The 5th chakra, the Throat Chakra, is associated with sound and involves creative self-expression, speech and communication. The ability to speak honestly, receive, process and assimilate information, and to connect with and speak our inner-truth all relate to the 5th chakra. The first of the “upper chakras,” the Throat Chakra is our center of transformation and change.

Basics:

Color: turquoise

Element: ether

Location: throat, neck

Associated body parts: throat, neck, ears, jaw, mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, thyroid gland

Basic issues: communication, creativity, expression, humility, manifesting ideas

Gemstones and crystals: aquamarine, blue opal, carnelian

Flower essences: cosmos, larkspur, larch

Essential oils: chamomile, orange, rosemary

Food: fruits (e.g., blueberries, blackberries)

Throat Chakra Healing:

Major issues of unbalanced Throat Chakra include an inability to communicate or convey emotions, and also feelings of stagnation. We may feel like we’re not being heard or unable to make others understand us. We may also feel frustrated as a result of not finding the right words to express emotions, or have a fear of speaking. The inability to verbalize our true feelings can manifest in timidity, shyness, dishonesty and low self-esteem.

When the Throat Chakra is balanced, we are able to speak our truth in the supreme sense. We feel balanced and centered, creatively-inspired, and able to express ourselves verbally, in writing or artistically. But this does not mean we are “know-it-alls." While we are comfortable expressing dissenting opinions, we also have the capacity to listen and truly hear opposing views with an open mind.

Throat Chakra healing techniques include:

Singing, chanting or reciting poetry

Maintaining a journal, painting or drawing

Dancing, drumming

Holding gemstones or wearing chakra jewelry of aquamarine, blue opal or carnelian

Focusing attention on the breath: see what you can do to deepen it and slow it down. Notice how your anxiety dissipates and you become filled with a sense of calm alertness

For more information on the chakras, please visit Chakras for Beginners: The Yoga Dojo.