The Fifth Chakra - Vishuddha
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The fifth chakra, the throat or Vishuddha chakra, is associated with the color blue and clear communication. The throat and ear (hearing) are part of this chakra. This energy center is the conduit connecting our intuitive or spiritual-focus chakras (the 6th and 7th chakras) with the chakras rooted in our physical body. When it is open and balanced, we are able to communicate freely, we feel centered and content, and we’re able to be honest with ourselves and others.
An excess imbalance of the throat chakra could look like arrogance, dishonesty, manipulation and/or self-righteousness. Deficient energy could look like fear of speaking your truth, feeling timid, being inconsistent or unreliable, having difficulty communicating your needs to others.
Ether, the yoga identity associated with the Throat Chakra, is also referred to as space, and is the essence of “emptiness.” Being still and silent through meditation is especially advantageous in helping us purify and strengthen our throat chakra, the connection between heart and mind. Try utilizing “Mouna Meditation”, wherein you choose a time of day when you can keep silent and abstain from intellectual focus (ie reading, TV, music, etc.) in order to increase external and internal silence.
Newcomers to meditation might notice a number of random concerns break through consciousness, such as a phone call that needs to be made…allow these thoughts to dissipate without becoming distracted or involved, and as this silent practice quiets your mind and soothes anxious feelings, you’ll be better equipped to allow these benefits into your daily living practices, such as thinking before you speak and saying only that which is necessary and true.
Yoga asanas to open the Throat chakra are also heart and shoulder openers. Examples are Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I), Purvottanasana(Long Bridge), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Supported short bridge), Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Dhanurasana (Wheel), and Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose). Pranayamas that supports the Throat Chakra are Ujaai, and Bhramari.
One of the best essential oils to use to support clear communication and the throat chakra, is lavender. It is interesting that this essential oil which is so well known throughout the world, is one that can evoke a sentiment of love or extreme distaste in those who try it. It is an oil that encourages us to speak our truth, and therefore can feel uncomfortable to those with an imbalance in this chakra. If you find yourself having an aversion to lavender, ask yourself what emotions you have that need to be expressed, what your truth is, and how you are voicing it honestly to yourself and those around you.