The Colors
There are seven main energy centers (chakras) of the body. These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one relating to the others. Using the seven colors of the spectrum, Color Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body’s energy centers/chakras and also to help stimulate our body’s own healing process. Color Therapy uses color to re-balance the Chakras that have become depleted of energy.
Color therapy can be shown to help on a physical level; however, there are deeper issues around the colors on the psychological and spiritual levels. Color has a profound effect on us on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If our energy centers become blocked or depleted, then our body cannot function properly and this, in turn, can lead to a variety of problems on any level.
PURPLE/VIOLET
governs the crown chakra, at the top of the head.
BEAUTY • CREATIVITY • INSPIRATION
Personal identification with Infinite.
Oneness with God.
Peace.
Wisdom.
Related Organ: brain
Endocrine Gland: pineal gland.
Associated Problems: depression, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, senile dementia, Alzheimer’s, many mental disorders, confusion, and dizziness.
Personality Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrificing visionary, creative, and strong mentally.
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 imbalance 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 center of the forehead.
INTUITION • MYSTICISM • UNDERSTANDING
Indigo-clearing subconscious to channel intuition.
Purple-balanced state of mind.
See Divine perfection in all things.
Devotion.
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
Ability to verbalize.
Expressing truth through power of the spoken word.
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 – overactive/underactive; 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 color 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 color. 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
Release emotionally suppressed trauma.
Soul/heart consciousness. Expressing love in action.
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 color 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
Assimilation experience.
Digestion.
Positive use of personal power.
Manifest goals.
Related organs: liver, spleen, stomach and small intestine.
Endocrine gland: pancreas
Associated problems: diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, peptic ulcer, Celiacs disease, and gall stones.
Personality Traits: Good-humored, optimistic, confident, practical, and intellectual.
Yellow is a creative color 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 energy connects 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
Utilization of creative forces into all aspects of being.
High soul procreation.
Direct self toward devotion.
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 color 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
Ground spirit forces in body.
Gain ability to work lovingly on the physical plane.
Qualities: Survival, grounding, satisfaction, stability, primal trust, courage, vitality, power to achieve goals, full acceptance of life.
Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Cedar Wood, Patchouli, Black Pepper
Gemstones: Agate, Bloodstone, Hematite, Red Jasper, Red coral
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 color 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
Color Breathing
A lovely and very helpful exercise is Color Breathing – or breathing in the rainbow. The purpose of this is to heighten our awareness of color and to encourage a balance of all the seven main chakra colors for our well-being.
Stand with feet slightly apart and arms by your side, relaxed with palms turned to the front. Relax the shoulders, and concentrate on your breathing, consciously relaxing all of your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Breathe deeply in through the nose, holding for a few moments and then breathing out through the nose or mouth. As you breathe out, imagine expelling all the stress, negativity and toxins from your body. If you can do this exercise outside all the better, and, weather permitting, stand on grass with bare feet.
Affirmations, either spoken out loud or as a concentrated thought, can be helpful too to help us focus and avoid our minds from wandering. For example, red is the Color of courage and strength – we could say to ourselves – the energy of red fills my body and I have the strength and courage to move forward along my life’s path. It doesn’t matter how we word our affirmations – they will be unique to each individual – but remember the positive aspects of the colors and make sure your statements are positive.
First breathe in red from the earth, imagine it rising up through your whole body giving you strength and courage. Make an affirmation to suit your situation as you breathe in and experience the color filling your body. Allow the color to travel up through the body and out of the top of the head and then back down again to the earth. Repeat with orange and an appropriate affirmation, then yellow. These first three colors are absorbed from the earth. Then green. This color is absorbed horizontally through the solar plexus, let it fill your body, thinking or speaking your affirmation, and let it leave through the back. Then blue which is absorbed from the sky, through the top of the head and out again going back up to the sky, similarly with the indigo and violet.
If this exercise is done daily, you will notice how your color awareness develops and you will be able to visualize the colors much more strongly as you do this exercise regularly, balancing and enhancing your body’s energies.