Plow Pose and Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra or, Vishudda in Sanskrit, is our center for communication and self expression.  It is a pressure valve that allows the energy from the other chakras to be expressed.  Similar to being able to voice your emotions.  Don’t you find that talking with your best friend releases those emotions.  Self expression is important for balancing this chakra.

 

 

Day 13 – Balancing your Throat Chakra with Plow Pose

by Alek Parkinson, Christi Silbaugh, and Brit Labonte

The Throat Chakra is the centre from where we speak the truth.  Like a projector from which the world sees us. When it is in balance we can express what we think, and what we feel.  We can communicate our ideas, beliefs and emotions.  When the Throat Chakra is in balance and open, we feel comfortable taking the risk to allow our personal truths out into the world.  If it is out of balance it can affect the health of the other chakras.

The element associated with the Throat Chakra is sound, naturally making the verb association, “I Speak.”  Located at the base of the throat, in the science of yoga it is associated with the colour blue and the planet Venus.

 

How to Do Plow Pose to Balance you Throat Chakra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Begin by laying flat on your back with your legs extended, and your arms at your side palms down.

2) On an inhalation, use your abdominal muscles to lift your legs and hips up toward the ceiling.

3) Bring your torso perpendicular to the floor.

4) Straighten your legs and slowly lower your toes to the floor with your legs fully extended

5) If your toes do not yet touch the floor, support your back with your hands.

6) Lower your legs as far as possible, keeping your legs straight.

 

 

7) Continue to keep your back supported if your feet do not touch the floor.

8) If you feet rest comfortably, extend your arms along the floor and interlace your fingers.

9) Press your upper arms firmly into the floor, drawing down through the pinkie finger side of your hands.

10) Align your hips over your shoulders.  Untuck your toes and press the tops of your feet onto the floor.

11) Lift your tailbone higher, and draw your inner groin deep into your pelvis.  Keep a space between your chin and chest, and at the same time lift your chest to open the upper back.

12) Soften your throat.

 

Variations like this Ear Pressure Pose at left and the Lotus pose at right are all good.  Recognize your own limits. Yoga isn’t a contest of flexiblity.  It’s about being your best self.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As with any exercise program you must know yourself and understand your own health before attempting.

 

 

Photo Credits in order:

Feature Image:  Plow Pose in the Grass:  Tahnee Cattaneo @406fitspiration

Plow Pose in the Woods: Alek Parkinson @alekmp7

Plow Pose on a Boat (not for the fainthearted:  Christi Silbaugh @momwhatsfordinner

Plow Pose in the Garden:  Sandra Holt Holland @BeachyCowGirl

Plow Pose on the Porch: Lauren Martin @lalamalie_sukhino_yogi

Plow Pose SUP: Tahnee Cattaneo @406fitspiration

Plow Pose Variation Lotus: Robyn Ray @ Robynsheayoga