Vishuddha – The Throat Chakra

In this article we look at Vishuddha – the throat chakra, which is the 5th of the 7 major energy centres. Read on to find out what it represents, indicators of a healthy / unhealthy chakra, how to go about healing and some of the benefits of having a happy, balanced chakra in this area.

What is the Throat Chakra?

The name of the 5th chakra is Vishuddha which translates from Sanskrit as “purification.” This symbolises the need for us to purify our mind and emotions in order to prepare for the transition from the lower, more earthly chakras towards the higher, more spiritual ones.

This chakra is located in the throat area at the base of the neck, and is visually represented by a 16-petal lotus. The colour is blue and the sense is hearing. The element is ether, also known as quintessence. If you’re not familiar with this element, it can be understood as the sky / space / the cosmos. It’s an extension of the four earthly elements. (i.e. earth, fire, water and air.)

The life stage represented by this chakra is 13-19 years. Whereas the previous stage related to the importance of us belonging and being part of the world around us, this stage relates to the importance of being an individual and having our own voice and identity within that world. It’s about having the confidence to express that freely without the fear of being rejected.

Factors influencing throat chakra health include having critical parents or feeling that our opinion, ideas or expressions weren’t valued or welcomed as we were growing up. Also, growing up in an abusive or dysfunctional environment where we were encouraged to keep quiet and say nothing.

The throat chakra is associated with all forms of communication, in particular putting our thoughts into words. Also, honesty, understanding and creativity.

Understanding the Throat Chakra

If you have thyroid problems such as swelling or inflammation of the thyroid, or excessive or low production of thyroid hormones, you may be in need of some throat chakra healing. Other physical indicators include respiratory problems such as sinusitis, ear or throat infections, asthma and recurring coughs and colds. You might also have impaired hearing (not due to age), or suffer with bad breath, toothache or gum disease.

On a psychological level, a blocked throat chakra can result in us finding it difficult to express our true selves. This can be due to a lack of confidence, poor communication skills, and a tendency to be dishonest about ourselves in an effort to make people like us or accept us. We may not really know who we truly are. This can cause a great deal of anxiety, especially in social situations.

We may become extremely shy, finding it almost impossible to mix with others. Alternatively, we may become over-bearing, self-opinionated, brash and occasionally aggressive. If your throat chakra is imbalanced, you’re probably quite inflexible and stubborn. In addition, it’s likely that you find it difficult to listen, and feel that people just don’t understand you.

Healing the Throat Chakra

When in need of some throat chakra healing, eat plenty of fruits, especially blueberries, blackberries, plums and figs. Also apples, raisins, grapes, grapefruit, pears, peaches and apricots. Drink herbal tea and use peppermint, spearmint, fennel, clove and cinnamon in your cooking.

Wear blue – clothes, and jewellery. Crystals associated with this chakra include lapis lazuli, blue lace agate, turquoise, sodalite and blue topaz. Surround yourself with blue where possible. Lay under the blue sky, or spend an hour relaxing by the beautiful blue sea, listening to the waves.

Do some breathing exercises and get the oxygen pumping around your body. You could incorporate these exercises into regular meditation and / or yoga practice. The mantra associated with this chakra is HAM. Listen to a guided meditation specifically for the throat chakra and either chant along or simply listen to the mantra.

Some examples of affirmations for throat chakra healing –

• I express myself clearly and openly
• I listen to others and actively take part in conversations
• I am truthful and honest
• I trust my inner voice to guide me on the right path for me

Indulge in some essential oil therapy – oils particularly beneficial for the throat chakra include frankincense, ylang ylang, neroli, eucalyptus, myrrh and rosemary. Why not ask a friend to give you an aromatherapy neck massage. (See Safe Healing With Essential Oils.)

If you’re having problems expressing yourself verbally, write down how you’re feeling. If your relationship is suffering, send a letter to your loved one. Or begin writing a journal for your eyes only to start clearing the blocked energy.

Screaming, shouting, singing and laughing really loud are very rewarding methods of clearing stale or negative energy. If you’re lucky enough to have a sound-proofed room, or have access to somewhere away from others where you will remain unheard, that’s great. If not, scream or shout into a pillow or similar muffler, then get yourself along to a karaoke bar or comedy club!

After Throat Chakra Healing

When you have a healthy throat chakra, you find it easier to express yourself and have the confidence to do so openly and honestly. You have a clear, strong voice, are more assertive, more creative and more trusting. If you dreaded social occasions before, you will find yourself more at ease. As well as communicating more clearly, you become better at active listening and will find that others seem to enjoy your company more.

Your relationships become more meaningful and engaging. As well as trusting others more, you trust your own intuition and become more in tune with your inner truth, having a clear idea of what is important to you. You allow this knowledge to guide you and shape you as a person and spiritual being.

If you suffered with the physical signs of a blocked chakra, these symptoms should dissipate or ease as the chakra heals. (As with all complementary therapies or changes to your diet / exercise routine, consult your G.P. first if you have known medical issues or are pregnant / breast-feeding.)

Conclusion

After reading this post, I hope you have a clearer understanding of the throat chakra, it’s characteristics and how an unhealthy chakra can affect us. If you feel you’re in need of some healing, why not try some of the methods above? Let me know how you get on. Or if you have a friend or loved one who could use a little help in this area, please share the love and share this post.

As always, if you have any questions let me know – I’ll be happy to help…here’s to clear communication and honest expression – and karaoke if that’s your thing!

Next in the chakra series… Part 6 – Ajna – The Third Eye Chakra – check it out!