The Vishuddha chakra, also known as the throat chakra, is the fifth primary chakra located in the neck and throat region. An underactive Vishuddha chakra refers to when this chakra is not functioning optimally and is blocked or imbalanced in some way.
What is the Vishuddha chakra?
The Vishuddha chakra is associated with communication, self-expression, speaking one’s truth, and creativity. When this chakra is open and balanced, you are able to express yourself clearly and honestly, speak your truth with confidence, and communicate effectively.
Some key attributes of a balanced Vishuddha include:
– Clear communication
– Creative expression
– Ability to speak up for oneself
– Comfort expressing your needs
– Listening skills
– Self-expression
The Vishuddha governs communication and is linked to the thyroid gland in the throat. This chakra is associated with the element of ether or space. The color associated with this chakra is sky blue.
Signs of an underactive Vishuddha chakra
If your Vishuddha chakra is underactive, blocked or imbalanced, you may experience:
– Difficulty expressing yourself verbally
– Shyness or social anxiety
– Fear of public speaking
– Stage fright
– Excessive talking or chattiness
– Timidness or reluctance to speak up
– Difficulty asserting your needs
– Swallowing issues or frequent sore throats
– Thyroid issues
– Low self-confidence
– Creativity block
– Difficulty manifesting your goals
Some physical signs can also indicate an underactive Vishuddha such as neck stiffness, throat tightness, jaw tightness, mouth ulcers, and neck/shoulder pain.
Causes of an underactive Vishuddha
There are various potential causes for why your Vishuddha may become underactive or imbalanced:
– Suppressing your self-expression out of fear or self-doubt
– Childhood conditioning to stay quiet
– Fear of judgment from others
– Past trauma related to speaking up or expressing your truth
– Being dismissed or criticized when expressing your needs
– Rigid family rules about communication
– Exposure to harsh criticism, bullying, or verbal abuse
– Feeling like your truth doesn’t matter
– Lack of practice expressing yourself
– Physical injury or trauma to the throat area
– Thyroid issues
– Excessive talking without listening to others
How to activate and balance the Vishuddha chakra
If you feel your Vishuddha is underactive, there are a number of things you can do to open, activate and bring more balance to this chakra:
Sound vibration: Chanting, singing, humming and gargling can help stimulate the Vishuddha. Mantras like “Ham”, “Tham” and bija mantras associated with this chakra are beneficial.
Color: Wearing sky blue, using blue in your decor, visualizing blue light in the throat area. Blue gemstones like lapis lazuli, blue topaz or sodalite can also help activate this chakra.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils that are good for the Vishuddha include frankincense, bergamot, lavender, chamomile and sage. Diffuse them or apply topically to throat.
Crystals: Blue crystals like lapis lazuli, blue lace agate, aquamarine, celestite and azurite can help unblock a closed Vishuddha. Wear them as necklaces over the throat.
Breathwork: Practices like alternate nostril breathing, lion’s breath, humming bee breath and throat chakra breaths help open this chakra.
Massage: Gently massaging the throat, neck, jaw and shoulders brings relaxation and movement to the area.
Communication: Practice assertive communication, active listening, and expressing your needs. Find safe spaces to share.
Creativity: Painting, writing, singing, dancing allow you to express Vishuddha energy.
Yoga: Shoulder stand, fish pose, lion pose and plow pose help stimulate this chakra physically.
Healthy diet: Focus on whole foods for thyroid health like seaweed, nuts, seeds, spinach, berries. Reduce inflammatory foods. Stay hydrated.
| Vishuddha Affirmations |
|---|
| I express myself with clarity and confidence. |
| My voice deserves to be heard. |
| I speak my truth with love and compassion. |
| I manifest my intentions with ease. |
When to seek help
If self-care practices are not helping to open and balance your Vishuddha, it may be worth seeking professional support. A chiropractor, acupuncturist, reiki practitioner, energy healer, or therapist can provide healing treatments for this chakra. For persistent throat, neck or thyroid issues, see your doctor or endocrinologist.
Conclusion
The Vishuddha chakra governs communication, creativity and self-expression. When it’s underactive or blocked, you may struggle to express yourself fully and confidently. Examining and resolving any emotional issues suppressing your voice can allow this chakra to open back up. Consistent spiritual practices focused on the throat along with living a healthy lifestyle support optimal flow of energy through the Vishuddha. With an open Vishuddha chakra, you are able to speak your truth powerfully, manifest your dreams and share your gifts with the world.
