Chakra Yoga Series: Part 5, Throat Chakra

Chakra Yoga
Written By Heather Deaville

This week we’ve continued our journey through the Chakra’s, moving from the Heart Chakra last week, and reaching the Throat Chakra, Vishudda. And again the influence this chakra has had over our classes this week has been palpable.

Focus on the breath

This week our practice focused on:

  • Ujjayi Breath

  • Gentle stretches across the neck

  • Percussive sound

  • Yoga Asana (postures) that opened the chest and let the energy flow

  • The nature of Spring and the elements of wood and either.

  • Thoughtful communication, mudra and mantra.

The call of the ocean

The Throat Chakra is focused on expression and effective communication. Although we tend to think of this as purely verbal, this chakra has allowed us to explore our non-verbal communication as well. Saying that sound has been at the heart of our practice and what better way to explore this chakra than by starting with the breath.

Ujjayi breath, also known as Ocean breath was the anchor for our pranayama this week. From beginning to end, it allowed us to draw our focus into the here and now and explore it’s sound in isolation, and with the presence of the rest of the world. Described by Anodea Judith as the “internal Om”, Ocean Breath enables us to conquer fear, bring clarity to the mind and support us in speaking our truth.

Releasing and Harmonising

Our class followed a rising energy this week, rising from the Root Chakra, we starting with gentle stretches through the neck and shoulders, shoulder shrugs were followed by more active seated yoga mudra linked to the inhale and exhale these gentle built the energy. The build in energy enable us to move to the Warrior poses and from there to Revolved Side Angle pose.

Mantra and Mudra

For mudras we explored Self-Esteem and Sky Mudra, firstly tapping into our inner truth, then heightening our listening abilities and careful contemplation.

Mantra’s included “I am truthful and honest with myself” and “I communicate openly and honestly to express my thoughts and feelings clearly.”

Essential oils for the Throat Chakra

If I’m honest I was spoilt for choice this week. But taking into account that it is currently Spring here in the UK I chose Bergamot and Lavender to compliment our practice this week.

Bergamot I chose for its optimism and uplifting qualities. These directly allow the body to free up, by releasing pent up feelings and emotions.

Lavender I chose for its ability to encourage self expression and release stuck energy. As we used it towards the end of our practice it’s calming properties were also enjoyed.

Join me for a class, workshop or CPD training

My joy is in sharing my two great passions, yoga and aromatherapy and I would love to have you come on this journey with me.

I teach yoga classes in Sussex, run yoga workshops monthly (sometimes more) and have a wonderful community of yoga teachers who have been on my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD training and are passionate to learn more about how to safely incorporate essential oils into their workshops and classes.

In three week’s

We’ll be journeying up the Sushumna Nadi to the Third Eye, Ajna chakra and exploring were our consciousness meets our unconsciousness and our intuition resides.

Sources and Inspiration

The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and practice. My experience as a professional aromatherapist and inspiration from:

  • Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books

  • Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press

  • Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck

  • The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler

These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.

The Chakra Yoga series:

You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:

Heather Deaville
Next

Chakra Yoga Series: Part 4, Heart Chakra