If you’re reading this article, you’re probably already familiar with what the throat chakra represents — self expression, communication and the ability to feel comfortable with who you are.
For several years, I believed my throat chakra was a bit unbalanced which would manifest physically as a feeling of tightness in my throat during certain body scan meditations and pranayama exercises. In my case, I felt my throat chakra was under active. However, it’s also possible to have an overactive throat chakra.
Here are some suggestions that might help to restore balance.
1. Surround yourself with the colour blue
You don’t necessarily need to be an expert in colour psychology to know that it can make a massive difference to your mood. Wearing or surrounding myself with the colour blue has a real soothing effect on my mood and I associate it with being a colour that represents inner peace and calmness.
2. Meditate on your throat chakra
There are hundreds of chakra meditations you can seek out online. However, the following track made a huge impact on me. It’s a 10 minute piece of chakra music made by musician, Russil Paul. He basically takes you through all of the chakras using the Bija mantras. As you’re listening, close your eyes, and focus on each chakra one by one. This one isn’t specific to the throat chakra, but the music is so powerful I think it’s worth listening to.
3. Repeat the bija throat chakra mantra
Every chakra has a corresponding mantra or sound and the mantra for the throat chakra is HAM. I’ve tried this one before, but it would always make me laugh repeating ham over and over again in my head. Laughing’s never a bad thing though.
4. Practise yoga asanas for the throat chakra
There are three poses I would recommend: shoulder stand, fish pose and lion pose. To help you incorporate these asanas into an existing yoga sequence, you can go to Yoga Journal sequence builder. If you’re unfamiliar with these asanas, Yoga Journal also provides really good descriptions and how to guides for all yoga poses. Never attempt any new asanas without first understanding how to properly do the poses.
5. Wear a crystal necklace
Lots of people have recommended wearing a longish rose quartz crystal necklace to help balance the heart chakra. However, although I don’t wear crystal necklaces regularly, I don’t see why you couldn’t try wearing a crystal like turquoise around your neck.
6. Harmonise
If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. I’m a massive harmonising advocate and feel instantly better when I’ve spent even as little as half a minute harmonising with someone. All you have to do is find a few people to harmonise with and spend several minutes singing different notes. It’s fine if you clash every now and again. This one is incredibly soothing on the voice and throat and just makes you feel good.
7. Try free writing or drawing
Originally, when I started to look into different ways I could unblock my throat chakra, people would mention being creative, such as making art or something with your hands. However, in hindsight, I believe this is something that happens anyway as a result of having a balanced chakra.
Plus, if your throat chakra is really blocked, you might have a hard time even starting something or coming up with any ideas. This is why I’ve suggested free writing or drawing. The emphasis here is on the process rather than creating something that looks good or reads well. Just pick up a pen or some drawing materials, set a timer if you like and allow yourself to freely draw or write without caring about the outcome.
I was inspired by the throat chakra when I created the above mandala design.
8. Practise Ujjayi breath pranayama
If you’re not familiar with yoga, the ujjayi breath is often practised in Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga yoga sessions and helps to heat the body. It’s also a really effective way to help bring more balance to the throat chakra. This short video by yogi Kino McGregor will give you a clear idea of how to practise.
9. Work with Jalandhara Bandha
If you’re not familiar with practising the bandhas in yoga, I suggest you either learn directly from a teacher or read the following post written by Yogic way of life: Jalandhara Bandha, the chin lock. Working with Jalandhara Bandha regularly could also help to balance your throat chakra.
10. Try Vipassana meditation
Vipassana meditation helps you to really get in touch with your whole body, self and mind. The focus here is equanimity and non judgement — qualities of a balanced throat chakra. If you’re too self critical, Vipassana basically helps to give you head space so you don’t blow small things way out of proportion.
On a final note, I’d like to say, I only thought my throat chakra was unbalanced because of certain physical sensations during meditation. It could be purely coincidental that some of the things on this list helped. Finally, if you’ve seen or are about to see someone who specialises in chakra reading, remember to always use your own intuition.
