The throat chakra, also known as Vishuddha, is located in the throat and neck. This chakra represents communication, self-expression, creativity and the ability to speak your personal truth. It's connected to how well you express yourself to others and more importantly, how you talk to yourself. When this chakra is in balance, you communicate authentically and positively to the world and are able to manifest your truest desires. If this chakra is closed, you can experience a slew of physical, emotional and spiritual issues.

How can I tell if my throat chakra is closed?

If you have ever felt anxious about expressing yourself, stumble to find the right words or lack confidence, chances are your throat chakra might be closed. Another symptom is poor self-esteem and self-worth. When your throat chakra is closed, you might engage in a lot of negative self-talk, be very opinionated and engage in gossip. Physically, you might have throat or thyroid issues as well as laryngitis or bronchitis. Mouth ulcers, a raspy voice, neck pain, ear problems and even TMJ can all be symptoms of a closed throat chakra.

How to heal the throat chakra:

Colors

This chakra is associated with the color blue. To start healing the throat chakra, wear blue clothes, light blue candles, surround yourself with blue flowers and blue decor. Spending a lot of time in nature, especially by bodies of water and under the bright blue sky, is very beneficial for this chakra.

Crystals

Crystals such as turquoise, aquamarine, lapis lazuli and blue lace agate can help heal and open up this chakra. Use these stones in rituals, during Reiki and meditation and wear as jewelry as often as you can. During Reiki, have the practitioner place these stones directly on your throat. During meditation, carry stones in your hands.

Exercises

Neck stretches are an excellent way to activate your throat chakra. Stretches can help loosen the neck and throat area and clear out the energetic gunk that has been building up. Yoga moves like a supported shoulder stand and plough pose can also help heal this chakra.

Meditation

During meditation, imagine a brilliant blue ball of light surrounding your neck. Visualize this blue light penetrate your throat area and fill it with healing warm energy. As you continue breathing deeply, visualize the healing blue light clear out any congestion you may have in your throat and neck. Allow it to wash away all negative self-talk, tendencies to gossip and anxiety over communicating. Recite a mantra such as "I speak my truth" or "I express myself clearly" during mediation.

Diet

Eating blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, apples, oranges, plums, pears, grapefruit, peaches, figs and currants can help balance the throat chakra. Lemon and ginger are also excellent healing foods for this chakra. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas to help sooth the throat.

Herbs & Aromatherapy

Using herbs, oils and incense in your daily life and in rituals can help heal the throat chakra. Try incorporating cinnamon, echinacea, peppermint, clove, spearmint, fennel, and slippery elm in your daily life. Use oils on your body or to anoint blue candles. Burn incense during meditations and rituals and use herbs to dress candles and during rituals.

Journaling

Practicing self-expression is so important when it comes to this chakra. Make journaling a part of your everyday self care routine. The key to journaling is not censoring yourself. Just allow the words to flow onto the paper effortlessly. Set a time limit - 10 min - and just free flow write anything that comes to mind. Daily journaling can help you explore patterns you might not have been aware of such as negativity and low self-esteem. Through journaling, you can start healing your mind, body and spirit!