Complete Guide to the Throat Chakra
Complete guide
Meaning
Yoga
Chakra crystals
Color
Unblocking
What is the main difference between humans and all other beings on our planet?
We have all been given a unique gift, which gives us the power to communicate with others and express our individuality.
It is about the gift of our authentic voice and the ability to speak the truth. The throat chakra holds the key to unlocking this unique gift.
A balanced and healthy blue chakra will allow you to express yourself clearly and creatively.
- Do you want to know how to claim this magnificent gift?
- Do you want to know how to heal and open your first door to the higher spiritual realms?
In this article, I'll help you awaken the "speaker" in you and show you some of the best ways to heal your blocked throat chakra.
Let's go !
Article content
1. What is the throat chakra?
2. What is the function of the throat chakra?
3. Throat Chakra Symbol Meaning – What does the Throat Chakra represent?
4. Throat Chakra Color Meaning – Why is Throat Chakra Blue?
5. Throat Chakra Imbalance
6. Throat Chakra Blockage
7. Throat Chakra Healing
8. How do I open my throat chakra?
- Throat Chakra Sound Therapy Exercises
> Use your own voice
> Listen
- Throat Chakra Affirmations
- Throat Chakra Neck Yoga Poses and Exercises
- Throat chakra breathing exercises
>Breath of Fire
> Lion's Breath
> Alternate breathing through the nostrils
- Throat Chakra Meditation
- Stones and crystals for the throat chakra
- Healing of the throat chakra through food
- Throat chakra healing with essential oils
9. Throat Chakra Opening Symptoms
10. References
What is the throat chakra?
The throat chakra is the 5th energy center from the bottom, located at the neck, in the region of the cervical vertebrae, and it extends from the shoulders to the medulla oblongata (part of the brainstem).
A healthy throat chakra vibrates with the color blue, with ether (space) as the dominant element.
The Sanskrit name for the throat chakra is "Vishuddha", which means "purification", as this is where higher spiritual energy is channeled into the physical body.
The body requires a certain degree of purification in the lower chakras in order to successfully activate the fifth chakra.
Bharatisthana ("God of Speech") is another name for this chakra.
What is the function of the throat chakra?
Some of the main functions of the throat chakra are communication, purification, creativity, and expressing your authenticity. The throat chakra is the center of sound and speech.
However, the most important aspect of the function of the throat chakra is not how you speak, but what you say, and the truth of your words.
In other words, this chakra holds your ability to fearlessly communicate your authentic self. A healthy throat chakra will allow you to express yourself and speak the truth from a place of integrity.
What about it?
Communication through sound can be seen as your first gateway to transcending the limits of the physical body.
Your ability to communicate things clearly can determine the quality of your life's experiences.
Throat Chakra Symbol Meaning
The symbol of the throat chakra is a bright blue lotus with 16 petals, decorated with all the vowels of the Sanskrit language.
At the center of the lotus there is a downward facing triangle with a circle inside, representing the element of space (ether) and a syllable 'HAM' हं, known as the throat chakra Bija Mantra.
The deity identified with the throat chakra is Sadashiva, a god/goddess normally clad in tiger skin with five heads (representing 5 elements) and ten arms. Sadashiva is the expression of the balance of Yin and Yang and eternal purity.
Throat Chakra Color Meaning
The color blue represents freedom, purity, loyalty, imagination, clarity, confidence and trust.
Blue is considered a color of the spirit, and is believed to have a beneficial impact on the body and mind. The color blue is also refreshing in nature, and it will make you feel calmer, more peaceful, and more balanced when expressing yourself.
The element associated with the throat chakra is space, and the largest open spaces on our planet (sky and sea) are blue.
Throat Chakra Imbalance
One of the main signs of imbalance in your throat chakra is an inability to express yourself and a general feeling of inadequacy.
The archetype of the person whose throat chakra is closed is known as the “silent child.” The silent child does not believe that his or her ideas, views or opinions are of value to the collective.
This archetype clings to their emotions and does not publicly expose their intense pain, hurt, and anger. It suppresses what is too scary or unpleasant to say due to feelings of fear and shame. The silent child sometimes channels this negative energy into artistic and creative activities.
Throat chakra imbalance can also be created by substance abuse. Drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and large quantities of food can be very harmful to Vishuddha, as all these substances must pass through the narrow space of the throat.
Take a moment and read the questions below. This will help you determine if your throat chakra is imbalanced:
- Do you often feel threatened by opposing opinions and belief systems?
- Do you disagree with the opinions of others, simply because you have the right to do so?
- Do you seek approval from others when you express yourself?
- Are you able to share your views and opinions and completely detach yourself from the negative reaction of others?
- Do you sometimes fear being rejected and punished by others?
- Do you have difficulty speaking in public?
- Do you find it difficult to put the past behind you and forgive?
- Are you the person who is escaping reality through addiction and substance abuse?
- Do you like to gossip and complain?
- Do you often doubt yourself?
- Do you do things in your life because you have to, not because you want to?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, it may be time to restore balance to your throat chakra by bringing more integrity, truth, and authenticity into your life.
Blockage of the throat chakra
When your throat chakra is blocked, you experience symptoms of social anxiety, shyness, lack of confidence, inability to trust others, hopelessness, mood swings, and fear of speaking.
One of the main causes of blocked throat chakra is that you are not thinking, speaking, and living in accordance with your true, authentic self.
Here's why the truth is so important for blocking the throat chakra:
When you are not aligned with your core values, others do not see, hear, or recognize your inner truth either.
If you are unable to listen to others without judging them or if you often feel like you are not being heard by others when you speak, your throat chakra is most likely blocked.
The throat chakra governs the seeking and sharing of truth, so it would be very beneficial for you to break the habit of gossiping and complaining, as these activities are completely not in line with your personal truth.
The main reason why complaining is detrimental to the health of your throat chakra is because you are openly acknowledging that something is wrong with your reality, and at the same time, you are not doing anything proactive to change it.
Throat Chakra Healing
Your throat chakra healing journey should begin with the process of discovering your own purity and unique truth.
Once you have discovered your own source of authenticity and individuality, you can begin to work on expressing it. You can start by having a clear intention to express and live only in your truth. I realize that truth is a very ambiguous concept, but you have to ask yourself what it means to you.
If you are unable to make significant progress in opening this energy center, it might be helpful to look deep into your childhood and ask yourself these questions:
- Have you ever been silenced and ignored when you were young?
- Did your parents allow you to tell the truth when you were a child?
When you want to heal your throat chakra, you must be willing to share your emotions and tell the truth about your suffering. You can do this with a parent, a partner, a trained therapist, or someone who will be by your side and support you throughout your healing journey.
How do I open my throat chakra?
One of the first things you can do is examine what is preventing your throat chakra from opening.
Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- What is blocking me and preventing me from expressing myself?
- What's stopping me from being myself?
- Why can't I speak?
- Why am I not listening?
- Who doesn't understand me?
- What's so terrifying about speaking and hearing the truth?
- Why don't we speak and act according to our personal integrity?
- Why am I not motivated to be creative and original?
Once you understand the cause of your throat chakra blockage, you can begin to connect to the truth in your life.
Here are some of the best healing methods I have personally tried when working on restoring balance to my throat chakra:
Throat Chakra Sound Therapy Exercises
The throat chakra is associated with sound, so sound therapy is one of the best healing methods you can try.
There are two ways to approach this type of therapy:
1. USE YOUR OWN VOICE
The best ways to use your own voice are to speak, hum, sing, laugh, shout and say mantras.
Chanting mantras is an excellent method for balancing the throat chakra and toning the vocal cords. The sound vibration of the mantra “HAM” corresponds directly to this energy center.
The best way to chant this mantra is to try it at different levels and see which one feels most cleansing for your throat chakra. You're looking for a sound that vibrates at the highest frequency, and can be associated with a feeling of liberation and openness.
Chanting is another great way to release blocked energy from your throat chakra. This is a very liberating practice, one that many of us do in the shower or in the car. If you enjoy singing, do it more often and maybe even try it with others at your next karaoke party.
If singing isn't your thing, try shouting. Screaming is a primal way of getting in touch with the pain you have repressed and may be consuming you from the inside out.
Crying has scientifically proven therapeutic value and the ability to release any emotional blockages trapped in your throat chakra. If you're worried that people will view you as totally weird, try screaming into a pillow, alone in the car, or in a secluded spot in nature.
You can also work with your throat chakra by speaking mindfully.
Each time, before speaking, ask yourself these questions in your mind:
- Is what I'm about to say the truth?
- Is it necessary for me to say this?
- Why is it necessary to say this?
- Is what I am about to say hurtful or harmful?
With this in mind, you can regularly practice speaking openly, honestly, and respectfully with others.
Finally, let's not forget the importance of listening in communication. Active listening is a sign of respect for another person. It can build strong relationships and is an invaluable communication skill.
Let me give you some quick tips on how to become a good listener:
- Make eye contact.
- Face your interlocutor.
- Stay present and focus on what is being said.
- Nod your head.
- Wait for the speaker to stop before speaking.
- Repeat what you heard.
- Ask questions.
2. LISTEN
Sound and vibration are the essences of the throat chakra. So sound therapy is a fantastic way to work with your 5th chakra.
Sound healing is a practice used for thousands of years that uses a variety of sounds, rhythms and frequencies for sound healing:
- Vocalizations
- Drumming
- Chord forks
- Didgeridoo
- Gongs
- Wind chimes
- Singing bowls
- And many other instruments
Since all sounds exist at different frequencies and your body also emits its own waves, sound therapy works by matching these waves to each other and synchronizing your brain (for example, binaural beats).
There are musical and sound frequencies created specifically to open this energy center. Sounds tuned to the frequencies of 384 Hz and 741 Hz are considered most beneficial for throat chakra healing.
Throat Chakra Affirmations
Try some of these powerful affirmations for the throat chakra, which can be used throughout the day or during your meditation to strengthen this energy center:
- I hear and speak the truth.
- The truth sets me free.
- I am open and honest in my communication.
- I live an authentic life.
- I express myself with clear intention and with confidence.
- I am an important voice in the world, and my voice is heard.
- What I have to say has value to others.
- I love sharing my experiences and wisdom.
- I know when it's time to listen.
- I feel safe and trust others to allow me to express myself truthfully.
- By speaking my truth, others find a path to their truth.
- I live in my truth, I communicate my truth, I am the truth.
Throat Chakra Yoga Poses and Neck Exercises
Yoga is a great way to work the throat chakra, as certain physical postures (asanas) will allow you to open your shoulders and release tension in your neck.
Yoga also improves the circulation of oxygen in your body, as most yoga exercises involve working with your breathing.
Here are some of the best yoga positions for opening the throat chakra:
- Neck rolls and stretches – these are great warm-up exercises before your yoga session because they reduce tension in your upper back, neck and jaw. Each of these areas can hold enormous amounts of stress and requires daily stretching.
- Cat-Cow Pose (Bitilasana Marjaryasana)
- Seated Cat-Cow Pose (Upavistha Bitilasana Marjaryasana)
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
- Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
- Sphinx or half-cobra pose (Ardha Bhujangasana)
- Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
Throat Chakra Breathing Exercises
Breath of Fire
One of the best breathing techniques for your throat chakra is fire breathing, also known as Kapalabhati Pranayama.
This is a powerful detoxifying breathing technique, which involves a series of short, powerful inhalations through the nose (the exhalation is passive). Breathing fire is very often practiced during kundalini yoga exercises. It helps increase blood flow to the center of the throat, detoxifying the body and bringing more clarity to your mind.
Kapalabhati is an intermediate breathing technique, and it is not recommended for people with certain health conditions. Please consult a doctor or qualified yoga teacher before trying this technique.
Lion's breath
Lion's Breath, also known as Simha Pranayama, is another powerful breathing technique that can improve blood circulation and strengthen your throat muscles.
Here's how to practice it:
- Sit on your knees with your back straight and make yourself comfortable.
- Take a deep breath into your belly.
- Exhale all the oxygen through your stomach and make an audible “Haaaa!
- Keep your tongue extended as far as it will go during the exhale.
- Try to keep your eyes focused on the center of your third eye, between your eyebrows.
- Hold the final position for 20 to 30 seconds before breathing again.
- Repeat this breath for 3 to 5 rounds, intending to release all toxins from your body and heal your throat chakra.
Alternate breathing through the nostrils
Alternate nostril breathing, also known as nadi shodana, is a cleansing breathing technique used to release stuck energy channels in your body and calm the mind.
Nadi shodana will fill your heart center with oxygen and allow you to feel a gentle sensation of freshness throughout your body.
Here's how to practice alternate nostril breathing:
- Sit with your back straight.
- Take the index and middle fingers of your right hand and fold them toward your palm.
- Use the right thumb to close the right nostril and inhale slowly through the left nostril.
- Pause after inhaling and plug the left nostril with your ring finger.
- Exhale slowly through your right nostril.
- Keep your ring finger in the same place and inhale through the right side.
- Close the right nostril with your thumb and exhale through the left.
- Keep your thumb in the same place and inhale through your left nostril.
- Alternate breathing through the nostrils
Throat Chakra Meditation
Throat chakra meditation can help you speed up the process of purification and healing of this energy center.
During this mediation, you will imagine the vibrant blue color and focus on the ether (space) element associated with this chakra.
Let's get started:
- Sit with your back straight and relax your body by taking a few deep breaths.
- Once you are completely relaxed, close your eyes and feel the space in the body by slowly moving your attention from the lower body to the head.
- Start with the feet, then the legs, stomach, chest, arms, throat, and finish with the top of the head (this technique is known in meditation as body scanning).
- Once you have completed the body scan, begin to connect with the space all around your body - start in your room and begin to stretch it in all directions, towards infinity.
- Spend a few minutes floating in the vast sea of light, enjoying the silence and bliss of infinite space.
- As you sink into this meditation, gently move your attention to your throat chakra and imagine a blue circle of energy in the middle of your throat.
- Continue breathing into your throat center and expand this circle with intentions of truth, authenticity, and trust – feel free to use some of the throat chakra affirmations from this article.
- Enjoy the healing energy that emanates from your throat space and leave all worries behind.
- Stay in this state for at least a few minutes to integrate this transformative energy.
- End your meditation by placing your left hand on your chest and saying the words: “The truth sets me free!”
Stones and crystals for the throat chakra
Crystals and gemstones are great for healing your throat chakra. Here are some of the best gemstones that will help restore balance to your throat center:
Turquoise – this beautiful stone will allow you to increase the creative energy in your throat chakra. It activates and harmonizes the throat chakra to promote the articulation of its deepest knowledge. Turquoise can help you overcome shyness and encourage you to express yourself better to contribute to the collective.
Blue Lace Agate – this soft, blue gemstone is considered one of the best communication stones. It will allow you to express your true feelings to others. It can also help you think more clearly and focus on what's most important.
Aquamarine – this clear, sparkling blue stone can help you overcome your fear of public speaking. Aquamarine activates the throat chakra to its original capacity to express the highest and most authentic truth. It can help you speak openly and without frustration in difficult situations. For both men and women, aquamarine is also a stone of emancipation.
You can use any of these powerful throat chakra stones and crystals by holding them in your hands, wearing them as jewelry, or simply having them in your home.
Throat chakra nourishment
The throat chakra is known as your center of purification, so various forms of fasting and detoxification techniques are very beneficial for Vishuddha.
If you are new to healing through fasting, you can start by experimenting with intermittent fasting by gradually reducing the number of hours you consume food.
The throat chakra is also vital to your connection to food. To a large extent, you experience each meal through the throat chakra, with your senses of smell and taste.
The saliva in your mouth allows you to break down various nutrients, making them available to your stomach. The throat chakra governs your ability to choose the right foods for your highest good.
Here are some of the most important lessons from your throat chakra when it comes to food:
- Exchange communications with others during your meals.
- Try eating more slowly and chewing your food.
- Pay attention to your senses during a meal (for example, avoid talking while chewing your food).
- Express gratitude for a meal.
- Choose only high-quality ingredients for your meals (organic, locally grown and from other sources).
The main element of the throat chakra being ether, the best foods to consume are those which make the link between the different elements:
- Marine Plants (Water-Land) – plants such as kelp, dulse or nori are great choices for your thyroid health.
- Soups (Earth-Water).
- Cold-pressed fruit juice (Terre-Eau).
- A variety of ethnic foods.
Throat Chakra Healing with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to work with the ether element of the throat chakra. They stimulate your circulatory system, balance blood pressure and harmonize the rhythm of your throat.
Some of the best essential oils for healing the throat chakra include eucalyptus, peppermint, cypress, sage, jasmine, frankincense, and lavender.
What is the best way to use essential oils for blocked chakra?
One of the best ways to get the most out of your essential oil is to use an aroma diffuser or humidifier, which will also create a calming scent in your room and help with any dry skin issues.
Another way to use throat chakra essential oils is to apply them directly to your skin or give yourself a relaxing foot massage.
Throat Chakra Opening Symptoms
Your throat chakra begins to open when you begin to live an authentic life, keep your word with integrity, and say what you feel.
When you finally discover your truth, you will realize that you are beginning to act as a catalyst to awaken other people to their authenticity.
People with fully developed throat chakras have access to a few other gifts of the throat chakras, such as telepathy (communication across time and space), clairaudience, and channeling.
So how is your throat chakra healing journey going?
References:
- Judith, A. (1990). The Truth About Chakras, St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.
- Judith, A. (1999). Wheels of Life - A User's Guide to The Chakra System, St. Paul, MN: Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.
- Bodo-j. Baginski, Shalila Sharamon (2009) Chakra Handbook: From Theory to Practice
- Minich, D.M. (2009). Chakra Foods For Optimum Health, San Francisco, CA: Conari Press.
- Swami Saradananda (20212) The essential guide to the chakras - Discover the power of the chakras on the mind, body and spirit
- Simpson, S. (2002). Chakras for Starters, Nevada City, CA: Crystal Clarity Publishers.
- Stéphane Cardinalaux (2009) Bioenergy - Vital energies, chakras, extra sensoriality, practical exercises
- Shola Arewa, C. (2001). Way of The Chakras, London: Thorsons.
- Davies, B. (2000). The 7 Healing Chakras, Berkeley, CA: Ulysses Press.
- Vollmar, K. (1987). Journey through the Chakras, Wellow, Bath: Gateway Books.
- Motoyama, H. (1981). Theories of The Chakras, New Delhi: New Age Books.
- Anna Meza (2018) The Secret of the Chakras: Balancing and Recharging Them to Heal Your Life
- Ambi Kavanagh and Poppy Jamie, Chakras & Self-Care: Activate the Healing Power of Chakras with Everyday Rituals
- Govinda Kalashatra (2017) Chakra Atlas: Activation exercises-use of mantra colors-essential oils-precious stones
- Cyndi Dale (2016) The Chakra Healing Bible
