8 Ways to Balance Your Throat Chakra

When we want to do our best to speak our truth and to better connect with others, one of the things we can do it is to find ways to activate and balance the throat chakra.  It’s one of the seven energy centres situated along the spine according to the ancient and powerful chakra system.  Your throat chakra, the fifth chakra, empowers your voice.

Your throat chakra is called Vishuddha in Sanskrit (विशुद्ध), which means “purified”.  It is located at your throat and is also connected to your neck, mouth, ears, and vocal cords.  It is the centre of communication and creative expression.  And it’s fundamentally about truthfulness.  The throat chakra is like the gateway between your inner self and the outer world. So you can see how important it is to ensure this energy centre is active yet balanced.

When your throat chakra is balanced, there is a balance between speaking and listening.    You will listen well and feel heard, you will communicate clearly, honestly and confidently.  And you will be able to express your authentic self.  Your voice has power, as does your silence.  If your throat chakra is unbalanced you may be either too shy and reserved, saying little, or maybe you speak too much, without allowing others to speak.  This is something you may want to take a moment to think about.

The throat chakra is related to the ether element.  Ether carries all forms of vibration including sound waves.  So the throat chakra is closely related to sound.  

It’s also related to the colour blue, clear true open sky blue.

Here are 8 ways to energize and balance your throat chakra, so that you can better speak your truth.

1. Throat chakra yoga - Any pose that creates spaciousness around your throat and neck area, stretching and aligning it. Try Cat/Cow Pose, Cobra Pose, Upward Facing Dog, Fish Pose, or a Supported Shoulder Stand.  
2. Mantra practice - Support energy flow in the throat chakra by bringing some chanting into your yoga or meditation practice. The throat chakra is related to the bija mantra “HUM” 😁. Chant it aloud or silently. Or try any mantra meditation such as SO HUM or simply OM.
3. Ujjayi pranayama - This soft and whispering breathing practice can be done during meditation, yoga, or just sitting quietly for a couple of minutes.  As you breath through your nose, create a slight constriction in your throat so that the air passes with a soft hissing sound on the inhale and the exhale.  Like the sound of whispering waves on the shore.
4. Sing - In the shower, in the car, or while making your morning tea. Claim your right to sing out in freedom!
5. Blue light visualisation meditation - Meditation is one of the most powerful ways to balance your chakras. For your throat chakra, visualize a beautiful sky blue light glowing at your throat, then growing and glowing out and out and into the world.
6. Bring blue into your life - Start with beautiful blue meditation cushions and yoga bolsters (HUM of course!). And keep a blue crystal on your altar or carry it with you...turquoise, aquamarine, lapis lazuli.
7. Protect your throat - Wrap your throat in a beautiful blue scarf or shawl. Warm your throat with a hot cup of tea, why not try a spicy Tibetan Chai tea.
8. Silent meditation retreat - If you find you talk too much, this may be a lovely way to balance that out. Try a silent meditation retreat for a day or a weekend. You can create your own or plan one at a retreat centre.