This Energetic Imbalance Could Be The Root Of Your Thyroid Issues
It is currently estimated that over 20 million Americans have thyroid disease. When a condition is this common, it can be worthwhile to explore the relationship with the energy center it's associated with. Neck pain, laryngitis, acid reflux, and even a simple cough can indicate an energetic imbalance in the fifth chakra, or throat chakra, the energy center located in the neck. The throat chakra governs our ability to express ourselves, communicate our truth to the world, and transmit thoughts into form (aka manifest).
An introduction to the throat chakra.
An open throat chakra relies on a healthy foundation in the lower chakras. The energetic body follows a developmental path that begins with the root chakra, the foundation for safety and survival, and continues on to the sacral chakra, the epicenter of emotional well-being. The next energy center to develop is the solar plexus chakra, which houses the belief systems that contribute to our sense of self-worth. Healthy formation of these lower three chakras paves the way for the next stop on this developmental path—opening the heart. The heart chakra governs our ability to cultivate self-love for who we truly are—not who others expect us to be. And once we can generate self-love, we are ready to share our unique message with the world authentically and truthfully. This is the work of the throat chakra.
The voice of someone with an open throat chakra can change the world with words, pitch, and vibration.
A balanced throat chakra is capable of communicating truth clearly. When the throat chakra is open, there are no misunderstandings or missed connections. The voice of someone with an open throat chakra can change the world with words, pitch, and vibration. In order for the throat chakra to open, the message must be so true and authentic, it's captivating.
However, when we attempt to use the throat chakra to communicate anything other than what is true and authentic, dysfunction sets in. Sometimes this shows up physically as a thyroid condition or an ailment in the throat. Other times it shows up as an inability to express oneself as they desire. Have you ever been too afraid to speak up? Do you often feel misunderstood? Have you found yourself screaming at another person but felt like that person couldn't hear you? These are common experiences associated with an imbalanced throat chakra. It shuts down in the face of inauthenticity. This is why it is so important to work through the shadows of the lower chakras before attempting to open the throat. We cannot communicate a truth that we have not yet discovered.
Language is the vehicle through which we construct our lives, thus it is a critical ingredient in the art of manifestation. So many of us struggle to create the lives we want. We are certain we know what we want and often know how to get there, yet we just cannot seem to manifest it. This is another common experience of an imbalanced throat chakra. This is the gift of the fifth chakra—it allows us to use language to initiate the movement of thought into physical form. And according to Newton's first law, once a process is in motion, it is difficult to change course. So we must choose our language carefully, with intention.
Physical signals of a blocked throat chakra.
Hypothyroidism is one of the most common conditions I see in my private practice. So many of the women in my private practice have the drive and will to create anything and everything in their lives, but their hypothyroidism weighs them down with fatigue and sluggishness, preventing them from manifesting what they think they desire. While thyroid medications, dietary changes, and nutrient supplementation can be very supportive, understanding the role of the throat chakra is essential.
Often, when we begin to unpack the themes of truth, authenticity, and manifestation, we find a misalignment. We discover that the life an individual is attempting to create is not the one he or she truly wants. Sometimes we find that their romantic partner is not the right match, and each time they say "I love you" to that person, the throat chakra suffers. In some cases, when my clients align their language with their newly identified truths, they become less reliant on thyroid medications. Because when we express ourselves authentically with the appropriate language, the throat chakra manifests with great precision.
If you suspect your throat chakra is blocked, try adding the following practices to your daily routine:
Physical: Cat-cow pose.
Begin in a table-top position on your hands and knees. As you inhale, arch your spine toward the ground, dropping the belly; gaze up and create a backbend shape in the spine for cow pose. The neck extends at the end of the movement, opening the throat. As you exhale, pull the navel back toward the spine, arching the spine toward the sky for cat pose. The crown of the head drops at the end of the movement, closing or gently constricting the throat. As you inhale, the whole front of the body opens, and as you exhale, the front body curls in and the back body opens. This complete movement of the spine creates a compression and opening in the throat. Move slowly with the breath for three to seven minutes.
Mental: Communicate with awareness.
Share your current life goals and dreams with a friend. As you speak, become aware of when your language choices become an obstacle to manifestation. Notice where you are saying, "I can't," "I haven't," "I am not." Every time you make a statement that does not reflect your goals as a reality, correct yourself. The more you practice this, the more your language will become a vehicle to manifest effectively.
Emotional: Sing to yourself as a child.
Singing is one of the best ways to explore your voice. Singing can also bring up a lot of emotions, including shame, discomfort, and embarrassment. So start by singing only to yourself at home, and choose songs that elicit a wide range of memories and emotions. Try visualizing yourself as a child, and sing your childhood self a lullaby. As you become more comfortable with your voice, share your singing in public while walking down the street or sing to your family and friends. Notice the range, words, and pitch that feel most comfortable to you.
Spiritual: Practice a mantra.
Chanting a mantra aloud is a great way to consciously direct vibration into the world. In Kundalini yoga, "Sat Nam" is a powerful and popular mantra. It means "truth is my identity." Practice chanting "Sat Nam" for three to 11 minutes daily. You can also get creative and make up your own mantra. Choose a positive affirmation that supports your current life goals. Chant it aloud daily.
Erica Matluck, N.D., N.P. is an NYC-based naturopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, and holistic coach. She was trained as a Reiki master at 20 years old and began studying yoga as a teenager. She obtained her master's in nursing from Seattle University and doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University.
Eastern philosophy threads through all of Matluck’s work. Combining over a decade of experience working in conventional and alternative medicine, she brings a truly holistic lens to medicine, addressing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual obstacles to health.
Prior to opening a private practice in New York City, Matluck spent eight years at One Medical Group and has delivered onsite wellness workshops at countless prominent companies. She is also the founder of Seven Senses, where she leads transformational wellness experiences throughout the world.