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Inversions for Beginners?

B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential voices in Western yoga, calls Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) the king and queen ... (continued)

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Asanas for the Chakra System

A prescription of asanas to help balance the subtle energies of the chakra system.

By Barbara Kaplan Herring

sahasrara - crown ajna - third eye visuddha - throat anahata - heart manipura - navel svadisthana - hips muladhara - root

Visuddha Chakra (Throat)

Since the heart chakra is the bridge between the lower, more physical energy centers and the upper, more metaphysical ones, as we ascend through the chakras, the fifth is the first primarily focused on the spiritual plane. The throat chakra, Visuddha, is associated with the color turquoise blue and with the elements sound and ether, the field of subtle vibrations ancient Indians believed pervaded the universe. Located in the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth, the Visuddha chakra resonates with our inner truth and helps us find a personal way to convey our voice to the outside world. The rhythm of music, creativity of dance, the vibration of singing, and the communication we make through writing and speaking are all fifth chakra ways to express ourselves.

Visuddha means "pure" or "purification." Purification of the body through attention to diet, yoga, meditation, and exercise opens us to experience the subtler aspects of the upper chakras. Some yogis notice that drinking more water and letting go of products such as tobacco and dairy helps to loosen up the neck and shoulders and clear the voice. In addition, sound itself is purifying. If you think of the way you feel after chanting Indian kirtans, reading poetry aloud, or simply singing along with your favorite music, you'll recognize how the vibrations and rhythms positively affect your body, right down to the cellular level.

Deficient energy in this chakra leads to neck stiffness, shoulder tension, teeth grinding, jaw disorders, throat ailments, an underactive thyroid, and a fear of speaking. Excessive talking, an inability to listen, hearing difficulties, stuttering, and an overactive thyroid are all related to excessiveness in this chakra. Depending on the ailments, different neck stretches and shoulder openers, including Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), and Halasana (Plow Pose), can aid the fifth chakra.


Previous: Anahata - Heart      Next: Ajna - Third eye 

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Reader Comments

Gabrielle

In September I tried working in the public school system as a teachers aide to English Language Learners. I was not able to keep the job for more than 2 weeks because I realized these kids were having there basic rights violated, and I could not be part of such inhumane treatment. I am an ADVOCATE for children! I documented what I considered to be the abuse of these children in a 5 page letter and sent it to the principal as well as local civil rights groups. It was not well recieved, no one seemed to care. As a result I became ill, with symptoms culminating in my throat initially as strep troat, however after being put on antibiotics and steroids I was not better. I was seen repeatedly by a DR, had 6 viles of blood drawn and told nothing is wrong with you...Its all in your mind" I was floored, but thought it was possible. Since speaking out about the injustices I witnessed my uvula had developed an abnormal growth that moves around, changes shape and size, and at times is not present at all. Again, my Dr. told me I was "imagining things" and that I am in "perfect health".Wrapped up in this time in my life I simultaneously undertook the decision to re-connect with my grandmother I had not spoken with for many years (as a result of childhood abuse that took place in her care) I thought I had moved on, somethings maybe better left unsaid but as the saying goes when it rains it pours... My psychic intuition wouldn't let me rest, as I began to feel that her time on this planet was nearing an end-I wanted to make peace. She is in hospice now, ready to make the transition in to the next world- however my throat is still out of balance. I am at a loss as how to heal, any suggestions are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kierin

Hi Kelly. In my experience with Graves disease (hyperthyroidism) asana which put pressure on the throat, such as sarvangasana and halasana, have often resulted in thyroid storms. Can't say that poses like ustrasana have been obviously beneficial but they certainly haven't done me any harm. Hope this helps. :)

Gib

Great article..... It helps to know it exists. It helps to know there is hope and health for the human experience.I have I First chakra problems as well. Yoga can really help put one's life back on track.

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