In this week’s yoga practices.. In our ‘journey through the chakras’ the 7 week blocks reach chakra 5, vishuddha, or throat, chakra. Located at the throat centre vishuddha chakra is associated with communication, self expression, creativity, truthfulness, faith and taking responsibility for our own needs. It’s associated with the colour blue (sky blue) and the ‘element’ ether/space/void. Signs of a balanced vishuddha chakra manifest in a creative, expressive, content, centred individual who engages readily with positive expression. To open and balance the chakra we might be using the throat / voice 😉and practising poses such as Ustrasana (Camel), Salamba Savangasana (Shoulder stand) and Matsyasana (fish pose). It is thought that Matsyasana helps to stimulate the thyroid.
Included in other benefits reported for this pose:
- Stretches your deep hip flexors and intercostals (muscles between the ribs)
- Relieves tension in your neck, throat, and shoulders
- Stretches and tones the front of your neck and your abdominals
- Stretches and stimulates the organs of your belly and throat
- Strengthens your upper back and the back of your neck
- Relieves stress and irritation
- Improves posture
- Therapeutic for rounded-shoulders, asthma, spasms in the bronchial tubes, and other respiratory issues
Racheleyoga 