LARYNGITIS

PHYSICAL BLOCK

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, which is the organ that facilitates speech. It may also include swelling of the vocal chords, hoarseness, loss of voice and, sometimes a harsh cough. For dipthereal laryngitis, see CROUP.

EMOTIONAL BLOCK

Since laryngitis usually results in partial or total loss of voice, it is a message from the body that you fear communicating vocally. You want to say something, but you're afraid you won't be heard or will displease someone. Instead, you choke back your words and they remain stuck in your throat (which can lead to a sore throat!). These words are struggling to get out.

Perhaps you are afraid you won't live up to someone's expectations if you allow these words to come out; or you may fear being judged as inept by others who are more well-versed on the subject at hand. It may be that you've already said something you regret, or have spoken out-of-turn and are determined to shut up in case something else inappropriate slips out.

Is there some important request you are afraid to make because you think it will be rejected? Are you avoiding speaking to someone specific for some reason?

MENTAL BLOCK

Whatever your fear, it is counter-productive when it causes you to stifle self-expression. If you persist in believing it is better that you don't express yourself, what you repress will build up and surface elsewhere in your body. The throat is the energy center relating to creativity and it must be kept open for creativity to flow through every area of your life.

Accept that not everyone will agree or even be pleased with everything you have to say. Acknowledge your right to freedom of speech and others will acknowledge it as well. Your opinion is valid and important and you have as much right to express it as any one else. When you have a request to make of someone, understand that the worst that can happen is that they will say no. If they respond with a no, don't take it personally - it is no reflection on who you are, but simply a refusal of your particular request. !