“Chakras are mystical energy centers that exist within the human aura. Tremendous occult power resides in a person’s chakras. Siddha masters draw upon that power during meditation, store it within themselves, and later use it to perform miracles.”
Frederick Lenz
Mystical, magical, brilliant and bright… A spinning disk of blue light… Communication, expression, authenticity, and purification are key attributes of the fifth energy center – Vishuddha Chakra.
A Simple Chakra History
“The Seven Gods have seven spears and seven lights. They hold seven glories.” – Rig Veda 8.28.5
– Translated by David Frawley1 David Frawley. (2023, December 30). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Frawley
Described in the Vedas, a large body of religious texts from ancient India which are thought to have been compiled between 1500 and 500 BC, and derived from the Sanskrit root cakra – chakra means “wheel” or “disk”.
Chakras are concentrated energy centers of the body, often visualized and depicted as spinning wheels of light.
Rooted in the ancient philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, chakras hold a prominent place in the science of yoga.
The chakra system says that the human body consists not only of bones, tissues and organs, but also of energy fields layered around the physical being. These layers form the subtle body, or the energy body.
Energy Channels Flow Through The Chakras
According to Eastern medicine, we have over 72,000 invisible channels called nadis circulating through our bodies.
They carry life force energy, referred to as Prana in Indian systems and Chi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Prana is omnipresent and omnipotent, and continuously flows through three major nadis – which connect with the thousands of minor nadis to distribute prana throughout the whole body and beyond – along the spinal column.
The three main channels start at the base of the spine and ascend through the head.
- Sushumna Nadi – The central energy channel runs from the base of the spine to crown of the head.
- Ida Nadi – The lunar energy channel represents Yin, which is symbolic of the moon, the left side of body, the feminine.
- Pingala Nadi – The solar energy channel delineates Yang, noted as the sun, the right side, the masculine qualities.
Ida and Pingala Nadis crisscross each other as they spiral upwards and connect to opposite nostrils. Where Ida and Pingala intersect with each other and Sushumna, are the seven main chakras.
What Are The Chakras?
The chakras define cross sections of the physical human body, in the form of nerve plexuses, which house organ systems.
And understanding where the gross anatomy fits into this seemingly esoteric chaos tends to open (third) eyes to the perfect organization, deeper magic and higher connections available when we unite with these inner sources that correspond to the elements out in the Universe.
Chakras are responsible for lovingly taking in, incorporating and emanating energy to keep us functioning at optimal levels. When a major or minor chakra in our energetic body is blocked or not functioning properly, illness is more prone to occur – physically, psychologically and spiritually.Wellbeing on all levels can affect and is affected by the chakras.
Not taking in enough energy, through proper nourishment of the mind, body and soul, may lead to or be caused by depression. By bypassing feelings such as anger, or not speaking our truth, we may be unconsciously impeding healthy energy flow.
Physically, each chakra governs specific organs of the body which come along with hormones and emotions…
When chakras are constricted, blocked or too open, organs don’t operate effectively which contributes to disease, fluctuating energy levels, emotional imbalances, negative thought patterns and general lack of wellbeing.
Working with the chakra system is tapping into external and internal forces so that we may feel and function our best, in harmony with the world around and within us. The ancient yogis understood that to change our life, we have to effect change from within. One way to alter our inner reality is working with the chakras.
The Chakras: In Order
- Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
- Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
- Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
What is the Throat Chakra?
Vishuddha – the Sanskrit name for the Throat Chakra – translates to:
Visha – impurity or poison
Suddhi – purify
Or… “Place of Purification”
The Throat Chakra is most often associated with the color blue and the Ether element.
Vishuddha is the center of communication, expression, purification, vocation, clarity and, for some, telepathy – qualities of the Ether element. Here is where we summon the power to stand up for ourselves and what we believe in. The Throat Chakra determines your sense of smell and enables you to truly hear – yourself and others.
The Chakra located in the cervical spine is the gateway for energy to flow between the lower Chakras and the head. Sound vibrations that originate here, through air in the throat, can be felt in our whole body – Vishuddha guides us to attune to inner and outer vibrations and offers the invitation to speak your mind.
Authenticity resides here, just above your collarbone, at the height of the thyroid gland. Its energy infuses the courage to be authentic and vulnerable into every bit of our being and beyond.
For me, and many of my teachers and students, contemplating the qualities of the Throat Chakra is a powerful practice. Not only is Vishuddha and all it represents a beautiful subject to offer the subjective mind, but sending our awareness here can bring our inner world into harmony with the outer – amplifying our capacity to speak, hear and be heard – most importantly by ourselves.
Throat Chakra Symbol
Each chakra symbol has a color associated with it, and other geometric elements inside and outside of the sacred circle. In some artwork, the Sanskrit bija mantra of the chakra is depicted in the center. A unique number of lotus petals always encases the entire symbol.
Associated with the element of Ether, Vishuddha Chakra, in the center of the throat, fuels our ability to communicate clearly with the self and others.
Unique because it’s the connection between the first four chakras (basic needs) and those in the head (higher visions and aspirations), at the essence of this chakra is potent energy with the power to illuminate our seat of creativity. And the beautiful symbol encompasses this.
- The circle represents the full moon and symbolizes a pure mind.
- The inverted triangle is a channel to our consciousness and soul, an expression of our higher self. It also represents the upward flow of energy, or the gathering of knowledge as we move toward enlightenment.
- The sixteen petals are associated with the sixteen vowels of Sanskrit. The vowels, which are easy to pronounce, signify the light, airy potential of communication – hence a blocked throat chakra can inhibit the ability to communicate clearly.
- Blue is the color of the Throat Chakra symbol.
Is Your Throat Chakra Balanced or Blocked?
A Balanced Throat Chakra:
When the Throat Chakra is balanced we are confident to see and show all aspects of our Self. A balanced Throat Chakra initiates creativity, which allows us to feel safe and free to explore and express ourself creatively.
Someone with a balanced Vishuddha is in flow with life, confident, and able to express themself and receive expression from others. Challenges – especially communication issues – are resolved with relative ease. Authenticity and creativity surrounds those in alignment with the Throat Chakra, and connects them to themself and the world.
A Blocked Throat Chakra
Interestingly, many people who are relatively balanced in the higher chakras are off-kilter and imbalanced in the lower ones. This can stem from beliefs deeply engrained during upbringing through an array of potential first chakra quakes throughout childhood and into adulthood.
The Chakras spin and attract energy that is on the same frequency, and in turn sends it back out – like attracts like.
The more positive energy a chakra consumes, the more positive energy it releases and the more positivity it magnetizes back. However, the same goes for negativity.
Presence and awareness are crucial when it comes to unblocking, attracting and manifesting.
Symptoms of Throat Chakra blockage can include:
- Impaired authentic expression
- Struggles with communication
- Inability to take in nourishment
- Blocked creativity
- Ear, nose and throat issues
- Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
As with the other energy centers, the two main reasons your Throat Chakra may not function properly are due to an overactive or underactive flow of energy (prana). When Vishuddha is out of balance, we may struggle to listen to others, ignore our inner voice, feel afraid of expressing ourselves, or experience other destructive emotions such as:
- Mental – habitually lying, stammering or at a loss for words, arrogance, struggling to listen to others, lack of control over speech (no filter), criticizing others
- Emotional – feelings of fear and doubt regarding the intentions of others, gossiping, negativity in speech, losing sight of your life’s purpose, heart of speaking up,
- Physical – sore throat, stiff neck, tight jaws, headaches
Throat Chakra Healing Stones
Everything in the universe has a vibrational frequency, including crystals and gemstones.
Crystals carry healing properties that connect to each chakra – and the elements within that resonate with that outside of us – uniquely. Stones hold vibrational energy that resonate with our energy centers to heal the body, mind, and soul.
Gemstones are believed to have a host of physical health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, blood pressure, chronic pain, and a lowering chances of disease. Emotional trauma, negative thoughts and energies are also thought to be released by working with stones.
Aquamarine, Amazonite, Blue Calcite, Sodalite, Blue Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli, Chrysocolla, Angelite, Blue Turquoise.
Some believe that your stone will speak to you – notice if you feel a different vibration when holding a specific stone in your hand or near your Chakra. Or choose one from this list that you find beautiful!
How to use healing stones for the Fifth Chakra:
- Meditate: Hold the stone in your hand, or place it on or near the body part associated with this Chakra. Repeat a mantra or the seed sound (see below) to amplify balancing energies.
- Decorate: Place the stones around your home to fill your personal space with balancing energy.
- Wear: Keep stones in your pocket or bag, or wrap a stone in wire or string to wear as a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings.
Throat Chakra Essential Oils
It is said that essential oils can restore balance to the Chakras – oils too have a vibration and hold frequency. Apply them to pulse points, anoint the Chakra location, put a few drops in the bath or a diffuser. Here are some to consider.
- Blue Chamomile – Can open you up to guidance from your highest self, invoke union with spiritual guides, help stabilize cosmic connections, provide the power to communicate.
- Frankincense – Gives the ability to interpret environmental energy, prevents reactivity, clarifies responses, encourages effective speech.
Mantras For The Throat Chakra
Each energy center has a one-syllable Bija, or seed, mantra that activates its vitality and power. Chanting the mantra can alter, purify and harmonize the flow of energy.
Focus your awareness on the physical location of the Chakra as you chant its bija mantra to feel connected, joyful and radiant.
Throat Chakra bija mantra: Ham2 Soothing THROAT CHAKRA CHANTS | Seed Mantra HAM Chanting Meditation {Vishuddha} Chakra Healing Music. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 22, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiOiBFugE4s – “I speak”
Throat Chakra Yoga Poses (Asanas)
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
- Plough Pose (Halasana)
- Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana)
Affirmations for Vishuddha
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts, encourage yourself, boost self-esteem, relieve anxiety, increase self-love, and expand upon the tangible as well as the mystical properties of the chakras.
There are affirmations to help access and elevate willpower, endurance, your sense of security, connection with nature and stability with wellness including physical, mental and emotional health, spirituality… Even finances!
How to choose an affirmation
Simply choose an existing affirmation that resonates with you in the moment – reading it feels like a cuddle or elicits an emotional response or inspiration. Or create one for yourself – this may come to you intuitively, or you might be inspired by ours.
The affirmations here are only suggestions. Please feel free to add affirmations that feel empowering, leave behind those that do not, or come up with your own!
Throat Chakra Affirmations
Throat Chakra affirmations can help heal and activate the energy center that powers your self-expression and amplifies your capacity to hear and be heard. By powering your intentions through affirmations, this chakra can be balanced and allow more alignment in life – internal and external.
Practice these Throat Chakra affirmations to elevate your confidence, better understand yourself and communicate with others clearly. Commitment to yourself and in relationship can be positively, profoundly affected by working with Throat Chakra affirmations.
Basic Throat Chakra Affirmations
- I am aligned with my inner truth.
- Honesty will set me free.
- I express myself clearly.
- My creative energy flows abundantly.
- I communicate the power to create my own reality.
How to practice Throat Chakra affirmations
Everyone’s style varies – according to body type, time available, emotional and energetic needs, state of mind – and it’s likely that your choices will evolve through the short and long seasons of life pending how you’re feeling and what you’re seeking.
Here are some loose guidelines and tips to get started. Feel free to experiment and cuddle accordingly to suit your needs!
- To practice Throat Chakra meditation, find a sweet spot – many prefer a quiet place.
- Get comfortable, like you would for meditation – seated or lying down, with the spine as straight as possible.
- Focus on the space in the center of the neck – the location of the Throat Chakra. You might roll your head in a few circles to help hone in on Vishuddha. See if you can find and feel a sense of buoyancy, spaciousness or coolness.
- Breathe. Consider trying sama vritti – often called equal or coherent breathing – where the length of the exhalation matches the length of the inhalation. No prescribed count, your own pace, rolling circularly from inhale to exhale and back again.
- Read your chosen affirmation over and over, committing it to memory if possible. Perhaps eventually softening your gaze or closing your eyes, if that feels safe, as you continue to say it aloud or silently.
- As you repeat the affirmation, visualize the translucent blue color of the Throat Chakra and imagine it flowing into your energy center. This may appear as an expansion of the color from the center through your body into the space around you, or an increase in vibrancy or saturation, with your inhalation, followed by the color shrinking back to a small point or soft glow with the contraction of your exhalation.
- Truly, deeply engage – immerse in the sensation of the feeling of the words of the Throat Chakra affirmation.
Final Thoughts
When your fifth center is aligned, you’ll be able to access Ether energy, and tap into your expressive side. You will access better communication, deeper authenticity and confidence to be creative. Working with your Throat Chakra can help you to experience the divine magic and expression of the Self!
If you enjoyed this article, check out these wise words on the History and Evolution of Yoga!
