Activating Vishuddhi or Throat Chakra

There is a fascinating chakra that we haven't yet explored, as ancient texts do not reference it. This is known as the solar plexus chakra, situated at the base of the sternum, just below the heart chakra. Among all the chakras, this one tends to activate swiftly, especially when you practice abdominal breathing. As previously mentioned, the primary benefit of abdominal breathing lies in the movement of the diaphragm, which is in close proximity to this chakra, facilitating its quick activation. When the solar plexus chakra is effectively energized, many of your health concerns can be alleviated, often without any conscious effort. As you progress in kundalini meditation, nature assists in addressing your health issues by energizing this chakra! Once your heart chakra is fully activated, you can elevate the kundalini energy to the next chakra, known as the throat chakra or vishuddhi chakra. This chakra is located in the spinal column, just behind the throat cavity, and is also linked to rajo guna, similar to the naval and heart chakras. The predominant color of this chakra is blue, which can be described as a greenish-blue, as the green of the heart chakra blends into the blue of the throat chakra. This chakra is associated with akash or ether and represents the final chakra connected to the five fundamental elements. When this chakra is well activated, you may occasionally perceive star-like dots during meditation.

The love cultivated within your heart chakra becomes increasingly evident in this energy center. If you still cling to personal love, it will evolve into a more universal form of love. You will experience a heightened sense of purity in both your thoughts and actions. As your purity expands, the ether will begin to cleanse you. Once you achieve this state of purification through the akash, further cleansing is unnecessary. You will find yourself free from anger and hatred, marking the beginning of your detachment. The concepts of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ will no longer hold significance for you. Your close relatives will feel no different from a stranger on the street. You will refrain from claiming ownership over any object. Your ego will begin to dissipate as your mind is refined by the akash. You are being prepared to guide others on their spiritual journeys. You will be capable of delivering an impressive extemporaneous speech. Adhere to the broad guidelines previously outlined to elevate your kundalini to the heart chakra. Take a moment to hold your breath here to activate this chakra. For instructions on breath-holding in relation to chakras, please refer to earlier discussions. Engaging in all the bhandhas, especially jalandra bhandha, is highly beneficial for activating this chakra. The other two bhandhas, mula and uddiyana, should be employed to facilitate the movement of kundalini from the heart chakra to the throat chakra. If you find it challenging to activate this chakra using the methods we've discussed, you can gently place the tips of your fingers on it for a while, as previously mentioned. With consistent practice, particularly through jalandra bhandha, you can effectively activate the throat chakra. In the early stages, you will likely visualize a vibrant blue color, which will gradually transition to indigo as you progress. As you approach the final stages of kundalini meditation, you will be introduced to a mudra known as kechari mudra. Gently fold your tongue and allow it to touch your upper soft palate without applying excessive pressure.d

With time, your tongue will gain flexibility, allowing you to easily reach the soft palate's hanging section, which lacks any bony structure. Practice normal breathing a few times while holding this mudra, then return your tongue to its usual position. Feel free to repeat this exercise as often as you wish, ensuring you do not apply any pressure to your tongue. While performing this mudra, focus your attention on your throat chakra. Engaging in this practice will bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your mind. This mudra can be integrated with all bhandhas and exercises or practiced independently. The soft palate is located near the area where the spinal cord enters the skull, establishing significant connections with the nervous system and glands. This straightforward mudra offers substantial benefits for kundalini meditation.