The Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha Chakra in Sanskrit, is the fifth energy center in your chakra system. Subtle energetic qualities of the Vishuddha Chakra govern your ability to speak, listen, and express yourself as a higher form of communication.
When you’re able to express yourself freely, think creatively, and communicate without fear - that’s your Throat Chakra functioning flawlessly. However, when blocked or out of balance, your fifth chakra may make it difficult for you to speak your mind, be imaginative, and connect on a deeper level.
Learning how to balance this energy center allows us to tap into our true voice and confidently share our ideas with the world. Join us as we delve into the secrets of the energy system and uncover the meaning, location and key characteristics of the Throat Chakra. Along with common symptoms to look out for, we will also reveal how to open and unblock the Throat Chakra with powerful energy balancing techniques like affirmations, yoga poses, meditation, and even crystals.
WHAT IS THE THROAT (VISHUDDHA) CHAKRA?
In yoga philosophy, the human body consists of three bodies: the physical, astral, and spiritual body. The astral (energy) body contains the 7 chakras, or energy centers, each holding unique significance and power over our health and well-being.
Vishuddha, often referred to as the Throat Chakra, is the fifth chakra in this system. The Vishuddha Chakra establishes a strong connection to both verbal and body language, and acts as a gateway to expression, communication, and authenticity.
One of the responsibilities of the Vishuddha Chakra is to restore energy by detoxifying impurities from the body and mind. Unhealthy food and polluted air may block the Throat Chakra, while an active fifth chakra contributes to the preservation of our health.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE THROAT CHAKRA?
Derived from Sanskrit, "Vishuddha" translates to "especially pure." It signifies the purification of our thoughts, words, and actions, enabling us to embrace our true selves and communicate with clarity, honesty, and compassion.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE THROAT CHAKRA?
The Vishuddha Chakra is located at the base of the throat, at the centre of the larynx. Because of its physical location, we often refer to the fifth chakra as the Throat Chakra.
Its positioning also has a direct impact on the organs and glands that surround it, such as the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the larynx and tongue. As a result, a balanced fifth chakra promotes healthy functioning of the physical body in this region, as well as our emotional and spiritual connection to our true voice and sense of self.
THROAT CHAKRA CHARACTERISTICS
The element of Vishuddha Chakra is space, or Akasha. Just as space holds the potential for creation and expansion, the space element enables us to give form and substance to thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
It symbolizes the energy of seeking and speaking the truth. The Vishuddha Chakra also governs our internal communication with our true Self. When this chakra is balanced, this element facilitates clear expression and effective communication.
The color associated with the Throat Chakra is bright blue, like the sky. It’s important to note that chakras themselves don’t have colors, but rather the element that surrounds it does. This means that the fifth chakra reflects the hue of the space element.
Blue is the color of communication, providing us with the power of speaking the truth. Visualizing the Vishuddha color can help activate and balance it, promoting openness, tranquillity, and harmony in our communication.
Each chakra resonates with a specific sound or seed mantra that balances and activates its energy. The Throat Chakra mantra is "Ham,” pronounced Ha-n-gm.
Chanting this mantra, either aloud or internally, can help stimulate and balance this energy center, allowing for clearer communication and self-expression.
The Throat Chakra symbol is a lotus flower with sixteen petals. The lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, while the sixteen petals represent the sixteen vowel sounds of the Sanskrit language which are created by the movement of the chakra.
The Throat Chakra mudra is Akash, also known as Shuni Mudra. Regular practice of this mudra can help manage certain health problems associated with a blocked Vishuddha Chakra, such as a locked jaw.
Using the Akash mudra during Throat Chakra meditation can also boost the connection with your inner self and expand your consciousness.
THROAT CHAKRA OPENING SYMPTOMS
When the Vishuddha Chakra is open and balanced, it can bring about a range of profound benefits that positively impact our lives, physically and emotionally.
Below, we reveal some of the most common signs and symptoms of a balanced and open Vishuddha Chakra.
Clear Communication
An open fifth chakra enables us to express ourselves with clarity and confidence. It enhances our ability to handle thoughts and emotions, fostering effective communication in all areas of our lives, be it personal or professional.
Authentic Expression
With an open Vishuddha Chakra, we can embrace our true selves and express our authentic thoughts and feelings. This empowers us to be genuine and honest in our interactions, deepening connections and fostering more meaningful relationships.
Creative Flow
This energy center is intimately linked to our creativity. When balanced, it unlocks our inspiration and allows ideas to flow freely and effortlessly.
Confidence and Self-Empowerment
A balanced Throat Chakra instills a sense of self-assurance and empowerment. It helps dissolve self-doubt and fear of judgment, enabling us to stand in our own power and express ourselves authentically without hesitation.
The Vishuddha Chakra is connected to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the larynx and tongue in the physical body.
The thyroid, located in the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. It also influences energy levels, body temperature, and overall well-being.
When the Vishuddha chakra is balanced, it positively influences the thyroid's functioning, promoting optimal physical health and harmonious energetic flow.
Blocked Throat Chakra Symptoms
When the energy of the Vishuddha Chakra is imbalanced or blocked, communication breaks down. We refuse to listen to our inner Self and to others, impacting our internal and external connections. This blockage can affect both our emotional and physical well-being in numerous ways. Let’s take a closer look at some common blocked Throat Chakra symptoms.
Difficulty in Expression
A Vishuddha Chakra blockage can lead to difficulties in expressing yourself. You may find it challenging to communicate your thoughts, emotions, or needs clearly and confidently. It can result in feelings of being unheard or misunderstood.
Inhibited Creativity
Another symptom of a blockage here is feeling uninspired and creatively stagnant. This can lead to a lack of inspiration and dissatisfaction in artistic endeavors.
Disharmonious Relationships
When imbalanced, this chakra can cause misunderstandings, conflicts, and a breakdown in communication with others. You may feel a disconnect or struggle to establish authentic connections.
Fear of Judgment
An imbalanced Vishuddha Chakra can amplify the fear of judgment, criticism, or rejection. This fear can manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, or a constant need for external validation.
A blockage may cause health issues in the physical body as well. These include:
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Thyroid issues
Jaw tension
Neck pain
Frequent headaches
Furthermore, an imbalance in this area can impact the thyroid gland, leading to various thyroid-related disorders, like Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is characterized by low thyroid hormone production and may result in fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sluggishness. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism, marked by excessive thyroid hormone production, can cause restlessness, anxiety, rapid weight loss, and increased heart rate.
To maintain the health of the fifth energy center and support the thyroid gland, it is essential to practice Vishuddha Chakra healing techniques and adopt a holistic approach to well-being.
This can include activities such as yoga, meditation, sound healing, dietary changes, and seeking professional medical advice when necessary.
HOW TO OPEN & UNBLOCK THE THROAT CHAKRA
Learning how to open and unblock chakras is crucial for the healthy functioning of the mind, body and spirit. The fifth energy centre is especially important as communication impacts all aspects of life. With a direct line to your inner voice, you will be able to express yourself authentically and create a vision for the life you want.
Here, we will explore practical Throat Chakra balancing techniques to restore this energy and nurture the connection with your inner Self.
HEALING THROAT CHAKRA YOGA POSES
Yoga helps to connect the spiritual, astral, and physical layers of the body through asana practice.
Certain yoga poses like inversions are best for healing the Vishuddha Chakra as they release tension and bring energy to the area of the throat and thyroid.
Deep breathing exercises, such as Ujjayi pranayama, can also help cleanse and energize the area.
If you feel an imbalance in your fifth chakra, practice these Throat Chakra poses to open and align blocked channels.
