The chakras

There are seven main energy centres (chakras) of the body. These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one relating to the others. Using the seven colours of the spectrum, Colour Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body's energy centres/chakras and also to help stimulate our body's own healing process.  Colour Therapy uses colour to re-balance the Chakras that have become depleted of energy.

Colour therapy can be shown to help on a physical level; however there are deeper issues around the colours on the psychological and spiritual levels.  Colour has a profound effect on us on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If our energy centres become blocked or depleted, then our body cannot function properly and this, in turn, can lead to a variety of problems on any level. 

Our well being is not purely a physical issue. Many more practitioners are now treating patients in a holistic manner. That is to say, we are body, mind and spirit and none of these areas function entirely alone; each has an effect upon the other. This is why Colour Therapy can be so helpful since colour addresses all levels of our being.   

All life experiences have an affect upon us. Some experiences will be positive and some negative. It is these negative experiences which can manifest themselves physically over time as dis-ease. For example, perhaps over the years we have been in a situation where we have felt unable, for one reason or another, to speak our mind, or to express our needs and feelings. This can manifest as a problem in the throat chakra. The throat chakra relates in the spiritual aspect to self expression. Thus, if our self expression has been blocked, the energy in this area will not be free flowing.  Working with the appropriate colour/colours can help to dispel negative feelings, free blocks and re-balance the body.  Listed below is each of the spectrum colours and the chakra which it relates to.

The Colours

VIOLET/PURPLE governs the CROWN chakra, at the top of the head. 

BEAUTY, CREATIVITY,  INSPIRATION

Related organ: brain

Endocrine gland: pineal gland. 

Associated problems: depression, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, seniledementia, Alzheimer's, many mental disorders, confusion, and dizziness.

Violet relates to self knowledge/spiritual awareness. It is the union with your higher self, with spirituality, and your higher consciousness. Dis-ease can result with an in-balance of energy in this chakra, either too much or too little.  The violet energy connects us to our spiritual self bringing guidance, wisdom and inner strength and purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us inspiration in all undertakings.  Enhances artistic talent and creativity.

positive aspects of violet

          - a reverence for all life 
          - self sacrificing in the service of others   
          - idealism 
          - an ability to see the appropriate route for the benefit of the higher self

negative aspects of violet

           - no concern for others 
           - feelings of superiority 
           - lack of contact with reality                                                                  

INDIGO governs the BROW chakra or third eye, in the centre of the forehead.

INTUITION,  MYSTICISM, UNDERSTANDING

Related organs: eyes, lower head and sinuses

Endocrine gland: pituitary gland.

Associated problems: tension headache, migraine, visual defects, short-sightedness, long-sightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, sinus problems, ear problems.

Personality Traits: Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, and a truth seeker.

Indigo relates to self responsibility - being responsible for one's own life, responsible to oneself to follow the soul's path and needs and trusting one's own intuition. (the ability to see things from a 'higher' viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one's material comfort.).  The indigo energy connects us to our unconscious self, and gives us the experience of being part of the whole universe. Strengthens intuition, imagination, psychic powers, and increases dream activity.

 positive aspects of indigo                                                        

            - highly intuitive 
            - faithful
            - clear sighted 
            - integrity 
            - orderly mind

negative aspects of indigo

            - inability to trust intuition 
            - scattered mind
            - inconsiderate
            - blinkered vision                                                            

 BLUE governs the THROAT chakra. KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH, DECISIVENESS

Related organs: throat and lungs

Endocrine gland: thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract can be affected by imbalance in this area.TURQUOISE can also be helpful for both the throat and the heart chakra. 

Associated problems: Thyroid problems - over active/under active; Anorexia nervosa (this is a multi-chakra problem but has a strong connection to the throat chakra); asthma; bronchitis; hearing problems; tinnitus - may also be connected to problems with the brow chakra; problems of the upper digestive tract; mouth ulcers, sore throats, tonsillitis.

Personality Traits: Loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, and cautious.

Blue is the colour of the spirit and relates to self expression - speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and requirements; Spirit of truth and purpose.  This is a mentally-relaxing colour. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and brings great relaxation - ideal for sleep problems, and hyper-active children. Connects us to holistic thought, and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing communication and speech.

positive aspects of blue                                                  

            - loyal 
            - trustworthy
            - tactful
            - calm     

negative aspects of blue     

            - unfaithful
            - untrustworthy
            - self-righteous
            - cold     

GREEN governs the HEART chakra.

BALANCE, LOVE, SELF CONTROL

Related organs: heart and breasts

Endocrine gland: thymus gland

Associated problems: heart diseases, diseases of the Immune system eg.AIDS and ME (myalgia encephalomyelitis,sometimes referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome); other problems related to the immune system, allergies, cancer of the breast. TURQUOISE also has a helpful effect on the immune system and also helpful in relation to the throat chakra. PINK also relates to the heart chakra being the colour of love. 

Personality Traits: Understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, sympathetic, compassionate, generous, humble, nature loving, and romantic.

Green chakra relates to love/self love - the ability to give and take unconditionally. When balanced we are able to give love and also to love and nurture ourselves.  Helps relax muscles, nerves, and thoughts. Cleanses and balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony. Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being.

positive aspects of green                                                

            - compassion
            - generosity
            - harmony/balance
            - loving         

negative aspects of green

            - indifference
            - jealousy
            - miserly
            - bitterness   

YELLOW governs the SOLAR PLEXUS chakra, situated below the ribs.

WISDOM, CLARITY, SELF-ESTEEM

Related organs: liver, spleen, stomach and small intestine.

Endocrine gland: pancreas

Associated problems: diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, peptic ulcer, Coeliac's disease, and gall stones. 

Personality Traits: Good-humored, optimistic, confident, practical, and intellectual.

Yellow is a creative colour and relates to self worth. How we feel about ourselves and how we feel others perceive us. This is the area of the personality, the ego and the intellect.  Gives us clarity of thought, increases awareness, and stimulates interest and curiosity. Yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive and understand. The yellow energyconnects us to our mental self.

positive aspects of yellow                                           

            - confident
            - alert
            - optimistic
            - good humored 

negative aspects of yellow

            - feelings of inferiority
            - over analytical
            - sarcastic
            - pessimistic

ORANGE governs the SACRAL chakra situated in the lower abdomen.

HAPPINESS, CONFIDENCE, RESOURCEFULNESS

Related organs: uterus, large bowel, prostate, ovaries and testes. (In the fetus the testes develop in the lower abdomen, thus linking with the sacral chakra energy, then descending to the scrotum by birth.)

Endocrine glands: ovaries and testes

Associated problems: pre-menstrual syndrome, problems with menstrual flow, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, prostate disease. 

Personality Traits: Enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sporty, self-assured, and constructive. 

Orange is the colour of success and relates to self respect; having the ability to give ourselves the freedom to be ourselves and helps you expand your interests and activities.  Brings joy to our workday and strengthens our appetite for life! Orange is the best emotional stimulant. It connects us to our senses and helps to remove inhibitions and makes us independent and social. 

positive aspects of orange                                           

            - sociable
            - creative
            - joyous
            - independent 

negative aspects of orange                                           

            - withdrawn
            - destructive
            - despondent
            - over-dependent           

RED governs the BASE chakra situated at the base of the spine.

VITALITY, COURAGE, SELF CONFIDENCE

Related organs: kidneys and bladder, the vertebral column, hips and legs are also areas related to this chakra.

Endocrine gland: adrenal gland. 

Associated problems: constipation, diarrhea, piles, colitis, Crohn's disease, cold fingers and toes, frequency of urination, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney stones, impotence, hip problems, legs and feet. PINK can also be used here when a more gentle energy is required. 

Personality Traits: Courageous, confident, humanistic, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, and extroverted. 

Red relates to self awareness. It is the area of survival and stability and your place on this earth.  The colour red provides the power from the earth and gives energy on all levels. It connects us to our physical body. Everything that is to be commenced needs the life vitality of red. 

positive aspects of red:                                                  

            - security
            - courage
            - strength of will
            - pioneering          

negative aspects of red:    

            - insecurity
            - self pitying
            - aggressive
            - fearful