Meditation Cough: Why Does It Happen?

Coughing during meditation can be frustrating and disruptive, and there can be various reasons for it. Some people suggest that it could be due to respiratory issues or a dry throat, especially if it is accompanied by a tickle in the throat. Others attribute it to the Vishuddhi chakra, indicating a possible purification phase. In such cases, it is recommended to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying respiratory problems. Additionally, maintaining hydration by drinking water during meditation may help alleviate a dry throat. While coughing can be challenging for meditation practice, it can also be an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness by observing bodily sensations and practicing equanimity.

It could be due to respiratory problems or a medical cause

Coughing during meditation can be disruptive and frustrating, especially when it interferes with your practice and concentration. While there can be various reasons for coughing during meditation, one possible cause could be underlying respiratory problems or medical conditions.

Respiratory issues can be a factor, especially if the coughing occurs when you slow down your breathing during meditation. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor and seek their advice on whether you should continue with breathing exercises or make any necessary adjustments. This is especially important if you are experiencing other symptoms such as a dry throat, tickle in the throat, or physical pain.

In some cases, the coughing may be related to medical causes, such as allergies or smoking. It is important to consider your overall health and any potential triggers that could be contributing to the coughing. If you have a history of smoking, for example, it may be exacerbating the issue. Additionally, environmental factors like cold, dry air or dust can irritate the throat and trigger coughing.

While meditation is generally considered a safe practice, it is always advisable to prioritize your health and well-being. If the coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance. They can help determine if there is an underlying medical cause and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations to manage your coughing during meditation.

If you are experiencing coughing during meditation, it is important to remain mindful and maintain equanimity. You can try adjusting your meditation practice by focusing on the wider view of your body and sensations, rather than solely concentrating on your breath. Additionally, staying hydrated by keeping a glass of water nearby during your practice may help soothe a dry throat and reduce coughing.

It could be due to Vishuddhi chakra

The Vishuddhi chakra is the fifth energy centre in the human body's chakra system. It is also known as the throat chakra and is located at the base of the throat. This chakra is associated with speaking up, self-expression, and hearing.

When the Vishuddhi chakra is open and balanced, it enables clear communication and authentic expression. It enhances our ability to handle thoughts and emotions, fostering effective communication in all areas of our lives. We are able to embrace our true selves and express our authentic thoughts and feelings, deepening our connections with others.

However, when the Vishuddhi chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to difficulties in expression and communication. This may manifest as a fear of speaking, anxiety about communicating, or feelings of being unheard or misunderstood. There may also be physical symptoms, such as a lump in the throat or a catch in the voice.

If one experiences coughing during meditation, it could be due to the Vishuddhi chakra. This may be especially true if the coughing is accompanied by conflicts in one's life, as the Vishuddhi chakra is associated with truth, clarity, and responsibility.

To help balance and unblock the Vishuddhi chakra, one can try the following:

• Wear blue crystals such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, aquamarine, and celestite, or carry them during meditation.
• Perform neck stretches to release tension and prevent the buildup of stress in the throat and neck area.
• Practice mindful breathing techniques like lion's breath to ease stress and stimulate the throat and chest area.
• Chant the bija mantra for the Vishuddhi chakra, which is "Ham."
• Try journaling to cultivate the capacity to listen to yourself and connect the heart with the mind.

It could be due to throat infections or throat chakra

Coughing during meditation can be caused by a number of factors, and it is important to consider both medical and spiritual reasons. One possible cause is throat infections. If you are experiencing a persistent cough during meditation, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out any medical issues, such as respiratory problems or allergies. It is also important to consider your lifestyle choices, such as smoking, which can contribute to coughing.

However, coughing during meditation may also be due to the throat chakra, or Vishuddhi chakra. This is associated with purification and the release of something within you. The coughing may be a sign of conflicts in your life or karmic obstructions accumulated around this chakra. It is believed that by focusing on the mantra and the throat area, you can facilitate the release and achieve a deeper meditation state.

To manage coughing during meditation, it is recommended to keep your throat moist by drinking water or a mixture of lukewarm water and honey. Additionally, adjusting your sitting posture by bringing your chin to a horizontal position can help relax your throat. Pressing on the small pit in front of the Vishudhi chakra while leaning your head backward may also provide relief.

Remember, it is important to listen to your body and seek professional advice if you have any concerns or if the coughing persists.

It could be due to a dry throat

One possible reason for coughing during meditation is a dry throat. This can be caused by the environment, such as cold, dry air, or dust, or by physical factors like your sitting posture. To alleviate a dry throat, try adjusting your sitting posture to relax the front of your throat, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, or adding humidity to the air with a humidifier.

If you are experiencing a dry throat while meditating, it is important to take steps to moisturize and soothe your throat. Drinking water or sucking on throat lozenges before and during your meditation practice can help keep your throat moist and reduce the urge to cough. Additionally, using a humidifier in the room where you meditate can add moisture to the air, which may help alleviate dryness.

Another strategy to manage a dry throat during meditation is to focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths and be mindful of your throat as you breathe. This can help relax the throat and reduce any irritation that may be triggering your cough reflex.

If you find that your dry throat persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor. They can help determine if there are any underlying medical conditions contributing to your cough and provide personalized advice or treatments to help manage your symptoms effectively.

It could be due to the sitting posture

If you are coughing during meditation, it could be due to your sitting posture. For example, if you are sitting with a straight back, elongating the spine, your heart area tends to move forward, which can sometimes irritate the throat a little. To prevent this, try bringing your chin to a horizontal level, creating a double chin; this will relax the front of your throat.

If you are coughing during meditation, it is important to keep in mind that meditation is not about getting into a "groovy, blissed-out state", but rather it is about being with what is. A cough does not have to break your concentration, but it takes work to simply be with the cough as it is happening. Try not to get caught up in expectations of what a meditation session should "feel" like or be like.

If you are coughing during meditation, try to be mindful of the reflex and keep meditating alone to keep up the habit. Keep practising equanimity.

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