Truths Behind the Fifth Chakra

The wheels of light, spinning in the aura of every human are known as the chakras, and are located at various energy centers along the physical body. It is said that these chakras gain their energy from the environment, and from the Divine. It is then filtered through the mental, emotional, and physical energies of the body.

Chakras mean 'wheels' or 'disks' in Sanskrit, and there are seven main of these, according to the ancient Indian philosophy. They are stacked in a column, from the head to the base of the spine, and are associated with a particular kind of energy and color. There are a few minor chakras as well, which are associated with hands, shoulders, fingertips, and feet.

There are seven major chakras, connected to the basic human consciousness. These are as follows:

• Sahasrara: The sahasrara is also known as the 'crown chakra', and is located either on or above the crown. It is connected with the chakra of consciousness, and helps connect the soul with the higher, spiritual truth. 

This the seventh chakra, and is associated with the pineal gland and the upper brain. It bears 972 spokes, radiating the color purple, considered to be the most spiritual of all colors.

• Ajna: The ajna or the 'third eye' is the sixth chakra. It's located between the eyebrows and is related to psychic sense, spiritual healing and enlightenment. This chakra is associated with the pituitary gland, the lower brain, ears, nose and the nervous system. It has 96 spokes, half of which are yellow-rose in color, and the other half is blue and purple.

• Visuddha: The visuddha or the 'throat chakra' is the fifth chakra. It is located in the throat, in form of a funnel of light that opens outwards. It is related to the ability to speak the truth; express the real inner self through hobbies, interests, and creativity; and the search for truth.

It has 16, silvery blue or sky blue spokes. The visuddha chakra is associated with the thyroid glands, throat, lungs, and the vocal cords.

• Anahata: The anahata or the 'heart chakra' is located between the shoulder blades in the middle of the chest. This chakra helps one love oneself as well as the others. It relates to an open heart that can both, receive and give love. The anahata chakra is associated with the thymus, heart, blood, and the circulatory system. It has 12 glowing, golden petals.

• Manipurna: The manipurna or the 'solar plexus' is located just above the navel, and is the third chakra. It is related to the sense of personal power and esteem. Having 10 spokes of green and light red color, this chakra is associated with the pancreas, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and the digestive system.

• Svadhisthana: The svadhistana or the 'sacral chakra' is the second chakra, located near the genital area. It rules sexuality and reproduction, and relates to the way one reacts to power symbols of money, sex, and self-control―things which, if not controlled properly, can lead to addictive behavior.

The svadhistana is associated with general health, the digestive system, and the functions of liver, pancreas, and spleen. It has 6 spokes, located halfway between the pubis and the navel. They are rosy pink and yellow sun in color.

• Muladhara: The muladhara or the 'root chakra' is the first chakra that is located at the base of the spine. It is said to be the seat of the kundalini (energy), and is related to the emotional and spiritual energies. It is associated with self-preservation, animal instincts, taste, and smell. This chakra has only four spokes, which are orange red in color.

These basic chakras govern all the energies of the human body.

You must have understood the location and relation of the throat chakra in the body. It is the chakra of diplomacy, pure relationship shared with others, and playful detachment. When it is opened by the Kundalini, it helps release all the guilt and remorse, and renders a kind and compassionate voice.

When it is sustained by the Kundalini, it helps remove all the tendencies to dominate or be dominated, feelings of superiority, inferiority, jealousy, envy, etc, from the body. Thus, one is connected with the wholeness of the universe.

The element of the visuddha chakra is ether. It is connected to the larynx, thus, influencing both, vocal expression and metabolism. The chakra is an expansive energy that is based on vibration. The energy of light and sound that imbues through the universe, in the form of waves, is associated with it. Such an energy is parallel to the universal mind and the world of collective knowledge (Akashic Records), and helps connect an individual to the universe on an intellectual level.

The visuddha is related to the health of an individual. It influences an individual on a cellular and/or molecular level, and thus, when in harmony, it is expressed in the form of health, wellness, and wholeness. When it is balanced, a person is able to communicate freely, with authority, and in a harmonious voice. He/she is closer to inner truth, has well-developed artistic abilities, and also bears an influential personality.

The imbalance due to disharmony leads to atrophy, disease, and chaos. When one is suffering from such a situation, one fears expression of the self. This leads to self-blockages or over-transitiveness. There are basically two types of imbalances.

The first one results from the fast and excessive spinning of the chakra, leading to congestion and disharmony. The impacts are excessive talking, poor listening skills, feeling of fatigue, lying unconsciously, seeking attention from others, etc. The person is prone to gossiping, shuttering, and interrupting others due to inability to remain silent―all these are the signs of excess.

The second type of imbalance results from slow spinning of the visuddha chakra that may lead to the deficiency or depletion of energy, and disharmony. This leads to lack of sense of authority, constant struggle on the professional and business front, fear of speaking out, negative dialog, shyness and, inability to speak the right thing at the right time. Such a person suffers from throat, thyroid, and neck problems. The person lacks motivation and dynamism, a pointer of deficiency.

Imbalance of the visuddha chakra might also lead to some emotional disturbances, like indecisiveness, and becoming critical, and/or judgmental. The person may suffer from lack of will and may not be able to express himself/herself. One tends to be dishonest, and gives out mixed vibes. People suffering from such issues are prone to health disorders like a chronic sore throat, ulcers of the mouth, throat cancer, laryngitis, joint problems, thyroid problems, etc.

An unbalanced fifth chakra makes one unable to communicate, causes a feeling of stagnation, and strangulates the emotions. The inability to speak makes one dishonest and timid, with a low self-esteem. Healing may be brought about by things such, maintaining a journal to pen down the emotions, painting, or drawing the inner feelings, etc. One can even sing, chant, or recite a poem as this chakra is related to sound. Dancing and drumming can also help in restoring balance.

One can even try meditation to help harmonize. One also needs to focus his/her attention on breath. This helps dissipating the anxiety, and gives one a feeling of calmness and alertness. You can even try yoga exercises like neck turns side-to-side, neck rotation in circles, neck bends ear-to-ear, and neck bends front to back.

One can even try using gemstones like aquamarine, fluorite, and turquoise to help restore the balance of fifth chakra. Essential oil scents of frankincense and chamomile may be extremely helpful if you go for an aromatherapy. Essential oils like lavender, spruce, germanium, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang, cinnamon bark, galbanum are also useful in harmonizing oneself.

Many famous singers, public speakers, and musicians have the visuddha chakra as their predominant power. Once you understand and learn to balance this chakra, you will be able to control your personal energies and reach the core truth. This core truth will then, help liberate your true self.