What is the Throat Chakra?

The Throat is the fifth chakra connected to the human body, and third from the top. This means its classed as one of the upper chakras and is situated in the throat.

In Sanskrit, it’s referred to as the Vishuddha, and relates to self-expression, and communication. Because of this, it also affects our self-confidence, honesty levels, sense of our truth, and how we relate all this to others.

PinThroat CHAKRA QUICK REFERENCE:

Throat Chakra Meaning

This chakra pertains to self-expression and communication. It also connects the heart to the mind.

Throat Chakra Position

This chakra is the fifth in the system. It’s located at the neck.

Throat Chakra Name

The Sanskrit name for this chakra is Vishuddha, and it means especially pure.

Throat Chakra Colour

This chakra is blue in color.

Throat Chakra Symbol

The symbol is a sixteen-petaled circle, containing a downward-pointing triangle, inside which is another circle.

What is a Chakra?

A chakra is a spinning disk or wheel of energy. In the human body, there are 7 main chakras that run along the spine, each of which holds and carries a specific energy. Yet there are also as many as 114 minor chakras spread over the rest of the body.

They are believed to relate to different glands within the physical body, as well as to energetic impulses, strengths, and weaknesses.

The Chakras are described in the ancient Vedic Texts, which date from 1500 BC. Yet more recently, the concept of chakras has entered mainstream spiritual speak here in the West too.

The seven main chakras are listed below in descending order. It’s important to understand that they’re all equally important. Where a chakra is located on the body has nothing to do with its value.

What’s the Difference Between a Healthy Chakra and an Imbalanced Chakra?

When a chakra is open and operating optimally, it’s spinning with ease. This allows it to receive information from outside, AND transmit information from within, through the physical, emotional and mental bodies, out into a person’s auric field.

Quite simply, this feels good! When our chakras are balanced, we’re functioning healthily.

Yet, it’s not uncommon for chakras to be out of balance (over, or underactive), or worse still, blocked. When this occurs, an individual will experience negativity – in the form of destructive and fear-based thoughts, difficulty learning and holding focus, depression or anxiety, or any host of other emotional and physical disorders. Long term chakra imbalances can also result in chronic physical illness.

Symptoms of an imbalanced or blocked Throat Chakra

The throat is often tied to thyroid issues, which is an ongoing area of scientific research.

Problems with the fifth chakra tend to manifest as issues tied to communication. Both the physical mechanics of communication – being able to hear and speak – and also with confidence, authenticity, honesty, truth, and in turn, understanding and acceptance.

If you think that your fifth chakra may be out of balance, here are the signs of look out for:

Signs of an Overactive Throat Chakra

Being pushy
Not listening to the opinions of others
Closed mindedness
Socially overbearing
Frequently Miscommunicates
Manipulative
Actions and words at odds
Frequent sore throats or earaches
Hearing loss of other issues
Sinus issues
Problems with the jaw or upper chest

Signs of an Underactive Third Eye Chakra

Very shy
Socially anxious
Difficulties in being honest (with others and yourself)
Difficulties in sharing opinions and verbalizing thoughts
Secretive (out of fear of being open)
Struggle to be heard in relationships
Frequent sore throats or earaches
Hearing loss or other issues
Sinus issues
Problems with the jaw or upper chest

5 Chakra Healing and Balancing Exercises for the Vishuddha

1. Use Affirmations and/or Mantras

Because this energy center is all about communication, it’s one that tends to respond really well to affirmations.

Simply repeating a motivational or supportive phrase each day (possibly multiple times) can help to heal any imbalances surprisingly quickly. Try the following affirmations, or adapt one to make up your own:

I speak with clarity and truth
It is safe for me to speak my truth
Sharing myself with full authenticity is what the world needs.

2. Try Sound Healing

Although the throat is the most often associated with speaking, this chakra also strongly relates to the ears, and to hearing.

For this reason, sound healing can be profound when it comes to healing and balancing this area of the body.

Also known as “vibrational medicine” and “sonic massage” the field of sound healing incorporates anything from gongs and crystal bowls to tuning forks, and song. In fact, stretching those vocal cords with a shower singing session can be profoundly healing for this energy center!

3. Have a Shoulder Massage

The muscles around the throat chakra tend to hold onto tension and stiffness if this energy center is blocked.

One way to activate healing is to get a massage! Pay for a session with a pro, or simply swap with a friend – take 20 minutes each and why not combine it with a heart-to-heart? When these muscles are massaged, releasing physical symptoms, your inner truth tends to be released along with that stiff neck!

4. Use Crystals

Blue crystals are great for Throat Chakra healing. Place them around your home, and beside your bed when sleeping. You can also try meditating with them. Here are some ideal crystals to work with:

Aquamarine
Blue lace agate
Lapis Lazuli
Angelite

5. Hydrate

Drinking enough pure water can be a great way to clear and balance this chakra, whilst removing any blockages.

Closely related to the emotional body, this element can also help feelings flow, and therefore be released. Ensure your water supply is free from toxins and contaminants. Even “clean” tap water usually contains additives like Flouride, so consider purchasing a good quality water filter.