Friday: Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha, is located on the spine behind your throat. Shuddha means “purification,” while the prefix Vi emphasizes this quality. “Here the dualities of life are accepted, allowing one to flow with and let things happen as they will.” -S. Saraswati (page 531-532) It’s symbolized by a light blue lotus with sixteen petals. At the center of the sixteen-petaled lotus is a circle with a downward facing triangle with the bija mantra ham. This chakra is connected to the ether or space element. The animal connected to this chakra is the white elephant, being a symbol of luck.

The throat chakra is your center of purpose, expression, and communication such as speaking clearly and effectively. If this chakra is out of balance you might be feeling withdrawn, shy, excess anxiety, arrogance, telling lies, speaking too much or without thinking, and not being able to listen to others. The organs connected to this chakra are, of course, your throat/esophagus, mouth, teeth, vocal cords, thyroid, shoulders, and arms.

The essential oils that are great for balancing this chakra are frankincense, jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang. Some foods that also helps balance this chakra are blueberries, blackberries, apples, pears, plums, coconut water, and honey. The crystals or minerals associated with the throat chakra are aquamarine, ammonite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and sodalite.