Exploring the Chakras: The Throat – Vishuddha Chakra

By: Steph Ball-Mitchell, E-RYT-500, RPYT, RCYT, YACEP

Exploring the Chakras: The Throat – Vishuddha Chakra

Vishuddha Chakra

How often do you say what you really think or feel? How deeply do you feel connected to your authentic self? The vishuddha chakra, also known as the throat chakra, is the fifth chakra in the tantric seven chakra system. In yoga, this chakra is often seen as the key to accessing your inner voice and finding the strength to share your gifts with the world. 


We all have a purpose in life, and with a clear vishuddha chakra, you can learn how to share those gifts with confidence, clarity, and ease. Exploring the throat chakra is a process of an embodiment of truth, authenticity, sincerity, and kindness. We must also remember to come from a grounded and awakened space from the lower 4 chakras, connecting with love, confidence, creativity, and groundedness through this process.

The Basics of the Vishuddha Chakra

In Sanskrit, the word vishuddha means especially pure or purest. The correct vishuddha chakra pronunciation is “viśuddha” or “vi-shu-ddha," or as I teach my students "vish-shoo-thee." All the chakras require purification and have innate purity, but the throat chakra emphasizes purity due to the outward energy from extending our voice out into the world. So, the purity of this chakra center affects not only our own bodies but also the environment and others around us.


Every sound that comes out of our mouths has a vibration and energetic effect on us and the world around us, which is why being conscious of your words is essential to clarify and awaken this chakra center. See below for a summary of the main details of the throat chakra. 

Physical Location: At the base of the neck or throat 

Color: Blue 

Seed Sound: Ham ( हं ) 

Element: Ether or space 

Mudra: Vishuddha Mudra 

Sense: Hearing Action: Speaking 

Organs: Thyroid, esophagus, tongue, mouth, jaw, vocal cords, and ears 

Deity: Saraswati and Rudra 

Symbol: A 16-petal lotus flower with a downward pointing triangle inside 

Stone: Amazonite, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Kyanite, Celestite, and Blue Aventurine 

The Development of the Vishuddha Chakra 


The throat chakra first develops between the age of 13 to 19. This is the age when we begin to explore who we really are and discover our identity and authentic self. During this stage of life, we may start to speak up with greater independence, sharing our truth with the world. But this chakra can also become blocked due to guilt that may cause us to stay quiet or silent instead.

Some also say that the throat chakra actually develops between the age of 29 and 35, when you truly begin to share your abilities professionally with the world. Many believe that when you shift into your thirties, your fears of judgment begin to fade away, and you feel more confident in sharing your authentic self. We are constantly going through stages of development in this chakra as we further explore our true selves and learn how to share this with the world. 


The Emotions & Energetics of the Vishuddha Chakra 


The throat chakra is the main center of speech and communication in your body. When this chakra is balanced, it allows you to speak your truth, step into authenticity, and express yourself fully. On the other end of communication are listening and understanding. The vishuddha chakra gives you the ability for higher discernment, wisdom, and learning. 

In yoga philosophy, the vishuddha chakra is also considered a purification center in the body in which the sweet nectar or amrita drips down from the bindu chakra in the mouth to nourish your throat. As the throat becomes purified, it allows you to speak with more clarity and to convey your higher truth and wisdom to the world. Humans are inherently social beings, and the throat chakra is the primary vehicle for this deeper connection. 

How to Identify When Your Throat Chakra is Out of Balance 


The throat chakra is often seen as the bridge between the lower and higher chakras. When the vishuddha chakra is blocked, it can cause imbalances going in both directions. See below for the primary signs that your vishuddha chakra is out of balance: 

Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Signs the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance: 


• Difficulty sharing thoughts and feelings 
• Fear of public speaking 
• Struggle to make decisions 
• Avoid conflict or difficult conversations 
• Interrupting other people 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Low self-esteem 
• Aggression or excessive anger 

Physical Signs the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance: 


• Difficulty speaking 
• Quiet or incomprehensible voice 
• Excessive talking or inability to be quiet 
• Inappropriate language or speech 
• Thyroid imbalances 
• Sore throat or frequent coughing 
• Infections in the mouth, gums, or ears 
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues 
• Pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders 

Have you noticed any of these signs or symptoms in your life? Purifying the vishuddha chakra is essential on the path of yoga and to begin shifting up to the higher chakras. But remember, the throat chakra is not just about how we speak or interact with others; it is also about how we communicate with ourselves. 

5 Purifying Ways to Balance Your Vishuddha Chakra 


1. Practice Opening Yoga Asana 


Yoga poses stimulate the flow of energy in the body and can directly release blockages in the chakras, allowing for the purification and opening of each chakra center. For the throat chakra, it is essential to focus on poses that stimulate this body region. Jalandhara bandha or the throat lock is also excellent for this chakra. 

Additionally, khechari mudra or the tongue lock is an excellent practice for the throat chakra because it helps drop the nectar or amrita down into the throat chakra to purify this space, which can be incorporated into most yoga poses that you practice. 

Yoga Poses for the Vishuddha Chakra: 

• Shoulderstand Pose (Sarvangasana) 
• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) 
• Plough Pose (Halasana) 
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) 
• Cat-Cow Pose (Marjariasana and Bitilasana) 
• Fish Pose (Matsyasana) 
• Camel Pose (Ustrasana) 
• Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) 
• Lion Pose (Simhasana) • Locust Pose (Salabhasana) 

2. Meditate on the Vishuddha Chakra 


The chakras are an integral part of the subtle body in yoga. Due to their subtle nature, the deeper practices of meditation are excellent for shifting the energies in the body and harmonizing each chakra center. For the throat chakra, mantra chanting or japa meditation is wonderful for the vishuddha chakra because the vibrational sounds stimulate the throat and calm the mind simultaneously. 

Additionally, mindfulness practices that focus on the sensations of the breath in the throat space or back of the throat are excellent for bringing awareness to the vishuddha chakra and focusing the mind. When we quiet the mind, we can listen deeper to our inner voice and cultivate communication with our true self while tapping into our higher guidance. 

3. Awaken the Power of Prana 


Prana is the life force energy in the body that, when used properly, can increase your vitality and lead you towards awakening. Essentially every pranayama practice involves the throat in some capacity because it is the pathway to the lungs. But specific breathing techniques are particularly beneficial for the vishuddha chakra because they increase this stimulation to a higher degree. 

Some excellent pranayama techniques for the vishuddha chakra include ujjayi pranayama, bhramari pranayama, and lion’s breath. During pranayama practice for the throat chakra, it is also beneficial to include kumbhaka or external and internal holds along with jalandhara bandha or the throat lock to increase energy in this chakra center. 

4. Nurture Your Subtle Body Through Sound 


The vishuddha chakra is the main center in the body for communication and sound, so utilizing sound is essential in the healing process for this chakra. Any vocal practices like singing, chanting, or even listening to vibrational music are lovely for the throat chakra. 

The solfeggio frequency that harmonizes this chakra center is at 741 hertz, so listening to music or Tibetan singing bowls at this frequency can be profoundly healing and harmonizing for this chakra. See below for the top affirmations and mantras for the throat chakra: 

• Ham 
• Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Mantra = Om Puurnnam-Adah Puurnnam-Idam Puurnnaat-Purnnam-Udacyate Puurnnashya Puurnnam-Aadaaya Puurnnam-Eva-Avashissyate Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih
 • Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha 
• I communicate with confidence and clarity. 
• I embrace my authentic self. 
• I speak my truth. 

5. Speak Your Truth & Practice Radical Authenticity 


The primary source of blockage for the throat chakra is when you do not speak what you are feeling or thinking. Repressed thoughts and emotions can cause various health issues in the body and mind. When we do not release this energy, it builds up within us and can act as a toxin. 

Learning how to speak your truth and allow your authentic self to shine forward is essential in the awakening process and to balance the throat chakra. But it is still important to practice ahimsa or non-violence in your communication and always remember to speak with compassion. We need to learn to find the balance between honoring our voice and authenticity while also being aware of not causing harm to others. 

Discover the Vishuddha Chakra in Our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training 


During our online 200 hour  and 300 hour yoga teacher trainings, you will learn how to access the strength of your vishuddha chakra and share the gifts of yoga with the world. Becoming a yoga teacher is not just about learning the poses; it is about embodying the deeper practices and awakening to your true self. And the most critical aspect of becoming a yoga teacher is having clarity of mind and speech, which comes from a balanced vishuddha chakra. 

As you continue to grow your inner strength and awaken your throat chakra, you will be able to become a profoundly transformative yoga teacher and speak the wisdom and truth from your heart with clarity and ease. So, are you ready to begin this journey of a lifetime? Reach out to us today to take the first step on your path to becoming a yoga teacher!

Chakra Balancing Yoga Class Plan