How to Heal Your Throat Chakra and Be a Better Communicator

The throat chakra, called vishuddha, is the part of the Indian chakra tradition tied to speaking clearly, telling the truth and listening well. Blue stones such as blue lace agate, lapis lazuli and angelite are the ones traditionally matched with it. Here is what the tradition says about the throat chakra, and how people work these stones into jewellery, desks and meditation spaces.

What Is the Throat Chakra?

Originating in India around 1500 to 500 BCE, the chakra system consists of 7 spinning wheels of energy that run from the end of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra is traditionally linked with a colour, a symbol and a theme.

This chakra is represented by the colour light blue and the qualities purity, clarity, and wisdom. The vishuddha symbol consists of these elements:

• The inner circle - Represents a full moon and the lunar phase of resting and letting go
• Inverted triangle - Symbolizes the tuning in to one's soul and consciousness and the upward movement of energy to the spiritual plane
• 16 petals - The 16 vowels of the Sanskrit language that represent effective communication (the tradition's picture of clear, honest communication)

The Sanskrit name for the throat chakra is vishuddha, meaning especially pure. The throat chakra comes next to the root chakra, sacral chakra, solar plexus chakra, and heart chakra. In the tradition, vishuddha is pictured at the throat.

As the communication chakra, vishuddha influences your ability to communicate and listen. In the tradition, a balanced throat chakra stands for speaking the truth and listening with compassion.

Another way to look at the throat chakra is through its connective role.

The lower chakras (root, sacral, solar plexus, and heart chakras) relate to everyday, earthly themes and are linked to the earth elements. The third eye and the crown chakras are associated with light, intuition, and spiritual energy.

The throat chakra links the 2 chakra groups. Meaning, it connects the energies between your basic needs and your higher wisdom so you can manifest your higher self.

In the tradition, a balanced throat chakra is the go-between for thoughts and emotions, which is why it is linked with weighing what feels right against what is reasonable.

What Causes Throat Chakra Imbalance?

The tradition describes several things that leave the vishuddha chakra 'out of balance', most of them starting in childhood.

Anodea Judith, a chakra author and teacher, says that the fifth chakra develops between ages 7 and 10. During these crucial years, we learn to communicate to ourselves and others and consume information from the world around us.

As we grow up, we get immersed in situations that hinder our ability to speak truthfully and force us to disregard our personal needs and boundaries. Some of us may be conditioned to suppress our feelings and opinions to keep the peace with others. In chakra teaching, not voicing your truth is said to weaken the throat chakra.

Other factors the tradition names:

• Lying, internalizing lies and mixed messages
• Keeping secrets and problems/worries/concerns you don't talk about

How Do I Know My Throat Chakra Is Out of Balance?

The yoga teacher Diane Malaspina lists these as signs of an unbalanced vishuddha chakra:

• Fear of speaking their personal truth
• Difficulty expressing their ideas
• Nervousness about speaking
• Talking too much or not talking at all
• Being too loud or boisterous to the point of interrupting others in conversations
• Being highly critical of themselves and others

Clear communication is vital in keeping your relationships healthy and thriving. If your goal is to be seen, heard and valued for who you are (and to do the same for others), practising honest, clear speaking is worth the effort.

In the tradition, an open and balanced vishuddha chakra stands for speaking from compassion, listening well, conveying ideas clearly and being open about feelings. When there is honesty and clarity in communication, understanding follows.

Speaking honestly is a practice many people find enriches their relationships.

RELATED READS:

• Chakra Basics 101: What 'Imbalanced' Chakras Mean in the Tradition
• Demotivated? Your Root Chakra May Be Blocked. Here's What the Tradition Says
• Creative Slump? Dry Sex Life? It's Not You”It's Your Blocked Sacral Chakra
• The Solar Plexus Chakra: Personal Power and Self-Acceptance
• Open Up Your Heart Chakra to Release Love and Forgiveness
• How to Open Your Third Eye and Explore Intuition
• Crown Chakra: The Seat of Higher Consciousness and Spiritual Growth

7 Crystals Associated With the Throat Chakra

Blue stones are the traditional match for the throat chakra, and many people like keeping one nearby as a reminder to speak clearly.

In crystal lore these stones stand for trust, compassion and courage, and they are a popular choice for jewellery and desk displays. Browse our chakra stones for the full range.

1. Blue Lace Agate

In crystal lore this stone stands for finding the right words. Truth is not always comfortable to say. People pick up blue lace agate as a reminder to speak the truth with kindness. Its pale blue banding is easy to recognise.

Find out more about blue lace agate.

2. Lapis Lazuli

Since ancient times, lapis lazuli has been used by seers, sages, and public speakers as a symbol of eloquence and expression. In crystal lore, this blue-and-gold stone stands for honest friendship and clear speech. Shop lapis lazuli stones here.

3. Angelite

If there's a stone that exudes truth and higher thinking, it's got to be angelite. Light, cool and dreamy, angelite is the stone traditionally linked with the throat, third eye and crown chakras, and with wisdom, insight and intuition.

Find out more about angelite.

4. Chrysocolla

This stone of greens and blues is a calm-looking favourite for jewellery and display.

In crystal lore, chrysocolla is a stone of communication, self-expression and confidence in your own talents.

Find out more about chrysocolla.

5. Blue Kyanite

Kyanite in blue is the version traditionally linked with both the throat and third eye chakras, and with listening to others.

In crystal lore it also stands for intuition and clear, sensible speech.

Find out more about blue kyanite.

6. Blue Calcite

Another stone that works on throat and third eye chakras is blue calcite, a gentle blue stone that crystal lore links with calm communication, and with the idea of connecting to spirit guides and inner wisdom.

Find out more about blue calcite.

7. Sodalite

Want words full of meaning and encouragement? Sodalite is the deep blue stone writers and speakers have long kept close as a symbol of creativity, wisdom and persuasive speech.

Find out more about sodalite.

How Do I Use Throat Chakra Stones?

Here are some ways people bring throat chakra stones into daily life:

1. Wear them as jewellery - You can wear any of the stones as a necklace so it's closer to your throat area. This way, the stone is directly in contact with your chakra. Alternatively, wear the stone as a bracelet.

2. Carry your stone with you - To carry its energy wherever you go, place it in your pocket or purse. You can also hold a stone in your hand when public speaking or when having a difficult conversation with someone.

3. Place them anywhere in your home or office - Put them on your side table or desk to bring a calm, blue accent to your bedroom, living room or meditation space.

4. Make a crystal grid - Form a crystal grid or altar using blue gems when communicating with your deity.

5. Meditate with them - Place a throat chakra stone on your throat when meditating. Visualize the colour of the stone in your throat area and say any of the following affirmations:

• I release all fears and negativity that keeps me from speaking my truth.
• I communicate confidently and with ease.
• I am balanced in speaking and listening.
• I am an active listener.
• I set clear boundaries.
• I do no harm with my words.
• I speak with grace, courage, and authenticity.
• I lovingly speak my truth and allow my Higher Self to speak through me.
• I use my words to create beauty in this world.