Throat chakra: meanings, meditation, balancing, mantras and mudra

The Throat Chakra (or Vishuddha Chakra in Sanskrit) is located primarily in the neck, but also encompasses the shoulders, jaw, mouth, and thyroid.  It is the first of the more spiritual chakras, following the Heart Chakra.  The Heart Chakra is a mix between spiritual and physical chakras, with the definitively physical chakras below the heart chakra and the spiritual chakras above.

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Location of the Throat Chakra; read more about balancing, meaning, meditation and mantra

The throat chakra is associated with sky blue or turquoise-blue and the element of ether or space.  The throat chakra is responsible for sound and expression through sound.  This chakra is also correlated with all kinds of communication.  It can also be associated with finding your purpose and embracing your individuality.  It is also related to creativity and turning ideas into reality.  The sacral chakra, which is responsible for creativity and emotion, is closely linked to this function of the throat chakra.  The throat chakra helps us express emotions and creative ideas.  It also helps us express truth, both in terms of finding our truest feelings and finding the strength to share them.  The throat chakra is sensitive to misinformation or unkind words.  Negativity and lies can quickly disrupt the balance of the chakra.

Imbalance of the Throat Chakra

A blocked throat chakra can lead to feelings of uncertainty, or an inability to find your truth.  It can also cause you to be unable to express that truth if you have found it.  

A clear, open throat chakra allows you to comfortably and confidently share your feelings, thoughts and ideas.  

A blocked throat chakra can manifest itself physically as a sore throat, head ache, tooth ache, neck pain or thyroid problems.  A blocked throat chakra can also manifest emotionally as shyness, fear, lack of creativity, inability to express yourself, or social anxiety.  

On the other hand, excessive throat chakra openness can lead you to become overly dominant or manipulative.

Some of the techniques below can help restore balance to the throat chakra.+

Mudra

Mudra for the Throat Chakra; read more about balancing, meaning, meditation and mantra

As you prepare to meditate, chant or sing, try this throat chakra mudra.  Interlace your fingers so that the tips come inside the palms.  Connect the tips of the thumbs, reaching slightly up to round the shape of the hands.  Place your connected mudra in your lap, find a comfortable upright seat and then add mantra, meditation or another technique of your choice.

Mantra

To open the throat chakra, try to bij mantra or seed mantra sound, “ham.”  You can chant it aloud or internally.If you prefer English, you can try the affirmation, "I speak."  If you have something specific you want to say, thinking about the words or mood you wish to invoke can also help.

Other ways to engage your throat chakra

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Singing, crying, chanting, laughing, and talking can also help your throat chakra release blockages and open again.  Allow your throat freedom- release and take on these actions fully-- laugh with your whole heart, sing with all of the air and volume you can muster, or weep sob and moan.  It's only for you.Also, pranayama like Ujjayi breath can help your throat chakra.

Meditations

Image a blue light in your throat.  Slowly allow that light to emanate out from your throat.  Allow the light to open your airways and your mind.  Allow it to heal you and soothe you.

Alternatively you can imagine releasing your negative feelings on your exhales during a meditation.  Allow yourself to fully feel your feelings, observe them and release them.  Allow yourself to move past feelings that don't serve you.  Reunite with your truth and your confidence.

Asanas for the throat chakra

The Mandalay Hills Yoga Leggings are printed with an image of the Shan Mountains behind Mandalay, including the rice paddies and a pagoda. They have a high rise waist, 4-way stretch and an inside pocket.

Asanas that stretch the neck are best for the throat chakra, like gently rolling the neck, camel, shoulder stand and fish pose.

Sky Blue

All things blue are helpful for this chakra.  For foods, try blueberries, blue corn or blue-ish sweet potatoes.

Essential oils can also help the throat chakra.  Try lavender, basil, chamomile, peppermint (I recommend doTERRA oils because of their purity).

Gems include saphire, aquamarine, turquoise, lapis lazuli and blue topaz.

Also, try wearing blue to encourage throat chakra energy.

Vishuddha Chakra

The throat chakra is a crucial spiritual force.  Confident self-expression, creativity, and self-understanding are all critical functions of the throat chakra and great reasons to give your throat chakra some extra attention and love.

All About the Throat Chakra: Meditation, Mantra, Mudra, Meaning, and Balancing

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