Visuddha Chakra or the Throat Chakra is the fifth Chakra of the Kundalini Chakras which is situated in the throat, at the base of the neck between the collarbone and shoulder. The word "Visuddha" means pure. The throat Chakra is ones will center. The healthy Throat Chakra ensures the honest expression of oneself.

Appearance of Visuddha Chakra
Visuddha Chakra is light blue in colour with 16 purple coloured petals. Within the pericarp is a sky-blue downward pointing triangle, inside which is a circular region. This region is represented by the deity Ambara, who is white in colour, with four arms, holding a noose and a goad, making the gestures of granting boons and dispelling fear, and is seated upon a white elephant.

Function of Visuddha Chakra
The function of the Visuddha or Throat Chakra is to teach one to take responsibilities for one`s own needs. Blue is a colour that relates to self-expression. Speech is a means of communication, which expresses our needs, requirements and feelings. When the Visuddha Chakra is balanced the positive aspects of this colour will prevail and in case of imbalance of this Chakra, the negative aspect of the colour works on. The positive aspects of blue colours are - loyalty, trust, tactfulness, calmness etc, while the negative aspects expressed in unfaithful, untrustworthy, self-righteous and cold people.

The spiritual lesson it gives is to confess or surrender personal will for the sake of divine will, faithfulness and truthfulness over deceit. The physical problems that take place when Visuddha Chakra is not working properly are sore throats, mouth ulcers, swollen glands, scoliosis, voice problem, laryngitis, gum or tooth problems, thyroid dysfunctions etc. The mental and emotional issues that are connected to Visuddha Chakra are personal expression, criticism, addiction, creativity, decision-making, faith, will, lack of authority. The information that is stored inside Visuddha or Throat Chakra is self-knowledge, truth, attitudes, hearing, smell and taste. The area of the body it governs includes throat, trachea, neck vertebrae, oesophagus, mouth, teeth and gums and associated with thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Awakening of Visuddha Chakra
Singing or playing music is a great way to provide the energy that requires unblocking or awakening of the Visuddha chakra. Creation helps to communicate with the audience which helps in opening of the throat chakra in a better manner. Deep breathing helps in creating an energy flow all throughout the body at an instant.

Balancing of Visuddha Chakra
Exercises that energise Visuddha Chakra are gargling with saltwater, singing or screaming. The food that stimulates this Chakra is liquids like water, fruit juices, herbal tea; Tart or tangy fruits including lemon, lime, grapefruit, and kiwi; other fresh fruits like apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots etc. and spices like salt and lemon grass. The gemstones that arouse the Throat Chakra are Chrysocola, Lapis, Blue Opal and flower essence are Cosmos, Trumpet Vine and Larch.

Exercises for Visuddha Chakra
Visuddha Chakra governs self-expression and the ability to communicate successfully. Adopting a regular yoga practice benefits not only the physical health, but also emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being. As one opens and balances one chakra, the remaining chakras thrive from the energy flow that is created. In order to open and promote healthy energy flow through the throat chakra, consider including Yoga Asanas like; seated postures, backbends and inversions into the practice to remove blockages.