Fifth of the chakras, in sanskrit, Vishuddha is found in the throat, governing both truth-telling and self-expression.

Tell me about the Throat Chakra?

Vishuddha, is the first of the three spiritual chakras. In the area of the throat, it governs the anatomical regions of the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx. To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to speak, listen, and express yourself fully. The element corresponding to the fifth chakra is ether or space, and the sense is hearing.

The energy of the Throat Chakra is an awareness of your own power and the knowledge that you have free will

If the Throat Chakra is out of balance

If we feel we have no authority or power of choice in our lives and feel we are succumbing to societal pressures regarding what we should and shouldn’t do. We might find that we have Throat Chakra blockages. A deficiency of this energy can make a person seem timid, afraid to speak up, and insecure about communicating their wants and needs.

An imbalance of the throat chakra can be experienced as

• Thyroid issues

• Sore throats

• Ear infections

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Issues expressing yourself

An overactive throat chakra leads to

• dogmatic persona

• arrogance

• excessive talking

• gossiping

• complaining

• self-righteousness

• inability to listen to others

What to do for imbalance

Say “No” if something does not resonate with you. Do not be afraid to vocalise what you want, what you believe in, or who you are.

1. Breath work

Ujjiai breath or ocean breath,

As you inhale and exhale

• Keep your mouth closed and breath through your nose

• Constrict your throat to the point that your breathing makes a rushing noise, almost like snoring. You can think about breathing on a pane of glass, to clean it, but with your mouth shut

• Control your breath with your diaphragm

• Keep your inhalations and exhalations equal

2. Yoga

Some poses to engage the throat chakra

• Lion Pose -Kneeling, sitting on your heels. Hands on your knees. Inhale deeply through your nose. Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue as far as possible, and exhale forcefully by contracting the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. At the same time, roll your eyes up and focus between your eyebrows. Engage your entire body by lifting slightly off your heels as you push your hands into your knees, fingers spread.

• Fish

• Legs up the wall

• Seated cow/cat -Sit in a chair. Rest hands on your knees. As you inhale, arch your spine forward and gaze up, creating a backbend in the spine. Squeeze shoulder blades together (cow). Exhale, pull the tummy in, chin to chest and round the spine (cat). Repeat as many times feels good.

These poses will stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as bring energy to the area of the throat.

• Shoulder stand

• Plow

Jalandhara Bandha or throat lock is associated with the throat chakra. If engaging bandhas is part of your practice be sure to try this.

3. Chanting

Chanting, singing, humming, and reading aloud are wonderful ways to open the fifth chakra. The mantra sound for this chakra is HUM

4. Positive Affirmations

Affirmations, prayers and speaking intentions all benefit the throat chakra. Find an affirmation that resonates and repeat while meditating and say throughout the day

• I speak my truth.

• My words are powerful.

• I am able to express myself freely.

• I can be honest about who I am.

• My truth becomes clearer every day. 

• My voice matters. 

• I speak with courage, compassion, and love.

• I value the words of others.

• I choose authenticity over perfection.

• I have the courage to be my true and authentic self.

• When I share my words, I share my light.

  
  

5. Enriching Exercises

Forgiveness

Symbolically, the Throat Chakra resonates with forgiveness. The act of saying out loud, I forgive you, can be liberating and may promote healing. When we forgive, we let go of any guilt or hurt. Enabling us to express, give, and receive love.

Vocal expression

• Sound release – shouting, yelling, sighing, animal noises, humming, Ohming

• Reciting poetry

• Storytelling

• Singing

Healing sounds & frequencies

• Music

• Nature sounds (birds, running water, fire)

• Instruments like crystal singing bowls, drums, chimes

The rest

• Gargling

• Kissing

• Laughing

• Tongue exercises