The Throat Chakra
- Andrea Fiondo
- Jul 1, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Vishuddha: Purity
The Throat Chakra: Speaking Truth in a Culture That Doesn’t Want to Hear It
Sat Nam and Welcome In,
Located behind the throat, the Throat Chakra is governed by the ears (for listening), the vocal cords (for expression), and the thyroid gland (for growth and maturation).
When the throat chakra is open and unblocked, we feel we can do three things well:
Speak honestly about our thoughts and feelings in a diplomatic, effective way.
Listen attentively — without prejudice — to what is being communicated to us.
Transform negative life experiences into personal wisdom and opportunities for growth.
But when this energy center is blocked, expression collapses inward.Feelings of guilt are often responsible. When we feel inadequate, we shut down.We stay quiet. And when we do speak, we might offer a little lie: “Thanks, I’m fine!”
We start to believe our opinions are irrelevant, or unwanted. Lying blocks this chakra.And why do we lie? Because somehow, telling the truth feels dangerous.
When Girls Become Women
Few parents speak openly with their daughters about what it means to live in a female body in this world. We may talk about physical maturation, but not about power dynamics, danger, boundaries, or the reality of sexual politics.
As a result, many of us grow up with little understanding of how our voices and bodies are controlled. It’s a forbidden topic, and the consequences are written all over our culture.
Women learn early that expressing their truth can lead to reproach, judgment, even violence. So we smile, sit down, wait our turn, and let others make the big decisions.
I don’t know exactly what it feels like to grow up male.But I do know what it felt like to grow up female in this culture.
It felt like being quietly, softly strangled.
And I’m someone with a relatively open throat chakra. I had feminist parents. I taught middle school in my 20s. I worked as a psychologist for 30 years. I now teach yoga. I speak for a living.
And still, I know the ache of holding my tongue. I know the rage of being silenced.
Cultural Echoes
Women are criticized constantly — for thoughts, feelings, words, tone, timing, and even facial expressions. Even when we’re just trying to be funny.
Talk to any female comedian. She’ll tell you volumes about repression, suppression, and subjugation.
Kathy Griffin’s entire career was nearly derailed by a single image. She’s brilliant, she survived, she reinvented herself — but the lesson is clear. Blacklisting is alive and well.
And yes, political correctness has also silenced men — often in the context of the Me Too movement. That’s what happens when you suppress one gender’s voice for generations: when the truth finally comes out, it explodes.
I’m not saying the movement went too far. I’m saying it’s a tragedy we ever needed it.
Symptoms of a Blocked Throat Chakra
Chronic throat issues (soreness, cancer, asthma)
Fatigue, anemia, vertigo
Fear of public speaking
Inability to find words when caught off guard
Feeling dominated in conversation
Fear of confrontation
Saying “I’m sorry” or “Never mind” constantly
What To Do
For some, healing requires therapy to confront and process old trauma.
At home, there are small but powerful practices:
Read aloud to yourself in a low, soothing voice.
Sing. Loudly. In the car, the shower, anywhere.
Rotate the neck and head daily.
Take long, slow, deep breaths.
Take a Kundalini Yoga class. Chanting and singing are often part of the practice.
Here’s a kriya that specifically supports healing in this area:
Tell the Truth — Even Just to Yourself
In the next few days, pay attention to the little lies you tell.What kind of lies are they? What service do they perform for you?What situations make you hide your true nature?Who’s around you when it happens?
Awareness is the first opening of this chakra. Truth is the sound that moves the energy again.
And if nothing else… come to class. We’ll sing together. And that’s a start.
Special thanks to Shakta Kaur for posting this kriya on her website.
Sat Nam, and thanks for watching
Andrea Fiondo