Location:
Center of the neck
Affirmation:
I speak my truth with confidence.
Mantra:
Ham
We’ve all got something to say. The fifth chakra, the Throat Chakra, is what helps us get the words out. Known as Vishuddha in Sanskrit, the Throat Chakra has everything to do with expression. It rules over communication and the ability to articulate our truth. Vishuddha translates to “pure”, and the Throat Chakra is all about helping us share our purest, innermost selves. Our sense of honesty and authenticity, both in day-to-day interactions and greater creative pursuits, are tied up in this vital energy center. But of course, talking is only one half of communication: the Throat Chakra also helps us listen and actively engage with others. Physically, the Throat Chakra influences the throat, vocal cords, mouth, tongue, and lymphatic system.
When this chakra is in balance, you voice thoughts, feelings, and ideas accurately and clearly. Rather than hesitate or demure to others, you stand up for yourself and say what you need to say, appropriately and at the right times. You’re frank, yet you straddle the delicate line between honesty and cruelty, knowing that not every thought you have is a truth you need to articulate.
Out of Balance:
An overactive Throat Chakra can result in talking too much, interrupting, gossip, telling lies, or an inability to keep secrets. An underactive Throat Chakra might result in a loss of words when it’s your moment to say something. You might be shy, opting to stay silent altogether for fear of judgment. In the physical body, the Throat Chakra can show up as a sore throat or stiffness in the neck or jaw.
How to Heal Your Throat Chakra:
Cat got your tongue? Try cleansing the throat with singing, chanting, and mantra exercises. If your Throat Chakra is overactive, consider asking yourself mindful questions during conversations. Is what you’re about to say true? Is it necessary? Will it hurt someone? Learning to pause and/or listen will naturally balance your Throat Chakra. You can also try meditating with a Throat Chakra gemstone like Amazonite or an essential oil such as Cypress or Spearmint.
Gemstones:
Calms the soul and kindles courage to speak one’s mind.
Nurtures inner wisdom so you can discover your truth.
Essential Oils:
- Bergamot: Clarifying and balancing. Enables creative expression and eases tension.
- Spearmint: Uplifting and cooling. Encourages clear communication and confidence in speech.
- Cypress: Clarifying and uplifting. Inspires authenticity and offers a fresh perspective for conflicts.
- Sandalwood: Uplifting and balancing. Increases confidence for self-expression by nurturing an authentic self.
- Spruce: Purifying and clearing. Enhances expression and communication through increased focus.
Mudras:
Kali: Directs awareness to throat and energizes the thyroid.
Samputa: Balances the vocal chords and opens up communication.
Yoga Poses:
Bridge:
Strengthens the back while stretching the upper body. Increases circulation in the throat. Reduces headaches and calms the mind. Stimulates the thyroid for an overall boost in energy.
Shoulder Stand:
Strengthens the upper body while loosening the neck and shoulders. Stimulates the thyroid and boosts circulation in the neck and chest.
