Throat Chakra – Visuddha – Fifth Chakra
The throat chakra is the fifth chakra and it is the first of the higher or spiritual chakras. This chakra is located in the region of neck and shoulders and its color is blue.
The gift of this chakra is accepting your originality, expressing your authentic voice and speaking your truth with grace and creativity. As you practice personal expression, a knowing that there is only one you – a unique expression of Divine Intelligence – happens.
All of the chakras work in tandem, but the throat and solar plexus chakras work especially closely. As you feel strong and confident in your identity, your throat chakra expresses clarity. Conversely, if you feel disempowered, weak or stifled in your identity, your throat chakra will shut down. If your solar plexus is over-stimulated and the ego is running the show, your words can become loud, aggressive and judgmental.
You can always tell how your solar plexus is doing by the words that come out of your mouth and their tone – and vice versa.
A heightened throat chakra is often times expressed through art, writing and music. A telling sign of the health or condition of a person’s throat chakra is demonstrated by their voice. Are they clear and resonate or hacking, coughing and congested? Are they loud, talking excessively, meek or quiet? Is their throat area open, free of clothing or wrapped up tightly with turtlenecks and scarves? What are they trying to express or hide?
When the 5th chakra is balanced and centered, you are able to speak with confidence and truth because you are grounded in a belief of self (solar plexus chakra). A healthy throat chakra allows you to speak gently and lovingly, with compassion and truth of conviction, so that others will hear you from their hearts and not feel threatened by your beliefs. As you stand in your truth, you become less interested in declaring your views without cause.
With a balanced 5th chakra, you are able to communicate without fear of being judged by others. You are better able to speak without judgment, as well.
The main challenge for the fifth chakra is self-doubt and poor communication skills. When you truly know yourself by living an examined life, doubt is removed and you begin to communicate with confidence and clarity. Self expression and asking for what you want becomes easy and graceful.
The throat chakra paves the way for inspired creativity, seeking and sharing of truth. The throat is also associated with the ear chakra, enabling you to hear the truth, as well as speak it. As a communication center, it not only allows you to express who you are and what you stand for, but also allows you to listen deeply to another.
A person with an open Visuddha Chakra is a good listener, which gives another person the gift of being heard – one of the most profound human needs.
Throat Chakra at a Glance:
- Sanskrit name: Visuddha
- Element: Akasha
- Color: Blue
- Shape: Crescent
- Petals of the lotus: Sixteen
- Seed sound: Ham
- Vowel sound: Eee
- Rights: To speak
- Endocrine gland: Thyroid and Parathyroid gland
- Physical association: Throat, ears, mouth, shoulders, and neck
- Psychological function: Communication
- Identity: Creative Identity
- Challenge: Lies
- Planets: Mercury
- Tarot: Swords
Throat Chakra Affirmations
I am open, clear, and honest in my communication.
I have a right to speak my truth.
I communicate my feelings with ease.
I express myself creatively through speech, writing, or art.
I have a strong will that lets me resolve my challenges.
I nourish my spirit through creativity.
I live an authentic life.
I have integrity.
I love to share my experiences and wisdom.
I know when it is time to listen.
I express my gratitude towards life.
I listen to my body and my feelings to know what my truth is.
I take good care of my physical body.
I am at peace.
Essential Oils for the Throat Chakra
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Chamomile (English/Roman)
- Cypress
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
Exercises to open and strengthen the Throat Chakra
- Sing! Singing is an amazing throat chakra cleanser, so sing a song.
- Drink water. Water is clarifying. Avoid foods that clog or create excess mucus.
- Think blue. Imagine a beautiful blue light at the base of your throat. Inhale as you visualize blue—and health and cleansing—filling up these areas, exhale and feel the release of stress and tension.
- Wear jewelry that inspires you on your ears and/or neck.
- Get a neck and shoulder massage.
- Speak the truth with love. Let this become your daily practice.
Foods for a healthy Throat Chakra
Liquids play a large role in healing the throat chakra because of their lubricating qualities; soups, warm teas, cool juices and of course water are all encouraged. Avoiding dairy is highly recommended as it can congest your throat and sinuses.
