The Fifth Chakra

The fifth chakra is also known as the Vissudha.  It is located in the throat - the literal and metaphorical bottleneck between the body and the mind.  The chakra is ruled by the element of sound.  By simply placing your hand on your throat and speaking or singing a note you can feel the vibrations of its energy.  This chakra is about free speech, expression, creativity and unifying with the vibration of the world around you.
An overactive fifth chakra will produce gossip, trouble being silent, excessive loudness and an inability to keep secrets.  An under active fifth chakra creates fear of speaking, secretiveness, tone deafness and shyness.  A balanced fifth chakra is able to communicate, listen and has good timing and rhythm.
  Cultivating a balanced fifth chakra can take the form of chanting, singing, reciting mantras or even practicing silence.  Take in to the account to the noises around you and notice if they overwhelm or soothe.  Make changes to the acoustics of your environment as necessary to bring a soothing balance.  Physical exercises to encourage balance in the fifth chakra include neck rolls, cat/cow and mountain pose, with the shoulders open and collar bone broad.