The Throat Chakra, known as Vishuddha Sanskrit, is the fifth of the seven primary chakras. It is centered in the throat. It is often symbolized by a blue sixteen-petaled lotus flower.

Functions: The Throat Chakra is associated with self-expression, authenticity, and all forms of communication. When balanced, we experience honest and effective communication, can easily articulate ideas, actively listen to others, and express our emotions clearly. We can speak the truth clearly and unashamedly. When out of balance, we may struggle with excessive talking, dominating conversations, being overly critical, spreading gossip, finding it difficult to express ourselves, or being frequently misunderstood.

Health and Wellness: Physically, this chakra is associated with the throat, vocal cords, thyroid gland, and respiratory system.

Yoga Poses That Affect The Throat Chakra

Yoga poses focusing on the neck, throat, and shoulders are particularly beneficial for balancing the throat chakra. Here are some yoga poses that are good for the throat chakra:

Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Fish Pose opens the throat, stretches the neck, and expands the chest, all areas related to the throat chakra.

Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

Shoulder Stand stimulates the throat area and thyroid gland. Regular practice can promote well-being and bring attention to this area of the body.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Refine the focus of Camel Pose by allowing the head to gently fall back once you are stable in the pose. This will help to open the throat in addition to the chest and shoulders,

Lion’s Breath (Simhasana)

Enjoy a good laugh with this fun breathwork practice. Lion’s Breath releases physical tension in the throat and face and helps to release emotional tension through audible release.

Biblical Parallels to the Focus of the Throat Chakra

The Bible teaches that communication is a powerful tool that should be used wisely and thoughtfully. It emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully, kindly, and with integrity while highlighting the need for active listening and empathy. The Bible cautions against careless words, dishonesty, and unaccountable communication, encouraging believers to engage in conversations that build up others and reflect God’s love and truth.

Are you curious about other areas where yoga can help support our Christian walk? Read about the 8 Limbs of Yoga here. 

Scriptures

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. Psalm 34:1

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts. Zechariah 8:16

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

Suggested Breath Prayer

Inhale: May my words and heart please you
Exhale: My Rock and Redeemer

Suggested Affirmations

• I am in control of my tongue
• I praise the Lord at all times
• I speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable
• I speak the truth in love
• I speak with wisdom and kindness
• My words are a reflection of God’s grace
• I am quick to listen and slow to speak
• I declare God’s goodness
• The Lord guides my speech

Journaling and Prayer Prompts for the Throat Chakra

• How can I use my words to speak life to others?
• When have I had to talk about the truth to someone, even though it was difficult? How did I navigate this?
• How can I be more attentive to God’s guidance and hear His voice more clearly?
• Is there an area in my life that I struggle to be truthful? How can I live with more integrity in this area?
• Reflect on Psalm 34:1: How can I incorporate more praise into my daily routine?

Find more journal prompts in this blog.

The Throat Chakra brings awareness to communication and self-expression. When balanced, it enables us to communicate honestly and effectively, while imbalanced, we can struggle with expressing ourselves and understanding others. We can use scripture to help us evaluate these areas in our lives and let it guide us to speak truthfully, listen empathetically, and ultimately align our words with kindness, wisdom, and integrity.

Short on time? Take this quick, invigorating morning yoga class.