Chakras are a concept from Hindu and Buddhist spiritual and medical traditions. According to these traditions, the throat chakra is one of the seven main energy centers in the body.

The seven chakras are believed to align from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and work as energy vortices. They are said to regulate the flow of energy to and from surrounding chakra areas, including inner organs.

According to many Eastern traditions and the field of energy medicine, when a chakra is blocked or weak, it doesn’t let energy flow as it should, and this may lead to specific physical and mental health symptoms.

Little research exists on the chakras and the throat chakra specifically. Some evidence suggests that the points of the body where chakras are supposed to be located emit measurable electromagnetic radiation. This radiation may affect nerves and blood vessels.

In Eastern traditions, the throat chakra is represented by the color blue. It is said to be located in the neck, at the level of the thyroid gland. Viśuddha is this chakra’s name in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India.

The throat chakra is traditionally associated with the function of your lungs, thyroid, throat, voice box, and the inferior cervical ganglion. This ganglion is a group of nerves that innervate your neck, ears, mouth, and upper limbs.

The throat chakra is also linked to communication skills and the ability to express oneself. Eastern traditions believe that a blockage in this chakra may lead to health challenges like speech problems, thyroid dysfunction, and inflammation of the throat.

According to these views of the throat chakra, a depletion of energy at this level could lead to:

According to yogic and other Eastern spiritual traditions, the energy of the throat chakra may be balanced by:

However, if you experience one or more of the symptoms or challenges associated with the throat chakra, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional. These symptoms may have multiple causes and management strategies, and some — like thyroid disorders — may require prompt medical care.

Eastern traditions share some of the prevention guidelines also promoted by Western medicine, including:

  • managing stress with relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and meditation
  • moving more, including regular physical activity and exercise
  • focusing on fresh and nutrient-dense foods, like vegetables, grains, and fruits
  • limiting alcohol and sugar
  • avoiding tobacco and substance use

Regular health checkups may also help you identify early signs of challenges in your mouth, throat, ears, eyes, and mental health.

Chakras are concepts from Eastern traditions. They refer to energy vortices along the spine that are said to regulate the health of the surrounding organs and tissues.

Little to no evidence of chakras exists, but some research suggests that these points in the body emit electromagnetic radiation and could affect how nerves and blood vessels work.

The throat chakra is supposed to be located at the base of the throat and regulate communication skills, thyroid function, and mouth and ear health.

If you experience any sudden or progressive symptoms related to your speech, neck, throat, or head, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough checkup.