What is the throat chakra?
The throat chakra is called Vishuddha in Sanskrit, which means “purest.” It sits at the throat and is linked with communication, truth and self-expression. When it's balanced, you speak honestly and kindly, listen well and feel free to express who you are.
| Throat chakra | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Vishuddha (“purest”) |
| Location | The throat |
| Color | Blue |
| Element | Space (ether) |
| Seed sound (bija) | HAM |
| Petals | 16 |
| Frequency | 741 Hz |
| Linked with | Communication, truth and self-expression |
Throat chakra color and symbol
The throat chakra color is blue. The rainbow colors used today are a modern addition: they were first added in 1927, and the old Sanskrit texts describe the chakras differently.
The traditional throat chakra symbol is a white circle like the full moon (the sign for space) inside a sixteen-petaled lotus.
Throat chakra frequency
Most modern chakra charts pair the throat chakra with 741 Hz, one of the solfeggio frequencies. This pairing is modern: the solfeggio tones as we know them date from the 1970s, and pairings vary from chart to chart. Many people still find a steady tone a helpful focus for a few minutes of chakra meditation.
Signs of a blocked throat chakra
In energy-healing traditions, a blocked or underactive throat chakra is described as:
- Trouble speaking up or saying what you mean
- Fear of being judged
- Talking over others or not listening
- Holding back your truth
How to heal and balance the throat chakra
- Play 741 Hz for five minutes at a low volume, using the session above.
- Chant the seed sound HAM slowly on each out-breath, and feel it at the throat.
- Try throat chakra yoga poses: Fish pose (Matsyasana), Shoulder stand (Sarvangasana), Plow pose (Halasana), Gentle neck rolls.
- Practice: Hum or sing for a few minutes, or write down one thing you've been wanting to say.
- Repeat a throat chakra affirmation from the list below, morning and night.
Throat chakra affirmations
- I speak my truth with ease.
- My voice matters.
- I express myself clearly and kindly.
- I listen with an open heart.
- I am heard and understood.
- I say what I mean.
- It is safe for me to speak.
- My words have power.
Throat chakra crystals and stones
Stones commonly paired with the throat chakra are blue lace agate, aquamarine, sodalite and lapis lazuli, mostly because of their blue tones. Many people hold one during meditation as a reminder of their intention; there's no evidence the stones themselves have healing effects.
