“Sing out, Louise!”: Opening the Vishuddha Chakra

Urban Sadhu Exploration November 2025

Ham, Ham, Ham, Ham, Ham, Ham – Bija (seed) mantra for the Vishuddha Chakra

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to speak or sing in public—and when you opened your mouth, nothing came out? Or, even worse, what did come out was incoherent and jumbled. Maybe it was spoken or sung with the tiny voice of a mouse, or it came out as an uncontrolled primal scream. Whatever happened with your voice, it may have felt as if there were a knot at the back of your neck, keeping the vocal energy from flowing freely.

The reasons this might happen are numerous, but within the yogic theory of the subtle body, one explanation could be a blocked throat chakra. Chakras are energetic “vortices” or “wheels” in the body, starting at the base of the spine and ascending to the crown of the head. Most yogic traditions teach that there are seven major chakras. The fifth chakra is the Vishuddha chakra, located at the base of the throat, and it is said to be the “communication hub.” Associated mainly with the throat, the Vishuddha chakra is also connected to the lips, tongue, cheeks, and jaw, as well as the lower neck, shoulder girdle, and clavicle (collarbone). In other words, this chakra affects the area from the upper shoulders to the base of the skull and jaw.

When energy flows freely through the Vishuddha chakra, it is associated with truth, clarity, and higher self-awareness. This energetic vortex governs speaking, singing, emotional sounds, and the ability to express ourselves sweetly and kindly. It is through the Vishuddha chakra that we energetically communicate and build community—satsang.

But when the Vishuddha chakra is blocked or obstructed, it may manifest as confused language, untruthfulness, deception, low self-esteem, or an inability to speak positively about others. It may also create difficulty with singing, public speaking, or reading aloud in front of a group. When blocked, the Vishuddha chakra can contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which may be worsened by an inability to express these feelings verbally.

All chakras are associated with elements, colors, Bija (seed) mantras, and even asanas. According to Tantra, the Vishuddha chakra is associated with the thyroid glands. Its element is Aether, a subtle, gas-like substance believed to fill the cosmos beyond Earth’s atmosphere, according to yogic philosophy. The sense associated with Vishuddha is hearing—which is appropriate, as we learn to speak through listening and imitation. The Bija mantra is Ham, so chanting and singing are important practices for unblocking this chakra. The color of the fifth chakra is blue.

Jalandhara bandha (throat lock) plays a prominent role in unblocking the Vishuddha chakra. This fifth chakra also relates to our identification with the higher self. Salamba sarvangasana (shoulder stand), with all its variations, helps encourage the fluid movement of energy through the Vishuddha vortex. Matsyasana (fish pose), practiced after shoulder stand, supports the upward flow of energy from the throat to the third eye (Ajna chakra).

When any chakra is unblocked, energy can move effortlessly up and down the central channel of the subtle body. Energetically, the Vishuddha chakra connects the heart chakra (Anahata) to the crown chakra (Sahasrara). It links compassion and empathy to Self-realization. The Vishuddha chakra allows us to ask, “Who am I?” and seek the unchanging truth (sat) behind the question. It acts as a bridge between the earthly energy of the lower five chakras and the cosmic energy of the sixth and seventh chakras. 

In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, satya (truthfulness) is listed as the second Yama. Satya is not subjective but rather objective truth—truth that is mutually beneficial to all beings. While Patanjali does not mention the chakra system, he emphasizes truthfulness as essential. In PYS 2.36, he writes: satya-pratiṣṭhāyāṃ kriyā-phala-āśrayatvam, meaning: “When one’s actions are rooted in truthfulness, the fruits of those actions will reflect that truth (Sat).” Ability to speak sat is rooted in ahimsa (nonviolence); it is a type of speech that uplifts the lives of others, rather than subjugating and demeaning them. Speaking sat is not insincere flattery but is an expression of unconditional love and compassion; at times it can be as hard to hear as to express. 

When Vishuddha is open, we can speak truth to power and stand up for the vulnerable in our lokah—our realm, planet, or community. You say what you mean and mean what you say. Our speech becomes mutually beneficial, not just self-serving. Through our voice, we express aikyam—oneness of being.

Aikyam is also expressed through singing devotional music, when we come together and sing as a group. Many Urban Sadhu Yoga Open Classes begin with chants—sacred mantras (mind-protecting sound), shastras (yogic texts), prayers, or other music designed to activate the throat chakra. Chanting in class isn’t about musical skill or artistry—it’s about moving and expressing the energy of the Vishuddha chakra. Like Mama Rose in the musical Gypsy, I often want to shout, “Sing out, Louise!” when I see students with their mouths closed tightly or barely whispering during chants. If this sounds like you, I encourage you to open your mouth and be the loudest singer in the class.

Why do I encourage this? Because our voices matter, and only by pushing past shyness, insecurity, self-doubt, and inhibition can we unlock the full power of the Vishuddha chakra.

Austin Sanderson, Urban Sadhu