A Recap of the Chakras
Chakra is the Sanskrit word for “wheel.” The seven chakras as we know them are a modern Western interpretation of an ancient concept from Hinduism. However, there are parallel ideas and observations from healing systems and healers across cultures and time periods. The chakras are energy centers in and around the body. Each corresponds to a color and specific parts of the body. It also corresponds to particular mental and emotional experiences. These beautiful wheels of color are a brilliant way of illustrating the inseparable mind-body connection in human health and wellness. In this series, we’ll be exploring each chakra and holistic approaches to caring for them.
Vishuddha
This month, we’re moving our focus to Vishuddha, or the throat chakra. Vishuddha means “especially pure” in Sanskrit and is represented by a sixteen-petaled lotus. It is the fifth chakra and located in the neck and throat just above the collarbones. We associate the throat chakra with the color blue. The downward pointing triangle within its symbol brings to mind the alchemical symbol for water, which can be a helpful reminder of this energetic center’s relationship to flow, communication, and movement.
A healthy throat chakra is a clear channel for expression and communication. Through this center, we are able to convey our emotions, experiences, and perspectives to the world outside. It’s also through the throat chakra that we are able to listen and begin to process the communication and expression of others. Because of these functions and its physical location on the body, the throat chakra corresponds to the ears, nose, tongue, throat, and thyroid.
Body
A Balanced Throat Chakra
A balanced Vishuddha brings with it clear airways, a strong voice, and a healthy metabolism. On the other hand, a variety of physical symptoms result from imbalance in this area. You may want to focus some of your love and attention on your throat chakra if you experience hoarseness, a sore throat, jaw pain, neck pain, tension headaches, tinnitus, an under- or overactive thyroid, or other auditory and speech problems.
A Balanced Approach
Approaching an imbalance in the throat chakra means assessing whether you need to do more resting or more working. Are you suffering from overuse or letting things fall out of practice? Take the time to sit with yourself in honest reflection. Ask yourself where you need to turn the volume up and when you may want to turn it down. This will help guide you toward physical exercises that can support your throat chakra work.
Yoga Poses
There are several yoga poses that can support a healthy throat chakra. Many of these poses involve flipping your perspective and raising your legs above your head. If shoulderstand and plough are already part of your yoga practice, we recommend incorporating them in your throat chakra care. If not, we suggest learning them from an experienced teacher before trying them out at home to best protect your head and neck.
Two of our favorite opening poses stretch the chest and throat up and out, counteracting the hunched position we take when scrolling through phones or working at desks.
Here is an image of fish pose or Matsyasana in its fullest expression beginning from lotus pose. We recommend this pose for an amazing throat chakra opening if it’s within your skillset.
For a gentler version, lie on the ground with feet together and toes pointed. Contract your core to lift your upper body, and work your hands underneath you, flattening your palms against the mat and gently propping yourself up on your elbows. You should feel your shoulder blades pushing toward each other in this position. From here, slowly and carefully reach the crown of your head toward the floor. You should feel the stretch in the front of your neck and across your collarbones. After a few breaths here, take great care to lift your head up and back to a neutral position before moving your hands.
Nourishing the Throat
The best thing we can add into our daily diet to support the throat chakra is liquid. The lining of our ears, nose, and throat require sufficient moisture to function at their best, which means staying hydrated with the right balance of water and electrolytes.
Hot herbal teas as well as soups can help to soothe an irritated throat while exposing the airways to steam that can ease congestion. Fruit and honey are both excellent ways to sweeten up your throat chakra work. You’ll also want a sufficient amount of salt to maintain good hydration. If you suffer from a thyroid disorder, you may want to research specific dietary choices that can help you regulate your metabolism.
Herbal Assistance
Throat sprays and tinctures can be very useful in caring for Vishuddha. One of our favorite herbs for this center is Osha root. Osha is a staple of indigenous medical practitioners in the Americas. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this root can help to fight infection and congestion.
Gingko biloba is an excellent herb for your ears as it is believed to help relieve tinnitus by reducing blood pressure. But not all tinnitus and auditory issues stem from the same ailments, so be sure to explore the possible causes of these problems. Our apothecary experts can help you find the best options to suit your particular needs.
Mind and Spirit
Discernment
There is absolutely a flowing quality to the throat chakra. But that doesn’t mean that it’s as simple as leaning back and being swept away by the tide. A well-loved throat chakra requires us to exercise discernment in choosing what to say, when, and to whom. This chakra is traditionally associated with Saturn, the planet of boundaries and restrictions. That connection serves as an important reminder that our speech is a reflection of ourselves and should be carefully considered. Don Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements, is a great starting point for reflecting on our words.
Affirmations
Try repeating some of these mantras out loud in the morning or during a meditation session:
- I align my expression and intention.
- I speak and hear clearly.
- I express myself with authority and authenticity.
- My communications flow freely.
- I hear clearly. I choose to listen.
- I say what is necessary, kind, and true.
- I exercise discernment, boundaries, and control.
Creating
One of the best things you can do to support your throat chakra is practice expression. Expression doesn’t have to be verbal, either. Any type of creative output that helps you communicate who you are can help to open and strengthen Vishuddha. This includes painting, dancing, and of course singing. Don’t worry about showing what you do to other people. That isn’t the point of this work. Once you’ve got your throat chakra flowing, you won’t even have to show off. People will see you shining out the true you from a mile away.
Stones and More
There is an abundance of stones believed to have benefits for the throat chakra. We absolutely love that fact because the throat happens to be one of the very best places for jewelry. Check out the amazing selection of handmade designs we carry in our retail shop.
Stones that make the short list for Vishuddha?
- Lapis Lazuli – promotes honesty
- Amazonite – promotes courage in self-expression
- Kyanite – promotes clarity
- Angelite – gently breaks down blockages
- Aquamarine – promotes healing
Carry (or better yet – wear) any of these stones to help you with your throat chakra work. And always remember, the best thing you can do for this chakra is to be the truest expression of your beautiful self!
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