Throat Chakra Balancing – Singing Kirtan

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed

What is throat Chakra balancing? In the ancient Yogic system describing the energy centers along the central axis points of the spine, the throat chakra is the fifth major energy center. It is the seat of our ability to speak up for ourselves by verbalizing our unique truth.

 

Singing Kirtan for a Balanced Throat Chakra

It is also intimately connected to the sense of hearing. Additionally, verbalizing our intentions, dreams, and goals imbues us with the ability to harness the creative power of the manifestation of reality through language by connecting with the impulse of Matrika Shakti.

On a physical level, the throat chakra is directly correlated to the health of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland sits right at the base of the throat and is intimately affected by the level of vibrancy in the throat chakra.

Visuddha Chakra

It is not uncommon for the throat area to become blocked from painful life experiences. If this is the case for you, speaking up for yourself in front of a trusted friend, practicing Yoga asanas that open up the throat area, writing your thoughts in a journal, and singing are all beautiful ways to enhance the energy of the Visuddha Chakra region.

Many Yoga practitioners find that singing sacred seed mantras can be a delightful and powerful way of nurturing the creative energy of the Throat Chakra. This practice of call-and-response singing is also known as Kirtan. It is one of the primary practices of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion. Kirtan is frequently practiced in Yoga studios worldwide to free the heart of heaviness, balance the mind and uplift the spirit.

 

What are Ragas?

Different Kirtans or Yoga chants are based on various musical arrangements called ragas. These ragas can illicit longing, melancholy, introspection, or jubilant enthusiasm. One Kirtan that generates feelings of freedom and joy is Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya, Radha Ramana Hare, and Govinda Jaya Jaya.

This Kirtan is very uplifting and rousing. It means victory to Gopala, or baby Krishna, who resides in the very heart of Radha. In other words, Gopala is Krishna’s playful, young, and joyful child-like aspect. Radha is his consort (when he is grown-up, of course!).

Instead of longing for his physical company, Radha realizes that Krishna’s divinely playful aspect resides in her heart, so she dances in ecstasy. In metaphorical terms, Radha becomes a fully opened, blue, and purple morning glory!

The Morning Glory

Just like a fully opened morning glory flower that basks in the brilliance of the morning sun, after chanting a sacred bija mantra or sacred phrase for some time, your heart will be uplifted, and your Throat Chakra will be freed of constriction and tension.

You may not want to dance and sway in ecstasy when you chant “Govinda Jaya Jay,” but your heart will be uplifted. The raga accompanying this Kirtan will bring a smile to your face as the energy of the chant frees up any constriction in your throat chakra.

 

How to Practice

An excellent way to close your Yoga practice or class is to engage in a period of chanting for ten to fifteen minutes after completing your Yoga practice’s physical postures.

Ten minutes of chanting after resting in Shavasana helps me transition to the next activity of the day or evening in a fluid and energized manner. Depending on the time of day, you may wish to choose an introspective raga if it is in the evening, just before bedtime, or a raga that is energizing if you are still involved in the active part of your day.

Tuning In

Chanting mantras with the ragas is essential to Kirtan singing in Yoga practice. The musical arrangements of the notes themselves profoundly impact the chakras.

Several Kirtan musicians have recorded a variety of devotional chants in a classical Yogic fashion. You can find these Kirtan artists easily on iTunes or YouTube. If you are a Yoga teacher, downloading a number of your favorite chants onto your device is an easy way to incorporate this timeless practice into your Yoga class.

 

© Copyright – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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How to Balance the Throat Chakra

By Faye Martins and Gopi Rao

Unlocking the power of your Throat Chakra can be a transformative journey toward self-expression, communication, and authenticity. Whether you’re an artist seeking creative flow or simply yearning to express yourself more freely, finding balance in this energy center is vital.

Let’s explore techniques and practices that can help you nurture and align your Throat Chakra. From nourishing foods to soothing essential oils and empowering crystals to invigorate yoga poses – we’ve got you covered! So let’s dive in and discover the secrets of harmonizing your Throat Chakra for a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

The Throat Chakra and Its Meaning

The Throat Chakra, also known as Vishuddha in Sanskrit, is the fifth energy center in the chakra system. Situated at the base of your throat, it bridges your heart and mind, enabling precise and authentic communication.

This vibrant blue energy vortex governs our ability to express ourselves honestly and openly. It encompasses verbal communication and creative expression through art, writing, and singing. This chakra allows us to speak our truth with confidence and compassion when balanced.

Imbalances in the Throat Chakra can manifest as difficulty expressing oneself or excessive talking without truly listening. It may lead to feelings of frustration or being misunderstood. Physical symptoms like sore throat or thyroid issues can also arise.

To cultivate harmony within this energetic center, we must first recognize any blockages hindering its flow. Through various practices such as meditation, yoga poses specifically targeting the throat area and using crystals and essential oils for healing; we can restore balance and unleash our authentic voice upon the world.

 

Ways to Balance the Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra, also known as Vishuddha, is the energy center located in the throat area. It serves as a gateway for self-expression and communication. When this chakra is balanced, we can express ourselves freely and authentically. However, if it becomes imbalanced, we may experience difficulties speaking our truth or feel blocked creatively.

There are several ways to balance the Throat Chakra and restore harmony to this energy center. One effective method is through affirmations and vocal exercises. By repeating positive affirmations such as “I speak my truth with confidence” or engaging in practices like chanting or singing, we can stimulate and activate the Throat Chakra.

Another powerful technique is using color therapy. The color associated with the Throat Chakra is blue, so surrounding yourself with blue objects or clothing can help bring balance to this energy center.

More Ideas

Additionally, practicing deep breathing exercises can be beneficial for balancing the Throat Chakra. You release any tension or stress blocking this chakra’s flow by taking slow, deep breaths into your diaphragm and exhaling fully.

Engaging in creative activities such as writing, painting, or dancing can also aid in balancing the Throat Chakra. These outlets allow us to express ourselves freely without judgment or inhibition.

Spending time near water sources like rivers or oceans can have a calming effect on the Throat Chakra. Water’s flowing nature mirrors the need for fluidity within our speech and expression.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help align and balance your Throat Chakra while promoting overall well-being and self-expression!

 

Foods that Help Balance the Throat Chakra

Incorporating certain foods into your diet can make a big difference when balancing the throat chakra. The throat chakra is associated with communication and self-expression, so nourishing this energy center with foods that support transparent and authentic expression is essential.

One food that can help balance the throat chakra is blueberries. These juicy little berries are delicious and packed with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body. This can be especially beneficial for promoting clear communication and soothing any irritation or tension in the throat area.

Another great option is herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint tea. These teas have calming properties that can help relax the mind and throat, creating a more open space for authentic expression.

Incorporating fruits like oranges or lemons into your diet can also be beneficial for balancing the throat chakra. These fruits provide hydration, and their vibrant citrus flavors can invigorate your senses and encourage clear communication.

Leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale are rich in nutrients that support overall health, including vocal health. They contain vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in our throats.

By incorporating these foods into your diet regularly, you’ll nourish your body and support the balance of your throat chakra. Listen to your body’s unique needs when choosing what to eat, and enjoy each bite mindfully!

Crystals for Balancing the Throat Chakra

Crystals have long been powerful tools for healing and balancing the chakras. Regarding the throat chakra, several crystals can help restore its balance and promote clear communication.

One such crystal is Blue Lace Agate. This beautiful stone has a soothing energy that helps calm any nervousness or anxiety associated with speaking your truth. It promotes self-expression and encourages you to communicate with clarity and confidence.

Another crystal often recommended for the throat chakra is Sodalite. Known as the “stone of truth,” Sodalite enhances logical thinking and rational communication. It helps you speak your mind honestly while encouraging active conversation listening.

Aqua Aura Quartz is another powerful crystal for balancing the throat chakra. This stunning blue quartz is created by infusing pure gold into clear quartz, resulting in a vibrant blue color with an iridescent sheen. Aqua Aura Quartz stimulates self-expression, boosts creativity, and supports effective communication.

Celestite is yet another crystal that can help balance the throat chakra. Its gentle energy promotes peaceful communication, both with others and within oneself. Celestite also aids in letting go of fear or judgment surrounding expressing one’s true thoughts and feelings.

These are just a few examples of crystals that can assist in balancing the throat chakra. Incorporating these stones into your meditation practice or wearing them as jewelry can enhance your communication ability while staying true to yourself.

 

Essential Oils for Balancing the Throat Chakra

Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote well-being and balance in various aspects of life. When it comes to the throat chakra, specific essential oils can help restore harmony and expression.

One powerful oil for balancing the throat chakra is lavender. Known for its calming properties, lavender oil can soothe tension or anxiety, blocking communication flow. Diffuse a few drops of lavender oil or add it to your bathwater for a relaxing experience.

Another essential oil that supports the throat chakra is chamomile. This gentle and soothing oil encourages clear communication and self-expression. You can apply diluted chamomile oil topically on the throat area or inhale its aroma through a diffuser.

Peppermint essential oil is also beneficial for opening up the throat chakra. Its refreshing scent invigorates the mind and promotes clarity of thought, making it easier to express yourself authentically. Add a drop or two of peppermint oil to a carrier oil and massage it onto your neck and shoulders.

Eucalyptus essential oil can help cleanse and purify the throat chakra, removing any stagnant energy hindering self-expression. Diffuse eucalyptus oil in your living space during meditation, or dilute it with water as a refreshing spritz throughout the day.

Remember, essential oils should be used mindfully and safely by following proper dilution guidelines. Experiment with these oils individually, or create your blend based on what resonates with you!

Meditation for Balancing the Throat Chakra

Meditation can be a powerful tool for balancing the throat chakra, allowing you to express yourself more authentically and speak your truth. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit in a cross-legged position or on a chair with your feet flat.

Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. As you breathe, visualize a bright blue light surrounding your throat area, cleansing and activating the chakra.

Bring your awareness to any feelings of tension or blockages in this area. Allow yourself to release these tensions with each exhalation.

Next, focus on affirmations that support clear communication, such as “I speak my truth with love” or “My words have power and meaning.” Repeat these affirmations silently or out loud as you continue to breathe deeply.

As thoughts arise during meditation, acknowledge them without judgment and let them float away like clouds passing by in the sky.

Stay present now, connecting with the energy of the throat chakra. Feel it is expanding and opening up as you cultivate inner calmness and clarity.

Continue this meditation practice for 10-15 minutes daily to strengthen and balance your throat chakra. Remember that consistency is vital when reaping the benefits of meditation.

Incorporating regular meditation into your routine can help promote self-expression, improve communication skills, enhance creativity, and foster deeper connections with others. Permit yourself to explore this powerful practice to balance your throat chakra and nurture overall well-being.

Yoga Poses for Balancing the Throat Chakra

Incorporating specific yoga poses into your practice can be incredibly beneficial when balancing the throat chakra. These poses help stimulate and activate the energy flow in the throat region, allowing for better communication and self-expression.

One powerful pose for balancing the throat chakra is Fish Pose (Matsyasana). This posture stretches and opens up the neck and throat area, releasing any tension or blockages that may be present. As you recline on your back with your chest lifted upwards, envision a bright blue light radiating from your throat.

Another effective pose is Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana). In this inversion posture, you support your body’s weight on your shoulders while keeping the neck long. This helps improve blood circulation in the throat, promoting speech clarity and creative expression.

For a more gentle approach, try Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana). This pose strengthens the neck muscles and stimulates energy flow through the throat chakra. As you lift your hips off the ground and interlace your fingers beneath you, visualize a swirling blue vortex of energy expanding at your throat center.

Incorporate Camel Pose (Ustrasana) into your practice to enhance balance in this chakra. This asana encourages authentic self-expression without fear or hesitation by opening up both front-body and heart space while keeping an elongated neck position.

Remember to listen to what feels suitable for YOUR body during these poses. Everyone’s needs are unique! Experiment with these postures regularly to unlock greater harmony within yourself by connecting deeply with this important energetic center – The Throat Chakra!

 

Conclusion

Balancing the throat chakra is essential for our overall well-being and self-expression. When this energy center is in harmony, we can communicate our thoughts and emotions clearly and confidently. Incorporating mindful meditation, yoga poses, crystals, essential oils, and foods into our daily routine can restore balance to the throat chakra.

Remember to take time each day to focus on your throat chakra and nurture it with love and care. Explore different practices that resonate with you and make them a part of your self-care routine. Doing so will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and cultivate a sense of authenticity within yourself.

So go ahead! Embrace the power of your voice by balancing your throat chakra today!

© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division