Communication has two aspects; one is physical- hearing, speech, seeing and touch; the other one is metaphysical- which governs emotions.
Generally speaking, human voice is created by three major components- lungs, larynx (the voice box) and parts of mouth (tongue, cheeks, palates and lips). Interplay of all these generates voice, volume and pitch. Thus, physically it is important to keep these healthy and in working conditions by various muscular and breathing exercises.
Communication involves usage of more than one senses at a point of time. It is about judging what, when and how of a situation. On a subtle level, your body communicates with the surrounding energies by expressing yourself with utmost authenticity.
Here comes the role of the chakra which governs communication- The Vishudha Chakra which produces growth and maturation hormones. Excessive stress, namely fear and fear from speaking out, are said to affect the throat chakra, and thyroid problems may occur.
Once this chakra is open you are able to distinguish between pure and poison, right and wrong. In an abstract form this chakra is associated with creativity and self-expression. It is believed that when Vishudha is closed, a person undergoes decay and death. When it is open, negative experiences are transformed into wisdom and learning. Sometimes only talking to someone is enough to reach to a conclusion.
To feel the magic of this chakra and to unclog it, you can do small activities:
** The ‘AUM’ chant- it is the pure cosmic sound. It brings everything into balance. Remember, Aum is for all of us - Aum is in all of us. The first un-stuck sound of the universe produces a vibration which is felt through your vocal cords and sinuses clearing the airways.
It also improves your voice by giving strength to your vocal cords and the muscles around it proving it to be a beneficial activity for vocalists and corporate professionals. While taking a deep breathe the right and easy way to chant AUM is very simple.
You just need to know 40 percent of your breath should hymn ‘A’ & ‘U’ effecting your navel /abdominal area and chest cavity while the rest 60 per cent should chant the sound ‘M’ affecting the throat region.
Tuning to sound Aum in and by itself is a meditation which lengthens your inhalations and exhalations. The vibration of Aum within your body breaks up the toxins and simulates your cells thus resulting as a great detoxifier as well.
** Strengthen the seat of Vishudha Chakra- stand or sit straight, look in front of you and focus in between your eyes while breathing heavily. Then, look up towards the sky/ roof and focus on your throat, continuing with breathing.
Similarly, now look down and focus on the frontal lobe and continue breathing. Lastly, keep breathing and lock your chin to your chest and focus at the back of your neck.
Also, occasionally keep stretching your neck lightly by bending it right – left, up – down, clockwise and anti-clockwise while gardening, reading a newspaper or sipping the tea coffee in-turn relaxing your neck and massaging your throat region.
** Chakra Healer- Singing is something that everyone likes though it may be a passion or a bathroom singer. Intoning to your favorite soothing numbers proves to be another harmless way to heal and strengthen your communication chakra.
** Kundalini Yogasanas- Many yoga routines envisioned and created have their own set of advantages and the capability of tackling several medical conditions. Few yogasanas such as simhasana, shoulder-stand, halasana, matsyasana or bhujangasana help in relieving tension in your neck, throat, and shoulders.
These poses ensure chest expansion and optimal lungs stretching thereby helpful in expanding of lung’s internal region. The expansion of the lungs capacity ensures to prevent from asthmatic attacks, respiratory congestion spasms in the bronchial tubes, thyroid and other respiratory issues. Whereas simple shoulder shrugs and full hand rotation helps in reliving from frozen shoulder condition.
** Pranayam- breathing exercise also increases oxygen carrying capacity of blood and total lung capacity.
** Hatha Yoga- Jalandhar bandh from Hatha yoga directly cures throat related problems. It is performed by extending the neck and elevating the sternum (breastbone) before dropping the head so that the chin may rest on the chest. Meanwhile the tongue pushes up against the palate in the mouth.
**Kriya yoga- Paramahansa Yogananda explains Khechari mudra as part of Kriya Yoga. It is carried out by placing the tongue above the soft palate and into the nasal cavity. In the beginning stages and applicable for most practitioners, the tip of the tongue touches the soft palate as far back as possible without straining or placed in contact with the uvula at the back of the mouth.
It is to be practiced when you are on a light, healthy diet, otherwise constipation tends to occur, as the Prana or life energy needed to digest food does not adequately reach the lower Chakras. Buddha describes pressing the tongue against the palate for the purposes of controlling hunger or the mind depending on passage.
** While concluding I would say the yantra to strengthen your communication comes with mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum". The rate of vibration of this mantra is so high that it has a purifying effect on the air molecules itself. When this purified and charged, air comes in contact with sentient beings, transferring its soothing and calming effect on them, thus releasing them of their suffering.
Unblock your communication chakra tapping into, sharing the best “you” with the world around you—and you just might find that you get even more joy back than you give. But do remember what Thomas Browne once said- "Think before you act; Think twice before you speak"