Aligning The Vishuddha Chakra

The Vishuddha chakra, also known as the ‘throat chakra,’ is the fifth of the seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word vishuddha means ‘pure’ or ‘purification’.

The vishuddha chakra is located in the centre of the neck, near the spine, and is associated with the element of sound. The throat chakra governs self-expression, communication and the ability to speak our personal truth. Think of it as the energetic epicentre of your voice and authentic self.

It is also associated with the health of the thyroid, parathyroid, tonsils, vocal cords, oesophagus, trachea and larynx.

The vishuddha chakra is traditionally depicted as a sixteen-petalled lotus flower with an inverted triangle, symbolising spiritual growth and expansion. Its colour is bright blue, representing wisdom, truth and purity.

When the vishuddha chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to communicate clearly and express ourselves with confidence. We are also more able to speak our truth without fear and we become better listeners.

On the other hand, if this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty expressing our thoughts and emotions and speaking our truth. We may find it physically difficult to speak clearly and may even stutter when we try to speak. It can also manifest in physical symptoms such as asthma, coughing, hearing problems and ear infections, loss of voice, tight shoulder muscles or neck pain.

Whether you are working with an underactive, a blocked or an overactive throat chakra, healing starts with self-awareness, kindness and discipline. Being regular and patience is crucial to healing ~ Harshita Sharma

Conversely, if the vishuddha chakra is too open and overactive, we may talk too much and too loudly, constantly interrupting others and dominating conversations. We also don’t listen to what others have to say and tend to be very opinionated.

When balanced, the throat chakra can have a positive effect on your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. An open, aligned and balanced vishuddha chakra offers the following benefits:

Clear communication. A balanced throat chakra enables us to communicate with clarity and confidence.

Improved listening. An aligned throat chakra enables us to listen better to others with an open mind and heart, without interrupting them.

Authenticity. It becomes easier to speak our truth fearlessly and with confidence.

Creative expression. We feel inspired and creative and more able to express ourselves artistically.

To activate and align the vishuddha chakra to experience more of these benefits, try these simple strategies:

Meditation

Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Imagine a bright blue light at the base of your throat, gently rotating. Visualise this light getting brighter and brighter and expanding, clearing any blockages in your throat chakra.

Sound Therapy

Chanting or even humming works wonders for the throat chakra. Try singing your favourite song or chanting the ‘Om’ (Aum) mantra. These vibrations stimulate and clear the throat chakra.

Self-Expression

Express yourself and speak your truth. Share your ideas, thoughts and feelings honestly with those around you. Keep a journal or post a video blog. Sign up for a public speaking class, join a poetry reading group or participate in an open mic stand-up comedy event.

Nutrition

Eat ‘blue’ whole foods such as blueberries and elderberries, blue cheese, blue potatoes and Hopi corn.

Gemstones

Wear blue gemstone jewellery such as aquamarine or lapis lazuli to support your throat chakra.

Yoga & Stretching

Certain yoga poses and neck stretches help to balance and align this chakra. Fish pose and neck twists are good choices.

Remember that aligning your throat chakra is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and in time you’ll reap the rewards of improved communication, creativity and authentic self-expression. Your voice matters, so let it be heard!