Vishudda - The Throat Chakra
Self-Expression, Creativity, Communication.....
The throat chakra is all about how we express ourselves............and our ability to communicate our needs, in a truthful way. It is linked to our success in life and to our personal intention. It is not only about communicating through speaking and writing, but also in more creative ways such as music, singing and dance!
This fifth chakra is located in the throat and relates to the thyroid, throat, trachea, mouth, teeth, gums and ears. The thyroid is a gland which produces the hormone responsible for our physical growth......and this is paralleled by this chakra which is all about spiritual growth.
In Sanskrit Vishudda means 'pure'.
A balanced fifth chakra helps you to be extrovert, tactful and to make effective choices. You are calm, loyal and trustworthy. When this chakra is aligned it promotes speaking with confidence and without fear of what other people think.
When it is out of balance you may supress your emotions............get that feeling of a 'lump in your throat'. You may be so worried about offending other people that you don't express your own needs.
Too much energy flowing through this chakra and you may find yourself talking too much, unable to listen to others, with an overactive thyroid and hearing problems.
A sluggish chakra could leave you with neck and shoulder tension, an underactive thyroid, teeth grinding, a fear of speaking and throat problems.
Below you can see the specific associations with Vishudda:
| Colour | Turquoise Blue |
| Element | Space or Ether |
| Animal | White Elephant |
| Sound | HAM |
Is Your Throat Chakra in Balance?
Physical health problems may include:
Throat problems, thyroid problems, neck and shoulder pain, mouth ulcers, speech impediments and voice problems.
Emotional health problems may include:
An inability to communicate, self-righteousness, being over-optimistic, being secretive.
The best essential oils to use with the throat chakra are ones that support our inner strength, help with inflammation and sore throats and help care for our teeth and gums.
Here are some good oils to help balance the vishudda:
- Rose, neroli, frankincense, sandalwood, jasmine and ylang-ylang - nurturing oils which help us feel more secure and confident.
- Eucalyptus, tea tree, frankincense, sandalwood and clary sage - help soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.
- Clove, lemon, myrrh, tea tree and peppermint - good for healing mouth and gum problems.
Remember, Lavender is useful for all seven main chakras.
Finally, here are a few quotes I came across which, for me, sum up the throat chakra........
To speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.
~Ben Jonson~
The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said.
~Author Unknown~
The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie.
~Agnes de Mille~