How to Balance the Throat chakra?

The throat chakra is known as the Vishuddhi in Sanskrit, meaning “especially pure”. It is the fifth of the seven main chakras and is located at the base of the throat.

Represented by the color blue, the throat chakra governs the zodiac signs of Virgo & Gemini, since both zodiacs are ruled by the great communicator, Mercury. Thus, the throat chakra is associated with communication, self-expression, and self-worth. On a physical level, it governs the throat, jaw, neck, mouth, and thyroid gland.

This chakra governs our ability to speak our truth. It connects our head to our heart and serves as a connector between our thoughts and our emotions.

The throat chakra is inner-connected with our solar plexus chakra since the solar plexus houses our emotions and self-expression. These two chakras are connected because our emotions affect how and what we need to communicate. When the throat chakra is balanced, you can feel confident in your speech because you know you're true to yourself. 

Have you ever tried to speak your truth in a moment where it matters most? If so, you probably know how difficult it can be. This is why it's essential for us to recognize throat chakra blocks and keep it open and healthy.

Signs the Throat Chakra is Out of Balance

A blocked throat chakra can contribute to feelings of insecurity and introversion. When we don't have the strength to speak up for ourselves, we quickly become a product of the world around us and it can feel like we have no control of our lives. 

When the throat chakra is imbalanced or blocked, it may manifest in a number of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Some of the signs are:

• Issues with the thyroid gland
• Problems with the throat – chronic soreness or cough, a raspy throat
• Fear of speaking the truth
• Having trouble speaking your mind
• Allowing others to speak for you
• Trouble setting boundaries with others
• Lying, gossiping
• Exhibiting aggressive or dominant behaviors
• Being a poor listener
  
  

How to Balance the Throat Chakra

There are several ways to bring the throat chakra back to balance. Some of the ways are:

Using your voice: Singing is a great way to open your throat chakra. It also physically clears the throat. You can also try singing mantras, thus amplifying the healing effects of this practice.

Sound: Every chakra is associated with a unique sound or syllable. The seed sound for the heart chakra is “ham”. Chanting this sound helps bring the chakra back to balance.

Meditation: Sit in a comfortable position, preferably in a place that is quiet. Connect with your breath and slowly deepen your breath. Once you feel relaxed, visualize a light blue color in the area of your throat. Spend as much time here as you feel like.

Affirmations: These affirmations work specifically on the throat chakra and help with authenticity and open communication.  

• I speak my truth with ease.
• It is safe for me to be me.
• I believe in my self-worth.
  
  

How balancing the throat chakra can improve your life

When the throat chakra comes into balance, communication not only becomes easier but also more discerning, compassionate, and clear.

An open throat chakra also improves the way we listen. As a result, relationships improve and come into harmony. We are able to express ourselves authentically and become open to others’ perspectives. We come into our truth.

Yoga poses to help balance the throat chakra

Yoga helps release any physical, mental, and emotional blockages in the throat chakra. Poses that help unblock the throat chakra are the ones that focus on the neck. You can incorporate them into your yoga routine.

1 - Sarvangasana or Shoulder stand

This is an excellent pose for stimulating the thyroid gland and therefore balancing the body’s metabolism, digestion, and insulin production. It slows down the heart rate thus reducing strain on the heart.

An inversion, it activates the throat chakra and also helps in improving blood circulation. It encourages deep abdominal breathing and increases the flow of oxygen into the lungs.

2 - Halasana or Plow Pose

An inversion, plow pose stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands and activates the throat chakra. It is effective in calming the nervous system and helps to reduce stress, fatigue, and headaches.

This pose gives an excellent stretch to the hamstrings and glutes, strengthens the deep core muscles, and increases upper body strength. It also helps release tension in the entire spine, especially the lower back.