Have you ever wished you were better communicator? Do you feel like no one ever really hears you? Or maybe that you need to become a better listener, too? Then it could be time to work on your throat chakra.
Called Vishuddha (“especially pure”) in Sanskrit, and the fifth energy center in your chakra system, the throat chakra determines how well you can express yourself freely and connect with others without fear of misunderstanding or rejection. That includes both your verbal language and body language.
What you don’t say can communicate as much about how you’re feeling as what you do.
When your throat chakra is functioning properly, you are comfortable being — and expressing — your authentic self. When it is blocked, you may almost literally feel like you are choking on your thoughts and emotions.
The throat chakra is located at the base of your throat. Internally, it is tied to your thyroid and parathyroid glands, your larynx and your tongue, which regulate how smoothly your body functions and how you communicate physical and emotional feelings. Psychologically, it’s the chakra that governs how well we really know and accept our true selves, take responsibility for our words and actions, and build relationships that matter. In short, the throat chakra would probably cancel all of your social media accounts and order you to spend time with good friends.
Think of chakras as critical intersections between your mind and body. If the intersections are blocked, so are your mind and body.
READ MORE: Get to know your chakras: Root Chakra | Sacral Chakra | Solar Plexus Chakra | Heart Chakra | Third Eye Chakra
The vivid blue Vishuddha symbol mimics the color of a summer sky and its element is ether, unfettered space for us to fill with what truly makes us … well … us. The symbol’s lotus flower shape symbolizes purity and its sixteen petals often hold letters of the Sanskrit alphabet tied to the chakra acting as a bridge between our rational and emotional selves.
When your throat chakra is blocked, communication breakdowns abound. You may struggle to be honest with yourself and others. You may feel plagued with insecurity and self-doubt and misunderstand others’ comments or intentions. Physically, you may develop sores in your mouth, your throat may feel perpetually sore or your head constantly throbbing. If your thyroid gland is impacted, fatigue, weight gain or loss, depression and restlessness may set in.
READ MORE: Getting to the Root of Reiki
What should you do if your throat chakra is blocked?
- Wear something blue. Just about everyone looks good in royal blue or turquoise, so dress yourself in a sky-like shade and watch your confidence skyrocket.
- Embrace blue crystals. Crystals and stones in the colors of the sky and sea are irresistible and soothing, be they the royal blue of lapis lazuli or sodalite, the oceanic shades of turquoise or aquamarine, or the whispery blues of chalcedony or blue lace agate.
- Do some neck stretches. Releasing the tension in your shoulders, neck and jaw can help free you from anxiety, head and jaw pain, and help loosen tension throughout your entire body.
- Make these oils essential. There’s a reason you reach for a mint or some chamomile tea when your throat feels scratchy. Diffusing or wearing chamomile, cypress, peppermint or spearmint essential oil can go far in unblocking your throat chakra and restoring your emotional and physical comfort.
- Sing! Most everyone likes to sing, whether we are good at it or not. So if you’re feeling expressively or emotionally blocked, hit the backroads, roll down the windows, turn up the radio and sing your heart out. Or sing in the shower. Or wherever else the mood strikes.
READ MORE: Meet Your Heart Chakra
Now that you know the importance of your throat chakra and its role in your overall wellbeing, put your focus on people and activities that make you feel confident about who you are and what you have to say. You know you are worth it.
Come back next Thursday to learn more about the sixth chakra, Ajna, or the third eye chakra, which focuses even further on self-awareness and self-reflection.
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Ready to begin your Reiki journey now? St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care offers 60-minute sessions at competitive prices for community members, clients and staff at both the Stein and Bucyrus campuses.
Find out more on our website. To schedule your appointment, or for further questions, please contact MaryBeth Johnson via email or at 414-977-5077.