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The throat chakra, also called Vishuddha, is the fifth chakra, and physically it extends beyond the throat to the tongue, lips, cheeks, jaw, and even to the ears. Energetically, this chakra influences your ability to communicate with the outside world effectively, and it relates to your ability to speak your truth with clarity and confidence. The energy of the throat chakra is a two-way street and is also related to your ability to listen actively and make others feel heard.
“Vishuddha” is a Sanskrit word meaning “purest” or “especially pure,” and the throat chakra is where energies start to evolve from the earthly plane and the physical body to the more esoteric energy fields of light and sound vibration. This chakra is associated with the color blue and the healing power of aquamarine and turquoise stones.
You can take our general chakra quiz to find out where you’re out of balance, but if you already know that it’s hard to speak your voice, your throat chakra might be the place to focus. Below we share how to get this powerful energy center opened and balanced.
When the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance
When in balance, Vishuddha chakra allows you to manifest your creativity, find and speak your truth, and confidently project your voice into the world. Your voice will have a ring of truth and clarity, and your communication will be clear and effective. An open throat chakra makes your interactions with other people more harmonious but an imbalanced throat chakra can cause problems.
A blocked Vishuddha chakra can result in an inability to speak your truth. You might physically feel a lump in your throat, or you may have difficulty speaking in a clear, direct voice. A blocked throat chakra can also be tied to depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. People with a blocked throat chakra may shut down or have difficulty expressing themselves in a conflict.
People with an overactive throat chakra have a tendency to talk too much, ramble on, and have difficulty engaging in active listening. They may dominate conversations, speak too loudly, use abrasive language, or need to have the last word. Their communication style is one-way and ineffective.
Take the Throat Chakra Quiz
Not sure if you're in balance? Take this introspective 15-question quiz.
- Can you speak your truth directly and make your position known?
- Do you often feel timid or shy?
- Have you gotten feedback that your communication style is aggressive or assertive?
- Do you have neck pain or stiffness?
- Do you suffer from low self-esteem?
- Do you tend to dominate conversations?
- Are you able to hear other points of view openly and without reacting?
- Do you need to get the last word in?
- Do you like the sound of your voice when you are talking, singing, thinking silently, and meditating?
- When you are with others, do you harmonize with them?
- Do you experience frequent health problems, particularly in the area of the throat, neck, and mouth?
- Do you lack self-expression and a creative outlet?
- Do you experience social anxiety, and as a result, you isolate?
- Do you feel guilty when you express your opinions, thoughts, and needs?
- Do you transmit the opposite of what you are trying to say?
Score 1 for every yes.
0-5 = your throat chakra is likely in balance. You may have an issue or two to reflect on, but this is part of the human experience, and it is likely that you can speak your truth and hear the opinion of others.
6-10 = your throat chakra may be out of balance, either blocked or overactive. It’s worth some dedicated self-reflection and developing a concrete plan to take steps to get this chakra’s energy moving in a balanced way. Your self-esteem will get a boost when you start being able to express your truth in a pure and clear way.
11-15 = your throat chakra is out of balance, and you are likely suffering the consequences. Take some committed steps to address this imbalance and get your throat chakra’s energy flowing so you can express yourself fully and engage with the world in a healthier way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others.
How to Rebalance the Throat Chakra
If you believe your throat chakra is out of balance, there are some practical steps you can take.
- Journal daily. It can be hard to communicate clearly if you don’t know what you are feeling, so find time each day to journal. Journaling can look different for different people but if you know your throat chakra is out of balanced, use your writing to explore your feelings and emotions. Look for patterns and triggers and notice when you don’t express what you truly feel.
- Sing or chant. While journaling is a good way to get into your head to find out why your Vishuddha chakra is blocked, if you want to go straight to the source, try singing or chanting. Hearing the vibration of your own voice can be a great step towards balancing your throat chakra and helping you step into your personal power. Not sure where to start? Enroll in a singing class, go to a live kirtan, or even find one on YouTube. Singing can bring a smile to your face, and chanting is good for the soul.
- Repeat positive affirmations to speak your truth. Affirmations can be an effective way to remap the brain and shift self-talk from negative to positive. Develop specific affirmations to help you speak your truth and find your voice. A few to consider include:
“I communicate clearly and with ease.”
“I listen actively.”
“I am comfortable speaking my true thoughts.”
- Do yoga. Yoga is designed to open the various chakras in the body so look for yoga practices that focus on the throat center. Not sure where to start? For a single exercise, try shoulder stand or camel pose. For a full practice, try this 45-minute class specifically for the throat chakra. Breathwork is another powerful practice that can open the throat chakra. Try lion’s breath to get started.
In Summary
The throat chakra enables you to engage harmoniously with the outside world and helps to manifest your creativity. Keeping it open and balanced is key to living your best life. If you think your throat chakra is out of balance, take the steps above and let 2022 be the year you say what you need to say.
