Vishuddha is the throat chakra. The throat chakra resonates “I speak,” and it’s Sanskrit name, Vishuddha, translates as “pure.” Naturally, the throat chakra is important to our personal expression, communication with spirit, ourselves, and others. As you can imagine, when Vishuddha is imbalanced, it can be difficult to connect with the purity of our expression and may cause communication to be difficult or even scary. If you find it difficult to say what’s really on your mind or tell someone how you’re feeling, you might have a “blocked” throat chakra.
Vishuddha is located in the center of the throat and governs the thyroid. Since the thyroid controls the body’s metabolism, the physical expression of an imbalanced throat chakra might be weight gain, fatigue, hoarseness, dry skin, or muscle pain/ weakness to name a few. When the throat chakra is balanced, we find ease in speaking our truth and communication with others can be fun, pleasurable, and healing. Let’s find out more about this expressive chakra!
Color
Vishuddha is represented by the color blue. While this color is rightfully associated with the big open sky or the vast ocean waves, it can also represent spirituality. But when you think about it, doesn’t your spirit move when you lay back and gaze into the endless azurine heavens? Blue brings peace and serenity, calm and power. Gaze at this color when you need to relax. Got a huge presentation or an important conversation coming up? Place a blue crystal in your pocket to give you an extra boost.
Foods
When we’re feeding Vishuddha, we want to go for blue foods of course, but also deep, dark purples as well. If you’re on the go, 
you can always pop some blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, figs, or plums. When you have the time, make a nourishing veggie stir-fry that includes eggplant, purple carrots, and purple cabbage. Don’t forget about tea! A warming blue/purple fruit tea can be especially healing for the throat chakra and can help loosen up those truths that you need to get out.
Mudras
As we know, mudras are a powerful way to activate our chakras. The Akash mudra is especially useful in clearing the throat, making way for clear communication. To practice this mudra, simply bring the pads of the thumb and the middle finger to touch. Do this while meditating or taking a short break from work or studying. The Vishuddha mudra is often practiced along with chanting the sound “Ham.” The fingers are interlaced with the pads of the thumbs touching and the hands can rest in the lap as the mudra and the sound of “Ham” move prana around the body and heal the throat chakra.
Postures
While there are many poses that can help to both activate and heal the throat
chakra a few of the most common are camel pose, fish pose, and shoulder stand. Camel pose and fish pose work to open the passageway of the Vishuddha, creating physical space in the throat. Shoulder stand stimulates and activates this chakra bringing vitality to the pureness of its essence.
Mantras
If you want to get the energy in your throat chakra moving you’ll definitely want to recite some mantras! A favorite is, “I have the right to speak my truth.” You can also use, “I communicate freely and honestly,” “When I speak, my voice is heard,” “I trust others with my truth,” “Being honest frees myself and others,” and “I am responsible for my expression.” Chant these during meditation or simply say them to yourself whenever you need it!
Do you plan to try any of the balancing techniques?