Anahana
Utkatasana
Utkatasana, also known as the Chair Pose, is a standing yoga posture that strengthens the legs and generates heat in the body. This pose is commonly...
The vishuddha or throat chakra is the fifth of the seven main chakras, located at the base of the throat area. It governs self-expression, communication, and the ability to speak one's truth.
Outline Of The Throat Chakra
Location: Base of throat
Color: Blue
Element: Sound
Bija Mantra (seed syllable): HAM
Sanskrit Name: Visshudi (meaning: purification)
Purpose: Communication
Nerve Plexus: Pharyngeal plexus
Endocrine Gland: Thymus
Right: To Speak and Be Heard
Main Issues: Finding one’s voice, self-expression, speaking the truth, listening, and resonating
Excessive: Dominating voice and interrupting conversations; inability to listen; gossiping
Deficient: Fear of speaking; introversion and excessive shyness; small, weak voice; tone dear, poor rhythm
Shadow Element: Lies
Resolution: Relax neck and shoulders; singing, chanting, toning; journaling; communication skills; inner child healing
Origins of the Throat Chakra
The Chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BCE. It was first mentioned in the ancient text called the Vedas, which introduces the seven primary chakras.
In Sanskrit, the throat chakra is called the vishuddha chakra. Shuddhi translates as "pure," and vi strengthens the word; therefore, vishuddha means especially pure. The throat chakra comes after the root chakra, sacral chakra, solar plexus chakra, and heart chakra, followed by third eye and crown chakra. Altogether, this creates the body's chakra energy system.
Chakra is defined as a spinning wheel of energy that runs up the spine to the top of the head. Concepts of the seven chakras came to the western world in the 1880s from tantric yoga traditions and are increasingly studied and practiced due to the extensive benefits.
Functions of the Throat Chakra
The fifth chakra plays an essential role in the chakra system. A balanced throat chakra helps with internal communication, verbal communication, and creative ideas. Through the throat chakra, people can become more accepting of their lived experiences and embrace their originality.
Lifeforce energy lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is awakened through wellness practices, including meditation, asanas, pranayama, and prayer. Individuals often experience a heightened clarity of expression in their inner voice as the throat chakra opens, supporting their ability to communicate confidently and be their authentic selves.
A blocked throat chakra can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Some of the potential symptoms include:
Physical symptoms:
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Chronic sore throat
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Thyroid gland challenges
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A raspy throat
Mental symptoms:
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Fear of speaking personal truth
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Anxiety about communicating or speaking
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Difficulty expressing thoughts
Those experiencing any of these symptoms may benefit from practicing some of our recommended throat chakra healing exercises so life force energy can flow freely through the human body.
How to Open the Throat Chakra
Many practices help open and balance the throat chakra, supporting overall well-being. A healthy throat chakra can help one be an active listener, feel comfortable speaking, and become their true self. This can help people set clear boundaries with those in their life, supporting strong relationships. Here are some exercises that bring balance to and heal the fifth chakra:
Yoga asana: People can practice yoga poses to help open the throat chakra. Here are three great poses that will assist healthy alignment through the throat chakra:
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Fish pose (matsyasana): Lie flat on your back and bring your forearms to your sides. Lift your upper body, placing your upper body's weight in your arms. Breathe and hold for several breaths.
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Supported shoulder stand (salamba sarvangasana): Lie on your back with your arms by your side. On an inhale, lift your legs and hips in one swift motion, placing your palms flat on your hips to support your weight. Get as high into the post as possible and hold for seven to ten breaths.
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Plow pose (halasana): Lie faceup on your mat, bring your knees toward your chest, and straighten your legs toward the sky, shifting your hips stacked over your shoulder and neck area. Place your palms on your lower back to support your weight. Slowly lower your legs back over your head, keeping them straight. With your feet flexed, rest your toes on the floor. Release your hands from your back and place them flat on the ground. Hold for five breaths.
Repeat Affirmations: Repeating affirmations aloud, mentally, or in writing can cleanse negative energy and old patterns to create positive thought patterns. Many people prefer to purchase affirmations sets; however, here are some affirmations that support the health of one's throat chakra:
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I trust my conviction and act on my truth.
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I express my creativity with ease and joy.
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I speak my truth.
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I do no harm with my words.
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I listen to my own inner knowing.
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I let my voice be heard.
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I speak with authenticity, grace, and courage.
Meditation: Amongst the meditation techniques, mindfulness meditation connecting and mindful breathing allows one to focus on the breath and calm thoughts. Inner truth begins once the mind quiets, making chakra meditation excellent for throat chakra healing. Focusing attention on the breath is one of the most effective methods of healing the throat chakra.
One notable meditation for the throat chakra is the lion's breath. To perform this practice, begin in a cat-cow pose. Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and stretch down toward the chin. Forcefully release an exhale and carry the breath across the base of the tongue. Emit a "ha" sound originating in the abdomen during your exhale. Breathe normally to catch your breath, and repeat the practice several times.
Lion's breath helps release tension and open self-expression. This supports authentic expression, true thoughts, and open communication.
Other throat chakra healing practices include incorporating the color blue in your life, journaling, and doing neck stretches. For best results, practice these exercises regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are throat chakra essential oils?
Certain essential oils connect to different chakras and can be used to balance the energy centers. These oils can be used in a diffusor, diluted and applied directly to the skin, or added to the bath. Here are two of the primary essential oils that are effective in opening the sacral chakra:
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Blue chamomile: Blue chamomile can connect the self to spiritual energy, induce power and confidence to communicate, and help one access guidance from their highest self.
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Frankincense: Frankincense can prevent reactivity, support clarity in conversations, and encourage effective speech.
What are throat chakra stones?
Blue stones and crystals can heal the throat chakra. This can be done by placing the crystal over the chakra during meditation, distributing them around the home, wearing them as jewelry, or carrying them with you when you require strong communication. According to Kirsten Nunez, a wellness writer for Healthline, some stones that correlate with the sacral chakra include the following:
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Lapis lazuli. This stone promotes communication and stimulates self-expression, mental clarity, and creativity.
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Turquoise. Turquoise helps people express their thoughts.
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Amazonite. Amazonite calms the nervous system, promotes emotional balance and protects the mind against negativity.
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Aquamarine. This crystal can encourage honesty, clear the mind, and help you connect with hidden emotions.
What food is good for the throat chakra?
Soothing foods and liquids are great for the throat chakra. Some fruit, including pears, plums, and apples, is particularly healing. Additionally, drinks that soothe the throat, such as warm honey and lemon water, herbal tea, and coconut water, support throat chakra healing. Lastly, blue foods, including blueberries and blackberries, are excellent for the throat chakra.
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ANAHANA CHAKRA RESOURCES
CHAKRA WIKIS
Chakra Stones and Chakra Crystals
CHAKRA BLOGS
References
Throat Chakra Healing: How to Unblock for Better Health
Throat Chakra Stones: What Are They and How to Use
What evidence is there that chakras exist?
The Heart Chakra Awakening Symptoms to Know About - SYLVIA SALOW
Essential Oils for Chakras: Balance and Heal with Sacred Scents
Can Affirmations Help Heal the Chakras? Some Say Yes
(PDF) The Physiological Foundation of Yoga Chakra Expression
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