Vishuddha: What is the Throat Chakra?

Communication. Authenticity. Integrity. Calm. These are the cornerstones of your throat chakra, the energy center that allows you to speak your truth with clarity and confidence. Below is the complete beginner’s guide to all things Vishuddha, or your throat chakra. Discover the signs of an imbalanced throat chakra, and learn methods to balance and heal. Plus, affirmations and journal prompts! (And if you need a refresher on what a chakra is, be sure to check out my overview here.)

Also, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page for some awesome freebies! You’ll receive 35 free printable affirmations and 30 journal prompts to open and heal the throat chakra. Don’t miss these powerful healing tools!

Introduction to Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra

Have you ever left a conversation feeling like you didn’t really say what you truly wanted to say? Or maybe you were part of a team or group, and even though you had some really great ideas, you found yourself shrinking back, too fearful to speak. Do you want to be a better communicator, but you’re not sure how or where to start?

If you’ve consistently encountered these types of moments throughout your life, let me tell you: I absolutely, 100%, unequivocally get it.

This has been a big part of the narrative that has shaped much of my life.

Without a doubt, the one chakra I’ve experienced the most substantial imbalances in throughout my life has been the throat chakra.

The throat chakra is your energy center for communication. A balanced throat chakra allows us to speak with clarity and confidence.

But communication is only one aspect of this energy center.

Honesty, integrity, and authenticity are all integral components of a balanced throat chakra.

With a balanced throat chakra, you don’t just communicate.

You communicate your authentic truth while remaining true to yourself and your guiding principles, no matter what others may say or think.

Why Balancing the Throat Chakra is Important

Your voice matters.

You have a distinct set of skills and gifts combined with a unique history that nobody else on this planet shares. Because of this, you possess a perspective that only you can possibly have, as you’re the only one who has ever experienced what you have been through.

And there will be moments and situations that arise in your lifetime when your unique perspective is very, very badly needed.

Your voice is important. You can offer insight into situations that others may not see on their own. So for the world as a whole, your voice and your words are very much needed.

But it’s not just important for the world.

It’s important for you.

Because a balanced throat chakra means you live as your authentic, true self. It means staying true to your values and remaining centered, no matter how hard external forces may try to push you. It means living a life of integrity and abiding by your own moral principles.

And that is everything.

Because in all of these components comes joy, peace, freedom, and the courage and confidence to create the beautiful, wholehearted life you deserve.

Throat Chakra Attributes

• Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha (“Especially pure” or “Purest”)
• Location: Throat/Center of Neck
• Color: Light Blue
• Body Parts: Throat, Thyroid, Teeth, Mouth, Jaw, Neck, Shoulders
• Symbol: Sixteen-petalled lotus with a downward facing triangle inside a circle
• Element: Ether (Sky/Space)
• Mantra: HAM
• Gemstones: Blue Lace Agate, Turquoise, Sodalite, Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Topaz
• Essential Oils: Basil, Cypress, Peppermint, Chamomile, Coriander, Juniper, Eucalyptus

Signs of a Balanced Throat Chakra

Clear, effective communication is at the center of a balanced throat chakra, but this doesn’t only mean speaking your truth; it means being an engaged listener as well. When it comes to effective communication, there’s always a give and take, and that means understanding the balance between when you should speak and when you should step back and listen to what others have to say.

Authenticity is also at the foundation of a balanced throat chakra. Authenticity means staying true to what feels right to you, even when it’s not popular. It also means shedding the illusion of perfection and allowing your true, imperfect self to be seen. This can be scary, because it requires you to be vulnerable, but there is power and strength in living your truth and opening yourself up to others.

And most of the time, when others see you living your authentic truth, it gives them the courage and confidence to do the same.

Here are some of the signs of a balanced throat chakra:

• Communicative
• Calm
• Honest
• Peaceful
• Decisive
• Expressive
• Patient
• Authentic
• True to oneself
• Centered
• Good listener
• High level of creative expression
• Possesses high level of integrity
• Speaks with clarity and confidence

Signs of an Imbalanced Throat Chakra

An imbalanced throat chakra can go in two directions: it can become underactive, or it might even become overactive. (This is true for all of your energy centers.)

With an underactive throat chakra, you may become withdrawn and have difficulty expressing yourself. With an overactive throat chakra, you might talk over others and choose gossip over deep conversations.

These are some of the signs of an imbalanced throat chakra:

• Excessively Shy
• Withdrawn
• Difficulty expressing oneself
• Mumbles often
• Indecisive
• Dishonest
• Critical
• Impatient
• Moody
• Gossipy
• Loud
• Talks out of turn
• Inappropriate
• Interrupts
• Poor listener

Physical Signs of an Imbalanced Throat Chakra

In addition to spiritual, emotional, and mental blockages you may experience from an imbalanced energy center, you might also experience physical symptoms as well.

For the throat chakra, these physical symptoms most often are felt in the throat and mouth areas.

Here are some of the physical symptoms you might encounter with an imbalanced throat chakra:

• Chronic Sore Throat
• Overactive/Underactive Thyroid
• Hearing Problems
• Jaw Pain
• Neck Aches
• Dental Issues

Throat Chakra Affirmations

Affirmations for the throat chakra are rooted in effective communication, authenticity, integrity, courage, confidence, and knowing that what you have to say matters.

If you recite the affirmations below, or if you come up with your own empowering throat chakra affirmations, set the intention to really feel the words inside your body. An effective affirmation practice goes beyond simply reciting the words; it embraces the positive emotions within these empowering statements.

Normally, I’d say it’s totally fine to say your affirmations either our loud or silently in your head. And either one is still okay here. But because this is the throat chakra, I’d encourage you to find times when you feel safe to recite your affirmations aloud. Allow yourself to fully speak and breathe your truth.

Below is a list of affirmations you can use to activate, heal, and balance the throat chakra:

• I am able to calmly and effectively speak my truth.
• I live an honest, authentic, wholehearted life. 
• My voice matters. 
• I express myself clearly and openly.
• I speak with calm, clarity, and confidence.
• I find creative ways to communicate my self-expression.
• I embrace silence and know deep inner peace.
• I carry myself with integrity.
• I choose authenticity over perfection.
• I have the courage to be my true and authentic self.
• It is safe for me to speak my truth.
• My voice, words, ideas, and presence all matter. The world needs the magic inside of me.

For more powerful throat chakra affirmations, be sure to check out my post 35 Throat Chakra Affirmations for Speaking Your Truth. And be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page to get your free printable affirmations and journal prompts!

Throat Chakra Journal Prompts

Journaling is a great practice to balance and heal all of your energy centers, but there’s something especially powerful when using it for the throat chakra. Journaling allows you to safely express your truth with clarity and confidence, and this is the cornerstone of a balanced throat chakra. When you journal, you’re free to be your authentic self in a safe, supportive space. By practicing using your authentic voice while you journal, you cultivate an understanding and inner knowing of authenticity and truthfulness in your daily life.

Below is a list of journal prompts to get you started on your journey to balance and heal your throat chakra.

• Write an open letter to somebody in your life: a current or past partner, friend, relative, boss, coworker, or even an acquaintance. What have you always wanted to say to this person but never found the courage or the right words? Write your truth in this letter. Allow yourself to release any negative emotions that your body may have been carrying from holding in your truth.

• In what situations do I hold back from speaking my truth? Are there any situations in which I withdraw, even when I have something to say? Do I feel unsafe speaking in these situations? Would my voice be welcome in the conversation? What can I do to feel more confident in these situations?

• What are my guiding principles and truths? How do I live my authentic truth in my daily life? In what situations do I feel like I fake or force myself to be someone or something I’m not? How do I feel when I do this? (Refrain from judging yourself here. Simply notice and observe.)

• Envision a day in which you are your highest and most authentic self, able to speak with ease, clarity, and confidence. Writing in the present tense, describe your day from the moment you wake up to the moment you lay your head on your pillow to fall asleep. How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? How do you speak to the people around you? What makes you a good listener? How do your defining principles guide your actions throughout your day? Create situations for yourself in which you must communicate clearly and effectively, and write about how you thrive in these moments.

For more powerful throat chakra journal prompts, check out my 30 Journal Prompts to Open and Heal the Throat Chakra. And be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page to get your free printable affirmations and journal prompts!

Activating and Healing the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Color Therapy

Immerse yourself in the color blue. Wear blue clothing. Paint with the color blue. Surround yourself with blue items. Eat blueberries, blue grapes, and blackberries. Write empowering affirmations on blue post-it notes. Find creative ways to incorporate the color blue into your life.

Nature

If it’s a nice day, find a quiet spot outside where you have plenty of space. Lay on the ground and watch the sky. You could also meditate outside, sketch the scenery, or write a letter. If you hear any nature sounds, like birds chirping or a babbling creek, allow yourself to close your eyes and just listen.

Sing

If you’re like me, you might cringe a little at this one. But you don’t have to be a good singer to engage in this practice for healing your throat chakra. Find somewhere you feel comfortable and choose some of your favorite feel-good songs. Then, belt it out! This practice is going to help you clear blockages in your throat as you become more comfortable using your voice.

Communicate

Call a friend. Set up a coffee date. Have a good dinner conversation with your partner where you both promise to set aside the phones. Listen to what he or she has to say. Ask your cashier or barista or mailman how their day’s going and really listen to their answers. And in all of these conversations, aim to speak your truth and be your most authentic self at all times.

Journaling

You can use the journal prompts above or even write a journal entry that’s full of empowering throat chakra affirmations. But definitely don’t feel like you need to follow a prompt. Allow this to be sacred time during which you speak your truth. Say whatever it is that you need to say. But as you do this, don’t let negative energy seep in. Release what no longer serves you. And then continue on your path, letting yourself be guided by love, compassion, and so much grace.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the most powerful ways to restore harmony among your energy centers. Below is a list of poses that are especially helpful when it comes to healing your throat chakra.

With any yoga routine meant to balance the throat chakra, pay special attention to the body parts associated with the throat chakra, including your neck and shoulders. One of the most important aspects to a balanced throat chakra is staying true to your authentic self. Allow this intention to guide you through your practice, even if that means altering poses and/or transitioning into poses you hadn’t planned.

• Cobra Pose
• Fish Pose
• Camel Pose
• Bridge Pose
• Rabbit Pose
• Shoulder Stand
• Seated Fold

If you want to get started today, here’s a great video from Yoga With Adriene on Throat Chakra Yoga.

Meditation

Visualize a peaceful, soothing blue light in the center of your throat. This light grows bigger as you inhale. As you exhale, this light grows brighter, loosening any blockages inside your throat.

You might also choose to do some guided meditations to heal your throat chakra. Here’s a few to get you started using the free Insight Timer app:

• Freedom of Expression Through the Throat Chakra by Carrie Suwal
• Throat Chakra: Activate Your Truth by Amy Patee
• Throat Chakra Balancing by Kelly Collins

Vishuddha Affirmations

Use affirmations while journaling. Set up phone notifications to pop up during the day with some inspiring affirmations on them. Write affirmations on post-it notes and stick them up around your house. When you’re stuck at a red light, recite a few empowering affirmations. You can use the ones I’ve written above, or come up with your own powerful affirmations that are rooted in your authenticity as well as your ability to both listen and speak clearly and effectively.

For more help on using affirmations, check out my post, How to Use Affirmations (So They Actually Work).

Vishuddha Gemstones

Incorporating crystals into your life is a beautiful way to restore positive energy into your mind, body, and spirit. You can wear crystals as jewelry, meditate with them, keep them in your pocket, or place them somewhere where they’ll be close throughout the day.

Here’s a list of gemstones you can use to heal and balance the throat chakra:

• Blue Lace Agate
• Turquoise
• Sodalite
• Aquamarine
• Lapis Lazuli
• Blue Topaz

In the posts below, I provide all the details you need on how to cleanse, program, and use your crystals to get all the benefits of their positive energy:

• 9 Best Crystals and Stones for Anxiety
• 11 Powerful Crystals for Manifestation

Vishuddha Essential Oils

When using essential oils for the throat chakra, first set the intention to activate, heal, or balance your throat chakra. Truly, this is an important step before doing any of the practices I’ve listed here. You don’t want to simply perform an action; you want to perform an action with the intention of doing something.

You can make this an even more powerful practice by combining it with other healing methods on this list. For instance, you can add your chosen essential oil(s) to your diffuser while surrounding yourself with crystals as you journal. You can even add some blue touches to your surroundings for color therapy.

Here are some of the essential oils you can use to balance the energy in your throat chakra:

• Basil
• Cypress
• Peppermint
• Chamomile
• Coriander
• Juniper
• Eucalyptus

Whatever methods you choose to use, just make sure it feels true to you. Healing the throat chakra starts with authenticity, so pledge to stay true to your authentic self on your healing journey.

---

If you’re like me and have experienced serious imbalances in your throat chakra throughout your life, I hope this overview of Vishuddha, or your throat chakra, helps you in your journey to wholeheartedly embracing your voice. Never forget, your voice matters. Your words matter. You matter.

And for more chakra resources, positive affirmations, self-love tools, and more, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!

---

Are you ready for your freebies? Enter your name and email address below for your free printable throat chakra affirmations and journal prompts! (Note that it may take an hour or two for the email to come through.) Plus, receive a weekly newsletter with resources, affirmations, and new blog post updates straight to your inbox. (Don’t worry, I hate spam, too! I only send one email a week, never share your personal info, and you can unsubscribe anytime.)

First Name Email Address   Send me my freebies!

---