An expert-look into how to open up your throat chakra to see your communication flourish
I grew up as a shy child, with a fear of speaking up in case I was misunderstood or judged. A consequence of this was that I became timid and only replied, or rather mumbled back, when I was spoken to.
In my teenage years, I had my tonsils removed, followed by episodes of glandular fever, and I eventually developed an underactive thyroid in my early 20s. Although this cannot be proved in a medical sense, I personally believe that all of these were a result of the energy blockage, linked to my throat chakra.
Chakras are considered to be the main energy channels within the body, running from our heads down to the base of our spine, and resemble a spinning wheel or disc, which when imbalanced may lead to physical or emotional symptoms. It’s believed that there are seven chakras in the body, each with its own emotional and spiritual benefits.
According to ancient yoga, the throat chakra (which is the fifth, and known as Vishuddha), represented by the colour light blue, can significantly impact your ability to communicate effectively, as the stagnant energy can hold you back from expressing your truth. However, when this fifth chakra is open and flowing with ease, you are able to express yourself with clarity, confidence, and honesty in any situation.
Two decades after I first discovered the chakra system and began applying it to myself, through yoga, meditation, reiki healing, and Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), I am now a confident speaker and writer. I express myself through various mediums including poetry, podcasts, and blogs. I deliver workshops for large groups of people; something I could never have imagined doing when I used to stumble to get my words out!
Is your throat chakra holding you back from expressing yourself?
Located in the centre of the throat, this chakra is associated with communication, self-expression, and speaking one’s truth.
While no scientific proof supports chakras, in the spiritual sense, some scientists say it is linked to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which regulate metabolism and calcium levels in the body.
Dr Joseph Loizzo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, clinical researcher and meditation scholar-teacher, suggests cross-referencing chakras with maps of the central nervous system. For instance, the throat chakra aligns with the limbic system, which is associated with communication and self-expression.
While chakras remain as metaphysical concepts, their symbolism and impact on wellbeing continue to inspire exploration and discussion, particularly among energy healers.
The connection between physical ailments and psychological states is very much a topic of discussion and debate, and while the medical community may not fully endorse the concept of chakra energy blockages, many find value in the metaphor to understand their personal experiences.
When the throat chakra is balanced, it is believed to facilitate clearer communication and truthful expression, allowing individuals to convey their thoughts and feelings with confidence, as in my experience. Here are a few ways you can start opening your throat chakra:
- Public speaking/debating
- Singing/chanting
- Creative writing, journaling, or poetry
- Humming
- Breathing techniques
- Yoga postures, such as shoulder stand, cat-cow, child’s pose, cobra, and fish posture.
- Connecting with the colour of the chakra (light blue) develops our relationship with that energy channel.
- Hands on energy healing
The best thing is that you can do any of these by yourself or in a group! For example, consider attending a toastmaster’s group to develop your public speaking skills, joining a choir for singing, attending a kirtan for chanting, or even enrolling on to a creative writing course.
Opening the throat chakra allows us to ‘find our voice’ and align our head and heart so we speak the same way that we think. It also enables us to express our opinions, approach confrontations, and be brave enough to speak up with courage and confidence. Similarly, being able to ‘read the room’ and holding space for others to express themselves is a key characteristic of a balanced throat chakra. Overall, it is about being heard, understood, and making an impact on others by contributing to the collective conversation.
Whether or not you believe in the concept of chakras, the underlying message is universal: growth and change are possible, and finding your voice can be a liberating and life-changing experience.
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