COLOR: BRIGHT BLUE | LOCATION: THROAT | ELEMENT: ETHER | ENERGY: MASCULINE | MANTRA: HAM

FUNCTION: COMMUNICATION & EXPRESSION | BODY PARTS: IMMUNE SYSTEM, NECK, SHOULDERS, ARMS, HANDS | PLANET: MERCURY

The throat chakra is the fifth primary energy centre, represented by the colour blue, symbolizing truth and honesty. Located in the centre of the throat, it is associated with communication and self-expression. In Sanskrit, Vishuddha means 'especially pure' or 'to purify' and is connected to your ability to share your inner truth. This chakra is linked to the ether the natural element that connects us to stillness, spirits and other realms. The throat chakra teaches us the power of affirmation. Through thought and communication, we have the ability to inspire and motivate, influencing how we or another person feels. By mastering the power of expression, we can transform our reality in extraordinary ways.

Think of words as if they are affirmations influencing our lives physically, emotionally and spiritually. Every word holds power and energy, which is why it is imperative to choose them wisely. Using positive affirmations raises our vibration, while negative self-talk has damaging effects on our wellbeing. When we feel restricted in the way we think, feel or speak, negative thought patterns occur, resulting in a closed or underactive throat chakra. When this energy centre is balanced, we have a healthy internal dialogue and are able to communicate our ideas with integrity. The way you express yourself in life will have a direct impact on your achievements, relationships and personal growth.

When this energy centre is blocked, you may feel socially anxious and unable to convey thoughts and emotions clearly. For some people, this can be linked to how they felt in childhood; if you grew up in an environment that didn't encourage you to express yourself openly, your throat chakra might be closed off as a result. In order to live with purpose, you must be able to communicate freely, without shame. A balanced throat chakra promotes self expression, allowing you to share your feelings without fear of criticism. When you let go of the need to please others, you begin to experience life in a more meaningful and authentic way. Connected with the values of the heart chakra, this energy centre resonates with the energy of forgiveness and encourages the expression of love, compassion and kindness towards all.

Communication is an act of connection. It is one of the uniting principles of the upper chakras. If I give a talk to a group of people on the subject of healing, I am uniting their consciousness, if only momentarily, around certain ideas. Due to the communication has occurred, there is now a subset of information shared by all the people in the audience as they leave the hall. If I give the lecture several times, this subset of shared consciousness grows even larger.

Communication is a way of extending ourselves beyond our ordinary limitations. Through communication, information contained in your brain that is not in someone else's brain becomes accessible to them.

The element of the Throat Chakra is ether, otherwise known as spirit. It's within this chakra that we refine our awareness enough to perceive the subtle field of vibrations known as the etheric plane. This plane is the vibrating field of subtle matter that functions as both a cause and a result of our thoughts, emotions and physical states. The element ether represents a world of vibrations - the emanations of living things that we experience as the aura, as sound, and as the subtle plane of whispered impressions on the mind into which our more solid realities are enfolded.

FOOD & HERBS: Barley, Wheatgrass, Mushrooms, Mullein, Currants, Blackberries, Blueberries, Dragonfruit, Kelp, Kombu

ESSENTIAL OILS: Rosemary, Lime, Sage, Nag Champa, Cedarwood

CRYSTALS: Turquoise, Blue Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Topaz, Aquamarine

I speak my truth freely, and openly

I express myself clearly

I am safe to express myself, fully

My intent is clear

I am the pure, eternal consciousness and bliss

My voice is clear and powerful

I am compassionate towards others

I am pure awareness

I have access to my higher self for guidance and support

I am peaceful

I speak my thoughts clearly, with grace and integrity

I am aligned with my highest truth and communicate this with love and honor

I acknowledge the power of my words to create my own reality.

I express who I am clearly

When this energy center is under or overactive, you may have difficulty explaining your thoughts and opinions in constructive ways, or find it hard to share your feelings without fear of judgement. Use this essential oil blend to inspire open and mindful communication.

YOU WILL NEED

• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

• 4 drops tea tree essential oil

• 10-ml (fl oz) glass rollerball bottle

• Small funnel or dropper

• Carrier oil, such as almond, rosehip, argan or fractionated coconut oil

• Blank label

• Pen

METHOD

1. Add the essential oils to the rollerball bottle.

2. Using a small funnel or dropper, top up the bottle with the carrier oil.

3. Insert the rollerball, close the lid and swirl to combine.

4. Write a label and stick it to the bottle.

5. To use the blend, roll a small amount on the inside of your wrists in a circular motion, or apply directly to the throat chakra whenever you wish to strengthen your communication skills.