The throat chakra, also known as the Vishuddha chakra, is the 5th chakra located in the throat. When this chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of physical and emotional issues. Understanding what a blocked throat chakra looks and feels like can help you identify if yours needs attention and healing.
What is the Throat Chakra?
In the yoga tradition, chakras are energy centers located throughout the body. There are 7 main chakras running along the spine from the base of the tailbone to the crown of the head. The throat chakra is located in the center of the neck and governs communication, self-expression, truth, decision making, creativity, and more.
When the throat chakra is open and balanced, you can easily express yourself, speak your truth, make decisions, and listen effectively. You feel inspired, creative, and confident in communicating. However, when it becomes blocked, those abilities become compromised.
Signs and Symptoms of a Blocked Throat Chakra
Here are some of the most common signs that your throat chakra may be blocked or imbalanced:
Physical Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Laryngitis
- Thyroid issues
- Jaw tension
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Toothaches
- Earaches
- Hearing problems
Emotional Symptoms
- Difficulty expressing yourself
- Fear of speaking up or speaking the truth
- Excessive talking or chattiness
- Inability to listen to others
- Creative blocks
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling withdrawn or isolated
- Feelings of loneliness or lack of connection
- Low self-confidence
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoiding communication
- Lying or dishonesty
- Passive aggressive comments
- Gossiping and talking negatively about others
- Interrupting people when they speak
- Indecisiveness
- Stage fright or fear of public speaking
Causes of a Blocked Throat Chakra
There are several potential causes for a blocked or imbalanced throat chakra:
- Trauma: Particularly any trauma to the throat, jaw, neck, thyroid, or ears. This could include injuries, surgery, or abuse.
- Suppressed self-expression: Not expressing your true feelings, speaking up against wrongs, or sharing your unique gifts and talents.
- Lies or dishonesty: Saying things that are untrue or misrepresenting yourself.
- Excessive criticism: Constant critique or judgment of your words, opinions, or creativity.
- Negative speech patterns: Gossiping, verbal abuse, talking excessively or too little.
- Poor listening skills: Not taking time to actively listen to others.
- Shyness or introversion: Extreme reluctance to speak, perform, or be the center of attention.
- Perfectionism: Holding back expression due to fear of critique or not being good enough.
Our throat chakra is also deeply linked to our use of voice. Misusing or damaging the vocal cords can throw the throat chakra out of balance.
Healing a Blocked Throat Chakra
Here are some suggestions for healing and opening up a blocked throat chakra:
Sound Healing
Since this chakra is connected to the voice and ears, sound healing is very effective. Try chanting, toning, singing, listening to music, or obtaining a sound healing session.
Throat Chakra Yoga Poses
Certain yoga asanas like Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose, and Plow Pose help open the throat chakra. Gentle neck stretches and rolls can also release tension.
Communication Exercises
Practice asserting yourself, speaking honestly, engaging in conversation, public speaking, and listening deeply without interrupting.
Creativity and Expression
Stimulate your throat chakra by writing in a journal, painting, crafting, playing music, dancing, singing in the shower, or any creative endeavor that inspires you.
Crystal Healing
Place blue throat chakra crystals like Blue Lace Agate or Blue Calcite on your throat. Keep them in your space or hold them during meditation.
Aromatherapy
Diffuse or apply essential oils that benefit the throat chakra like lavender, geranium, frankincense, and Roman chamomile.
Affirmations
Use positive throat chakra affirmations like:
- “I express myself with confidence and ease.”
- “I speak my truth powerfully.”
- “I am an excellent communicator.”
- “I open my throat to share my voice with the world.”
Professional Support
If your throat chakra feels severely blocked, consider working with a healer, energy worker, therapist, or yoga instructor experienced in chakras to help open and release stagnant energy.
Conclusion
Our throat chakra governs so much of how we express, listen, communicate, and open our hearts. Keeping it open and balanced through awareness and care ensures we can fully speak and share ourselves, while maintaining healthy communication and connection with others.
Pay attention to any symptoms of throat tension, pain, communication issues, or creative blocks as signs to care for this important energy center. Use the suggestions here to keep your throat chakra aligned and flowing freely.
