We’ve gotten to the fifth chakra! Now we come to the three upper chakras, which are the most spiritual of the 7. Beginning from the Throat chakra, these higher energy centers are situated in the upper area of the body and are linked to etheric more than physical principles.
Read on to learn all about the Throat chakra. But if you are new to chakras and do not know anything about the first four, you can read the first four articles in this series, starting with the Root, to learn, and be enlightened more about the first four chakras in our chakra system. If you’re all caught up, then continue on to learn all about the Throat chakra.
The Throat chakra, or Vishuddha chakra in Sanskrit, is located in the center of the throat. It is associated with the throat, tongue, lips, cheeks, jaw, ears, lower neck, and even the shoulders. Its zone of influence is the space that runs from the shoulder girdle over the neck to the chin and along the cervical spine to the base of the skull.
The Sanskrit word “Vishuddha” means to cleanse the body of harmful substances. The Throat chakra restores energy by detoxifying impurities out of the body and mind. Unhealthy foods and polluted air sometimes block the Throat chakra. An active Vishuddhi chakra helps you maintain good health.
In her book MetaAnatomy, Kristin Leal describes this chakra as “the barrier between the emotions and the mind.” You can think of this as the communication path between the upper and lower chakras. The Throat chakra is responsible for communication, expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas, maintaining healthy inner language, finding a balance between speaking and listening, searching and sharing the truth, social skills, personal integrity, and honor. It also works very closely with the Sacral chakra. As the Sacral chakra governs and directs creativity, the Throat chakra helps individuals express these creative perspectives rather than “choking them” for fear of others’ opinions.
The Throat chakra has male energy and is symbolized by a blue flower with 16 petals. Elementarily, it is associated with sound, its affirmation is “I speak” and its seed mantra is “HAM” (pronounced like”HARM”). A sacred truth about the Vishuddha chakra is that every decision, thought, action, and word we say is an act of power. But don’t forget that it has consequences on a biological, ecological, social, personal, and even global level.
For example, if you sit at home in front of the TV all day complaining about life, you are saying that you are not happy with your choice but are not ready to make changes.
In short, your thoughts form things, and this creative potential flows through the energy of the Throat chakra. Say what you want to happen. Think positive thoughts and think about your future goals and focus on the end results. Then wait….your unconscious mind will get to work on how to make that ending a reality for you. Trust the process and start looking for signs. The Universe will start to push you in that direction so be ready to work!
PROPERTIES OF THE THROAT CHAKRA
Throat chakra energy is about being aware of your personal power and knowing that nobody but you has power over you and the decisions you make. However, this power of personal choice (often referred to as free will) is limited to the human experience.
We often wonder whether some other power greater than ourselves has power over us, and we wonder why is this happening? And what is my purpose? This is where Vishuddha begins to connect with the Third Eye chakra, which we will discuss in the following article.
Vishuddha begins to understand the power of belief, belief in ourselves and in a higher existence and knows that although we have the power to make our own decisions, we are also guided by an existential force that opens doors and portals.
Free will dictates that it is up to us to choose which door to enter. It is the actual power of creation: Energy becomes matter through actions of the Throat chakra such as thinking, visualizing, and speaking, i.e., “mind over matter.”
The Throat chakra is related to the color blue. Blue energy is pure, calming, soothing, healing, and connects people with the divine. The spatial element defines the Throat chakra. Emotions can only develop when there is space and freedom.
HOW DOES THE THROAT CHAKRA HEAL AND STRENGTHEN?
Regarding the energy of the Heart chakra, Vishuddha expresses love in the things you do – as well as do not do. Sometimes one of the most extraordinary acts of love is to reject negative judgments and opinions about yourself or others.
The Throat Chakra Forgives
The Throat chakra symbolically resonates with confession and forgiveness. Admitting a mistake and saying “I forgive you” out loud is often an extremely liberating and healing process. Forgiveness enables any guilt or pain to be erased through the Throat chakra and therefore enables the individual to express, give, and receive love openly.
The Expressive Element Of Blue
The blue element of the fifth of the seven chakras explores all levels of self-expression. Blue is the color of communication that gives us the strength, to tell the truth. Blue is also on the cooler end of the color spectrum. Blue makes the body and mind calm. It represents a pure mind, free from all negative thoughts.
The Throat Chakra Is Your Voice
Here we speak, sing, recite or say gestures of love. On the other hand, we can use our voices to project hurt, criticism, or slander. Why choose to be that person? Please be aware of what you’re about to say to yourself or someone else. Choose your words wisely because there is no taking them back. Words are powerful, so chose to lift someone up instead of tearing them down.
When the Throat chakra is in harmony, we affirm life in the way we speak and express ourselves: We convey love and appreciation for the problems of the world beyond the fixation of selfish desires.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A BLOCKED THROAT CHAKRA?
The main fear of the Throat chakra is that we have no authority or power to choose in our lives. Many of us believe that we are not leaders in our own destiny and that we must give in to social pressures to “do and not do.” This way of thinking leads to restrictive and oppressive thought patterns, which will lead to blockages of the Throat chakra. Always stand your ground even if you’re alone. It’s better to lead than to follow the crowd. Do what’s right, not what’s popular.
SIGNS OF AN UNDERACTIVE THROAT CHAKRA
People with an underactive Vishuddha struggle with throat or respiratory tract diseases such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, or colds because they do not express themselves authentically. A lack of this energy can make a person shy, afraid to speak, and unsure of communicating their wants and needs.
SIGNS OF AN OVERACTIVE THROAT CHAKRA
An overactive Vishuddha can create an overly opinionated personality that can cause one to act arrogantly when a situation arises. It can make you think that the act of gossiping, talking excessively, and complaining is ok. Even the inability to listen to others and always wanting to be right is a sign of an overactive Throat chakra. (FYI: Listening is also an act of communication, it’s important to be an ear for others as well).
A misaligned Throat chakra can lead to a variety of physical and mental problems.
Physical signs:
❖ Hoarseness
❖ laryngitis
❖ Sore throats
❖ Pain, tightness, and tension in the neck, jaw, or shoulders
❖ Difficulties within the thyroid, pituitary gland, or lymph system
❖ Several complications with the gums, teeth, ears, nose, lower sinuses
❖ Blocked upper respiratory system.
Mental signs:
❖ Insecurity
❖ Shyness
❖ Gossiping
❖ Choosing not to speak at all
❖ Socially anxious around others
❖ Inability to express oneself
❖ Excessive complaints
❖ Tendency to dominate conversations
❖ Need to always be right
❖ Speaking aggressively or without thinking
WHY SHOULD THE THROAT CHAKRA BE ALIGNED?
If your goal is clear communication and attentive listening, caring for the throat is very important. A balanced Throat chakra will help you communicate with clarity, wisdom, and insight.
When your Throat chakra is open and balanced, you will find that not only can you speak fearlessly and compassionately, but you are also open to hearing and listening to others as well.
To be able to speak openly and honestly, but with care and concern for others, is a gift to all of your relationships. You will be able to express your ideas, feelings, and opinions clearly. If you can express your thoughts clearly, you will also feel heard and understood.
Healthy communication includes internal and non-verbal communication. Telling the truth to yourself and constantly walking in that truth is a path to enlightenment.
8 WAYS TO BALANCE THE THROAT CHAKRA
1. Yoga
A variety of yoga asanas help balance this chakra, such as the:
❖ Neck Circles | Sukhasana – Neck circles are a usually a warmup activity in which the chin is dropped to the chest and the head is rolled in a circle either clockwise or counter clockwise to stretch muscles and ligaments in the neck.
❖ Shoulder Stand | Sarvangasana – The Shoulder stand is more appropriate for intermediate to advanced yoga students so use caution if performing this pose for the first time and discontinue if at all painful. It stretches the back of the neck while strengthening the spine and core muscles.
❖ Plow Pose | Halasana – Plow pose stretches the spine and shoulders while refreshing the nervous system. Because this pose calms and relaxes the nerves, brain, and heart, it is traditionally practiced towards the end of a yoga class to help prepare the practitioner for Corpse Pose and also meditation.
❖ Fish Pose | Matsyasana – Fish pose is a chest-opening pose that involves lying on your back and flexing your back into an arch while placing your weight on your forearms and hips. It is a reclined, back-bending yoga posture that stretches and opens up the throat, chest, abdomen, and shoulders.
❖ Lion Pose | Simhasana – For the Lion pose you want to take a deep inhale drawn in through the nose, followed by a forceful exhalation from the mouth making a roaring “ha” sound, like a lion. While exhaling, the mouth opens wide, the tongue sticks out and the muscles at the front of the throat contract.
These poses can help direct and open the Throat chakra. These postures can be done independently or in a sequence—similarly, a yogic breathing technique known as “ujjayi pranayama” can be helpful if done correctly.
Ujjayi breathing technique is the most common form of breath control used in yoga. It focuses on breathing through your nose and tightening your throat to make a sound similar to a light snore.
There are a number of benefits that can be realized by Ujjayi breathing, including improved concentration using the breath to bring energy into the throat area, which can help align the Throat chakra.
2. Meditate
Without a doubt, meditation is one of the best ways to balance your chakras. With regard to the Throat chakra, meditation can facilitate the growth process in contact with the inner language and personal truth. Try a guided Throat chakra meditation.
The connection to our inner truth begins with the calming of the mind. Mindful breathing helps calm thoughts by drawing attention to the breath. With every inhalation, think of yourself: inhaling. So every time you exhale, think of yourself: exhaling. If thoughts or distractions arise, be aware of them and let them go quietly. Just say “no” to your random thoughts and put your attention back on your breathing.
As simple as it sounds, our minds are constantly flooded with thoughts. Even just 5 minutes of conscious breathing is more complicated than it sounds. Mindfulness meditation becomes easier over time and brings calm and space to our minds. Through this silence, we learn to connect more intimately with our inner self and to open the Throat chakra.
3. Sounds
Since the element of the Throat chakra is sound, use sound in every possible way. Whether through laughing, screaming (into the pillow), humming, or singing in the car or the shower, your voice is the most important thing! While meditating or doing yoga, hear things like singing bowls or nature sounds.
Being in places or environments associated with noise can also create a climate conducive to the alignment of the Throat chakra. Examples can be a hustling and bustling city with different people communicating their individual truths in several ways, which can inspire others to do the same. Think of unique places like Tokyo, Berlin, New York, Seoul, or San Francisco. In contrast, places with natural sounds, like the park, a forest, or even the Amazon rainforest, can be perfect for the introspection necessary to understand personal truth and develop healthy and honest internal dialogue.
4. Crystals
You may get interested in Throat chakra crystals if you have problems conveying or expressing emotions in a more balanced way. Bluestones are recommended to improve issues with this chakra. Turquoise is a crystal connected to the energy of water and can help improve the flow of energy. Lapis Lazuli, the dark blue-hued crystal, contains energy that stimulates the Throat chakra also. Other stones such as Azurite, Aquamarine, and Blue agate are also used to treat problems with this chakra.
Wearing a necklace with one of these gemstones can be a beneficial way to send healing to the Throat chakra.
5. Burn Incense And Vishuddha Essential Oils
Aromatherapy has powerful healing properties that affect self-awareness. To open the Throat chakra, try burning essential incense, essential oils, and candles with Frankincense, Jasmine, Geranium, Sage, Peppermint, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clove, and Lavender. They all work so well unless you’re pregnant….see why here!
6. Stretch Your Neck
Stretches that open up the area around the neck can help balance the Throat chakra. We recommend doing some seamless neck stretches to prevent increased tension and stress in the neck area.
7. Repeat Positive Affirmations About Authenticity
Repetition of affirmations illustrates the intention to disrupt old patterns and produce new ones. To heal or open the Throat chakra, repeat affirmations relating to open communication and authenticity. Here are some examples:
❖ “I communicate with confidence and ease.”
❖ “I feel good when I communicate my thoughts.”
❖ “I’m balanced in speaking and listening.”
❖ “I am an active listener. “
❖ “I speak my genuine thoughts easily.”
❖ “I have set clear limits.”
❖ “My voice matters.”
❖ “When I speak, others listen.”
❖ “I embrace silence and know deep inner peace.”
❖ “I value the words of others.”
❖ “I choose authenticity over perfection.”
By repeating these statements, we create new patterns of thought, behavior, and action that match feelings of authenticity and open self-expression.
8. Effective nourishment for the chakras
These are the foods of the chakras that promote general openness and balance. Whole foods like brown rice and reducing total sugar intake are healthy for all of your chakras. However, there are more specific dietary changes you can make to target specific chakras. Fruits like peaches, apples, plums, and other fruit that grow on trees and fall off when ripe are traditionally linked with the Throat chakra. Simple spices like salt, lemongrass, or ginger can be added to foods to heal the Throat chakra. Other foods you can eat and drink to help this chakra are:
❖ Water
❖ Organic tea (Peppermint, Chamomile, Herbal, Honey, Lemon etc.)
❖ Pears (all fruits from trees)
❖ Apricots
❖ Atlantic lobster
❖ Bluefish
❖ Blueberries
❖ Concord Grapes
❖ Blue corn
THE THROAT CHAKRA AT A GLANCE
★ Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha meaning “especially pure.”
★ Position: The territory of the throat, mouth, jaw, neck, and thyroid
★ Subtle Body: Etheric Template
★ Color: Blue
★ Element: Ether (Space)
★ Connection to: Holistic thought
★ Gland: Thyroid
★ Sense: Hearing
★ Crystals: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Aquamarine, and Blue Lace Agate
★ Essential Oils: Lavender, Roman or Blue Chamomile, Frankincense, Jasmine, Geranium, Sage, Peppermint, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Clove (unless you’re pregnant)
★ Yoga Poses: Shoulder Stand, Plow pose, Fish pose, Lion pose, and neck circles
★ Signs of Balance: The ability to express oneself in a positive and creative pattern
★ Signs of Imbalance: Shyness, insecurity, arrogance, gossiping
★ Personality Traits: Caring and cautious
★ Qualities: Communication, expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas, a healthy internal dialogue, balance between speaking and listening, as well as the seeking and sharing of truth, social skills, and personal integrity and honor.
★ Key Themes: Center of communication, emotion, loyalty, and creativity
★ Mantra/Sound: “HAM” (pronounced like”HARM”)
CONCLUSION
The Throat chakra resonates with emotional and mental struggles and a willingness to say what you want in your life. Since choice, or lack of choice, plays a role in every detail of our lives, it can also be traced back to many diseases.
The energy of the Vishuddha, or Throat chakra, can be your greatest strength when used effectively. The ease of communication to express emotions is a basic need. When our communication with ourselves and others flows freely, we experience more clarity and positivity of thoughts. As we get more clarity, our intentions and actions get more apparent, and toxic impurities have less power over us.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Now that you understand your Throat chakra a little better, the next chakra to explore is your Third Eye chakra!
