. Inhale, come back to the center and move on to the other side. After, release the hands, placing your right hand on your left knee and the left hand behind your back to support the spine. Inhale, while lengthening through the spine. Exhale and start twisting by gently looking over your left shoulder, without forcing or pushing it. This is a soft neck warm-up.
2) Simhasana (Lion Pose): Bend your right leg, then the left, crossing the ankles. Sit on the heels of your feet, toes pointing back. Bring the weight of the body onto the thighs and knees. Place your palms on your knees, fingers pointing down. (If it's easier, just sit crossed-leg). Sit with your back erect, torso slightly forward, arms stretched. Open the jaw wide and stretch the tongue out towards the chin as far as you can. Gaze at the center of the tip of the nose. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat on the other side, bending the left leg first. (Helps with clarity in speech).
3) Astangasana (Eight Limb Pose): From Downward Facing Dog, exhale and bring the knees, chest & chin to the mat. Keep the hands under the shoulders and hug the elbows towards your torso. Press the chest towards the floor and lift the tailbone towards the ceiling. Breathe slow and steady and hold for 5-10 breaths. To release, either press up into Cobra as you inhale, or push back into table top (on all fours), as you exhale. (Stretches the neck, shoulders & lengthens and realigns the spine).
4) Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand): Lie down on your mat and take a few deep breaths. Exhale, bend the knees and being them towards your stomach. On an exhale, lift the hips off the floor, and bring your hands to your lower back. Exhale and lift the trunk perpendicular to the floor, slowly bringing the chest to the chin. Only the neck, shoulders and back of the arms should touch the floor. Exhale, stretch the legs straight, perpendicular to the floor and point your toes. Hold for 1-5 minutes, as long as you maintain an even breath. From here either release by gradually sliding down (middle back, lower back, hips then legs). Lie there for a few breaths. Or option 2 is to continue to the next pose.
5) Halasana (Plow Pose): From shoulderstand, exhale and bend from the hips, slowly lowering the toes to the floor, beyond your head. Keep the torso perpendicular to the floor and the legs extended as much as possible. Soften the throat and draw the chin away from the sternum. You can keep the hands on the back torso, flat on the floor, or interlace the fingers and keep the arms straight, pressing into the mat. Breathe steadily and hold for 1-2 minutes. To go further, bend the knees, placing them just beyond the shoulder and pressing them against your ears (Ear Pressure Pose). Rest your shins flat on the floor. Close your eyes to look inward. To release, bring your hands to your lower back for support, move back into the shoulderstand, and unroll very slowly on an exhale. Lie flat on your back and relax with a few breaths.
6) Urdhva Matsyasana (Extended Fish Pose): From lying on your back, inhale lifting your chin to your chest, arching your spine come onto the crown on your head. Lift your legs up so that they're at a 45 degree angle from the ground. Lift your arms and extend them so that they are parallel to the legs. Keep extending the ribs up and keep your core active, while breathing evenly and maintaining balance on your head and buttocks. Hold for 5 breaths. To release, lift the head up, lie down on your back, then release the legs and arms to the mat.
7) Viparita Karami (Legs up the Wall Pose): Lie on your back, arms alongside the body, palms facing down. Inhale and lift both legs up straight until they are perpendicular to the floor. Flex your feet. Keep the head, neck and back in a neutral position. The lower back should be on the mat. Hold for as long as the breath is steady and the pose is comfortable. Exhale and slowly release both legs to the mat by engaging your core.
8) Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Not a Yogi:
-Liquids play a huge role in healing the throat so soups, warm teas, cool juices and water are amazing.
-Eat blueberries, blackberries or fruits that grow on trees like apples, pears, oranges, peaches, apricots or plums.
-Slow down! Go for walks, take salt baths, meditate or read.
-Express instead of holding it in. Release through journaling or talking with someone to address what is bothering or affecting you.
-Crystals: Azurite, Angelite, Aquamarine, Blue Calcite, Blue Quartz, Blue Sapphire or Turquoise.
-Essential Oils: Chamomile, Cypress, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Sage, & Spearmint.
-Practice mantra of HAM.
-Wear things that are sky blue or place items of that color in your space.
"There is no greater agony than hearing an untold story inside you".
~Maya Angelou
I speak my truth openly and freely. My words have the power to change lives, including my own.
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MAIN PHONE: 513-321-8000 Columbia Tusculum3724 Eastern Ave.Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Columbia Tusculum
3724 Eastern Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226