Chakra 5, Vishuddha, has the Space element installed in it, which is about our ability to communicate effectively.  This is our voice.  What we say reflects how the other chakras are doing.  Not only that, it also governs our ability to listen effectively.  When 5th chakra is in good balance, we have a more even input (listening and taking in information) and output (communicating effectively).  Many of us take in far more than we put out, while others talk and never listen to anyone else.  We are bombarded with information and other signs, and our culture prizes knowledge of any sort, however trivial.  We are not taught how important it is to process this bombardment on the sensory organs and more importantly, how to discharge it appropriately. By journaling and expressing ourselves creatively we can release much of this, by effectively teaching what we’ve learned to others who are ready to hear we can begin to release some of this energy, and by continuously willing to learn we can bring healing to other chakras.  Therefore, our 5th chakra is another great place of charging and discharging energy.  It is also the location of three of the main five sensory organs – smell, taste and sound. 

The abundance of lymph nodes in the neck and the base of the scull, as well as the abundance of hormone regulating glands, such as thyroid, pineal, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands makes this an important location for purification of lymphatic and hormonal channels.  Maybe that is why the translation of the word Vishuddha is “pure”.  Jalandhara Bandha and neck alignment is like a master lever – it regulates and aligns everything else up or down the line – I have a separate tutorial on neck alignment, because I believe it is probably the most important one to observe in our practice and daily life.

The way the Fifth Chakra is connected to the Third Chakra and the First Chakra is through this alignment – when the neck is properly aligned, it creates a sense of lift and firmness in the abdomen (a hint of Uddyana Bandha), as well as a lift of the pelvic floor (Mula Bandha).  If everyone had their head on straight, we would all have abs of steel!

Health issues:

  • colds, sore throat
  • ear infections
  • thyroid (hypo or hyper)
  • teeth and gums
  • neck pain
  • vocal issues: too chatty or too silent, inability to speak the truth or to speak clearly, or inability to listen
  • ADD
  • Speaking lies that boost the ego
  • Teeth grinding
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

In your Yoga practice:

  • neck exercises
  • jalandhara bandha and observing neck alignment in all poses
  • bridge, plow, modified shoulderstand (including supported with plenty of padding to allow sufficient time and comfort for the lymph to flow – positions that do not compress or pull at the skin, since lymph moves just under the skin)
  • Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose)
  • Chanting and vocalizations

 

Pranayama: Seetali, ujjayi, lion’s breath, brahmari

 

Watch a short Yoga practice devoted to bringing awareness to the Fifth Chakra.