According to ancient metaphysical tradition, each human being’s spiritual energy is gathered in seven focal points known as chakras. Running from your tailbone to the crown of your head, each chakra has its own meaning, symbol, color, and set of associated spiritual wellness practices. In this article, we discuss the throat chakra, also known as the Vishuddha chakra or the blue chakra.
Please note: This article was written according to people’s belief in metaphysics.
If you’re brand new to chakras, we recommend understanding the chakra energy system before diving into this particular discussion. Also, because all the chakras proceed upward from the base of the chakra system, understanding the root chakra is an important initial step in any chakra healing journey.
What is the Throat Chakra?
The throat chakra is the fifth chakra in the lineup, but it is also the first of the three spiritual chakras, which are thought to be most intimately tied to spiritual wellbeing rather than bodily health.
Throat Chakra Element: Akasha
In classical Hindu tradition, the blue chakra is entwined with the element of akasha, a tantric term that very broadly translates to “air” or “space.” In contemporary interpretations, the throat chakra is associated with the element of sound, as sound waves travel through the atmosphere around us.
In metaphysical belief systems, sound is thought to be a powerful cosmic force, as the vibrations of sound can be experienced not only through the ears but also by the rest of your body. For example, when loud music is playing, you might be able to physically feel the sound waves traveling through the floor to your feet, and your heartbeat might take on a new rhythm in response to the music.
Throat Chakra Location
As you may have guessed, the throat chakra is located in the throat region and is connected with the regions of the jaw, neck and mouth.
Throat Chakra Symbol
The fifth chakra is symbolized by a sixteen-petaled blue lotus. Inside the lotus is an inverted equilateral triangle with an inscribed circle. Often, the sixteen lotus petals are inscribed with the sixteen Sanskrit vowels: The vowels are featured because they compose the “open space” of words, just as akasha is the open space in the universe.
Why is Blue the Throat Chakra Color?
Chakra colors are a guide to each chakra’s meaning and role. Because the throat chakra is positioned between the head and heart, healing the throat chakra is thought to be a way of purifying both feeling and thought. Accordingly, blue is the symbolic color of purification. Blue is also associated with honesty and trust, which are essential to healthy communication.
Fifth Chakra Behavior Characteristics
When energy flows freely through the throat chakra, you feel empowered to speak the truth without anxiety. Going into difficult conversations, you’re able to remain calm, centered and compassionate. Unencumbered by silent fears or worries, you feel willing and able to genuinely speak your mind, and your authentic speech comforts and uplifts people around you.
Throat Chakra Problems
There are two types of throat chakra problems: blockage and overactivity. Here are the details of each.
Signs of a Throat Chakra Blockage
A blocked throat chakra is associated with poor verbal expression, excessive shyness, and, at times, dishonesty. Those with a blocked throat chakra may feel “choked up” in social situations or suffer from a mortal fear of public speaking. Some people believe that thyroid problems and other physical problems in the throat area are also related to throat chakra blockage.
Signs of an Overactive Throat Chakra
In contrast to a blocked throat chakra, some people may have an overactive throat chakra. As the energy center tied to communication, an overactive throat chakra may be present in those with a tendency to interrupt, gossip, or shout others down. Physical conditions associated with an overactive throat chakra include neck pain, ear aches, and laryngitis.
Throat Chakra Healing and Opening
Do those problems sound familiar? There are many methods of throat chakra healing, balancing and opening. Below, we’ve outlined the most mainstream techniques in depth.
Throat Chakra Balancing
As with every other chakra, the appropriate chakra healing stones and blue gemstones are recommended for balancing the blue chakra. To use chakra healing stones, simply place them on or just above the area of imbalance, relax, and let the vibrations flow through you. The most commonly used throat chakra gemstones are sapphire, blue topaz, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, and turquoise.
In addition, there are some fun and unique balancing techniques designated for this special chakra. Humming, reading aloud, chanting and singing are great healing activities for throat chakra healing. (We’re not kidding — even if it’s just in the shower, singing can have wonderful healing effects!).
Last but definitely not least, try consciously developing good communication habits:
Before speaking, ask yourself, “Am I about to speak the truth?”
Practice being a good listener by stowing your phone and giving your undivided attention to the person in front of you.
Wait your turn, then speak thoughtfully and with compassion.
Consciously becoming a better communicator is not easy, but it is a practice that yields powerful, lasting results for chakra healing as well as life in general.
Throat Chakra Yoga
If you’re a yoga practitioner, try camel pose (Ustrasana), bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), and plow (Halasana) to restore the energy balance of the throat chakra. There are also a number of popular yoga techniques for throat chakra thyroid health.
Throat Chakra Healing With Food
Blue foods (naturally blue, of course!) are recommended for balancing the throat chakra. Blueberries and blackberries, for example, are great for the throat chakra and are also good sources of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Many people also report good results with plums as well as tree-grown fruits such as pears and apples.
In addition, throat-soothing fluids such as coconut water and herbal tea with honey and/or lemon are time-tested remedies for the throat chakra.
Throat Chakra Meditation
The best throat chakra meditation draws energy up from the root chakra with a steady pattern of inhalation and exhalation.
Once you have stabilized your breathing, concentrate on bringing energy up from your feet, through each of the other chakras and up through your throat. Relax your larynx. Every time you create in, picture blue energy brightening and strengthening around your throat. Your neck and throat muscles may relax, and the depth of your breathing may even result in a burp! This is normal. Keep breathing until the conclusion of your meditation session.
Throat Chakra Affirmations
The throat chakra healing journey is different for each of us. To stay focused and motivated, choose an affirmation that resonates with you and say it to yourself each day. Here are a few suggestions:
- I am able to state my needs clearly.
- I am a compassionate and active listener.
- I am able to find the words I need.
- My voice is heard.
- My truth is love.
- My voice is good and important.
Signs of a Throat Chakra Opening
After a blockage, the throat chakra opening experience is truly a breath of fresh air. The exhaustion associated with social situations (even pleasant ones!) dissolves, and communication becomes much easier. Many people report experiences of renewed confidence and self-esteem, while others feel that it’s easier for them to “keep it real.” Relief of aches and pains in the throat, jaw tension, and mouth problems may also be related to renewed health of the throat chakra. Finally, because the fifth chakra is the first of the three spiritual chakras (as you recall from the beginning of this article), many people report more vivid, memorable dreams in tandem with the throat chakra opening and balancing process.
