COLOURTHERAPY FOR OUR COLOR CODED LIVES

Our eyes see red and our feet hit the brakes; our eyes see green we say “oh! This is vegetarian, good to eat”. Everything around us color coded. Colors have become so important that they are important symbols of cultural and social machinery. For every person each color has its own significance; for an American child sitting in his bedroom red may be the color of his favorite toy but for an African kid caught raging civil storms red may be the color of blood. It is thus very important to understand the significance of colors and their effect on us.

The history of colors, as funny as it sounds, predates human history. Plants around us were always green, branches were brown; nature unlike our recent visual inventions like the colored TV, has always been colorful. Despite trying to break the mysterious color codes we are unable to replicate the color schemes of nature. The beautiful hint of green on a pigeon’s neck is befitting example of what a great artist nature is and always will be. But with our insatiable thirst for newer and better discoveries, we have been able to harvest the true potential of colors by developing something called COLOURTHERAPY. For those who are unaware of this interesting sounding therapy, Colourtherapy is an adjunct therapy that has today, become an industry in itself. It involves the process of exposing the body to light rays of different colors to help address various physical, mental and spiritual problems. But before going into the details it is imperative to enumerate certain key facts about colors and light.

1. THE SPECTRUM: The white light as we see it is composed of 7 colors which together constitute the spectrum.
2. VIBGYOR: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red; do not need to say more.
3. REFLECTION AND ABSORPTION: the objects that we see around ourselves are so colored because they reflect that particular color from the spectrum and the rest are absorbed by it.
4. VIBRATION: every color has a wavelength in the spectrum at which it vibrates, thus participating with different functions of the body and mind.

Well now that we know the rudimentary laws of composition and dynamics of colors, it will become very easy to understand Colortherapy. When the body is exposed to a beam of light, every color vibrating at different rates called wavelengths is absorbed physically by different parts of the body. The effect of those colors is discernable. While blue and pink calm us and sooth us, sometimes bright and loud colors irritate us. Thus colors have a strong influence on our nervous system. They also help us attain a natural balance by balancing our inner energies. Colortherapy is present in various other adjunct therapies like aromatherapy and gemstone therapy. Every color affects a specific chakra of the body and helps it attain balance which in turn helps us gain mental calmness.

(Read our articles on chakras for more information)

 

Unlike many other therapies for which one has to go to specialized centers to practice or follow them, colortherapy is something which can change your life while you work at office or eat at home. By paying just one visit to a certified colortherapy practitioner who can advise you to incorporate and omit certain colors from your life, you can  transform yourself and become a more well balanced individual and never be “green” with envy or “red” with anger!!

 

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Credits to Ozyman (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozyman/168266287/)

The Power of Chakras- Their Influences and Imbalances

Understanding the 7 Chakras or Energy Centers

Chakras or our body’s energy centers have been identified in different ancient cultures like the Indian and Greeks. Believed to be sacred centers, Chakras (spinning vortex of life force energy) are responsible for the power, energy and activity of various parts and organs of the human body and are associated with their mental and emotional interactions. They are key to the flow of energy that vitalizes the physical body and brings about the development of our self-consciousness.

While there are said to be hundreds of chakras within our body that radiate and absorb different auras (energies) from our environment, people around us, sounds and colors , it is also said there are seven main chakras that form the center of our being on all levels- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The seven main chakra centers are aligned along the spinal column and each of these seven chakras is associated with a color. You can even stimulate your chakras by wearing the colors of the chakras. Too see more about the colors of the chakras read: Heal Yourself Through Color.

When one of these main chakras is out of balance, i.e over-worked or under-worked, it is said to have a mental, emotional or physical effect on us and can even affect a neighboring chakra. This imbalance is influenced by impurities and negativity of internal or external environmental factors and their aura. As our chakras are interdependent on each other for harmony and balance, it’s important to understand the different aspects of the seven main charkas and work on them.

1. Root Chakra  - RED

Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine and in the region of the pubic bone It faces downward toward the feet.
Governs: Adrenal gland, spinal column, kidneys, legs, feet, rectum, immune system, genitals and reproductive organs.
Influences: Sexuality, mental stability, sensuality and sense of security.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Lower back pain, varicose veins, rectal tumors, depression, immunity related disorders, self esteem, social order & security issues

The base or root chakra is the force that keeps us connected to this Earth and is the base of our existence. Our physical experience and feeling of being grounded stems from this energy center of our body. The root chakra acts as the foundation of one’s physical vitality, emotional and mental health. Your sense of belonging and connection to all life, your endurance and mental perseverance stems from this center that gives you your life’s passion.

Red energizes and stimulates this chakra to boost its power. Wearing red in the form of clothing or red gemstones such as Red Jasper, Ruby, Garnet is a way of lending the red energy boost to your root chakra. Include red foods and drinks in your diet- beetroot, radishes, onions, red beans, spices like cayenne and paprika have a grounding effect too. Aromatherapy oils such as sandalwood, ylang ylang or juniper (consult a trained aromatherapist for the exact oils for your specific chakra needs) also trigger this energy center.

See a specially designed Red Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘lam’ symbol dedicated to the Root Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

2. Sacral Chakra – ORANGE

Sanskrit name: Swadhisthana, Svadisthana
Location: Sacrum, below the navel near the lower abdomen.
Governs: Gonad gland, sexual organs, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine.
Influences: Reproduction, creativity, joyfulness and enthusiasm.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Anger, menace, hatred, apathy, blame, guilt, greed, power, control, morality, ob/gyn problems, pelvic pain, libido and urinary problems

This second chakra is the center of personal power, creativity, sexuality and finances. Its your sensing power station, connecting you to your feeling sensitivities or your inner child. Closely associated with acts of giving and receiving, the sacral chakra is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality.

Orange is the key color of this charka and helps stimulate it’s powers. Embracing sensation by watching emotional movies, trying different food tastes, deep tissue massages are some of the ways of arousing your chakra’s energy. Food that are orange in color and that nourish the sexual and creative center like Oranges, melons, mango, cinnamon, caraway seeds, passion fruit and honey are ideal to energize the chakra. Use aromatherapy oils such as Melissa, Orange, Mandarin and Tangerine. Dressing in the color orange and wearing or carrying copper or orange gemstones like coral or carnelian will boost this chakra’s power.

Click here for more on the remaining Chakras

See a specially designed Orange Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘vam’ symbol dedicated to the Sacral Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

* Image Credits : Picture by breezeDebris on flickr. Chakra symbols by Sacred Centers (wikipedia.org)

Stimulate your chakras with these specially designed Chakra Colored T-shirts with Rhinestone symbols only at Yogacarashop.com

Understanding the 7 Chakras or Energy Centers

The Power of Chakras- Their Influences and Imbalances

Click Here if you missed our last post (All about Chakras, the Root Chakra and Sacral Chakra explained)

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra – YELLOW

Sanskrit name: Manipura
Location: Above the navel, stomach area
Governs: Pancreas, upper abdomen, liver, gallbladder, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines, stomach
Influences: Digestion, expansiveness, growth, self-confidence and ego power, self-control and humor
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Digestive problems, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, constipation, self esteem, fear of rejection, oversensitivity to criticism, self-image fears, nervousness and poor memory.

The third charka defines our ‘self-esteem’. it is your mental awareness associated to your mind power. Your ego, will power, optimism, and confidence all arise from your solar plexus chakra. It also governs your power to concentrate and ability to learn and comprehend. The solar plexus charka is responsible for your intuition and gut instincts.

Yellow brings out the best in this chakra. Grains like sunflower seeds, rice and flax seed dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt as well as spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel and chamomile stimulate this chakra. Gold and gemstones like Citrine, Amber and Topaz emit the healing vibrations for this chakra. Yellow clothing helps balance this third chakra as do aromatherapy oils such as Rosemary, Lemon, Grapefruit and Bergamot.

See a specially designed Yellow Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ram’ symbol dedicated to the Solar Plexus Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

4. The Heart Chakra – GREEN

Sanskrit name: Anahata
Location: Center of chest
Governs: Thymus, heart, circulatory system, blood, lungs, diaphragm, thymus, breasts, esophagus, shoulders, arms and hands.
Influences: circulation, love for the self and others, passion, devotion, forgiveness, compassion.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Heart and breathing disorders, breast cancer,asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, shoulder problem, confidence, hope, despair, hate, envy, fear, jealousy and passivity.

The heart chakra is the power house of the human energy system and the center of love and healing. Connected to your emotions, it is what allows you to love and give unconditionally. This chakra also brings about any emotional healing one may require. The heart chakra is your link between body and spirit.

Associated with the color green or sometimes pink, eating green foods and drinks like spinach,broccoli, celery, squash and green tea. Herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley and cilantro also waken the powers of this chakra. Oils like Eucalyptus, Pine, Tea Tree, Spearmint and Cedarwood are stimulants of this chakra. Emerald, Jade and Peridot are the stones associated with positive effects on the Heart Chakra as is wearing the color green.

See a specially designed Green Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘yam’ symbol dedicated to the Heart Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

5. The Throat Chakra – BLUE

Sanskrit name: Vishuddha, Vishuddhi
Location:Throat region, parallel to the thyroid gland
Governs: Thyroid, throat, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth, teeth, gums, esophagus, parathyroid and hyperthalemus.
Influences: Communication, independence, self expression, sense of security, loyalty, organization and planning.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Thyroid imbalances, swollen glands,fevers, flu, sore throat, mouth ulcers, scoliosis, laryngitis, voice problems, gum or tooth problems, addiction, criticism, faith, decision making.

The Blue throat chakra is the center of our communication and will. Our struggle with choice and the ability to release your will to Divine guidance stems from this chakra.It’s essence is faith- faith in our fears or faith in the Divine. It is through this energy center that we voice our opinions and communicate our truths. At the same time it is also our center to receive and assimilate information.

As the color blue boosts this chakra water is in the forefront of water to energize it. As blue is not a natural color in food, tangy and tart fruits like limes, lemons and grapefruit, lemon grass, salt, fruit juices and herbal tea stimulate this chakra. Wearing the color blue and stones such as Sapphire and Blue Agate as well as oils such as Geranium, Chamomile, Peppermint, Mint and Cypress are associalted with energizing this chakra.

See a specially designed Blue Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ham’ symbol dedicated to the Throat Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

6. The Brow Chakra – INDIGO

Sanskrit name: Ajna (also known as the third eye chakra)
Location: Forehead, in between the eyes.
Governs: Pituitary gland, brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose, pineal glands
Influences: Co-ordination, clarity on an intuitive level, intuition and sense of trust.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Pride, arrogance, suspicion, brain tumors, strokes, blindness, deafness, seizures, learning disabilities, sleep disorders, discipline, judgment,concept of reality, confusion and emotional intelligence

The third-eye chakra is the key to our wisdom, learning and putting things in perspective. Your universal consciousness and intuitive intelligence arises from the activity of this chakra. It is key to separating fantasy and reality. The Brow chakra or third eye involves mental abilities of intellect and reasoning combined with psychological skills at evaluating our beliefs and attitudes.

A deep indigo color boosts this chakra. Present in food like blueberries, blackberries, dark grapes, red wine, grape juice, lavender and poppyseed should be consumed to stimulate this chakra. Aromatherapy oils such as Patchouli, Frankincense and Myrrh and Indigo stones like Amethyst, Tourmaline and Tanzanite are associated with the Third eye chakra. Dressing in Indigo enlivens this chakra too.

See a specially designed Red Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘lam’ symbol dedicated to the Root Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

7. The Crown Chakra – VIOLET

Sanskrit name: Sahasrara
Location:Top of head. Connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
Governs: Pineal, top center of the head, midline above the ears, central nervous systemInfluences: Physically Knowingness and wisdom, beingnness, universal consciousness and integration of the whole.
Imbalances (Negative characteristics): Epilepsy, chronic exhaustion not associated with physical ailments,mystical depression, right/left brain disorders and coordination problems, photo-sensitivity, mental illness, senility, humanitarianism, values, ethics and lack of purpose.

The Crown Chakra is our connection to our spiritual nature and our capacity to allow spirituality to become an integral part of our physical lives. It is this chakra that links us to the cosmos and brings about spiritual awakening. It is the energy of knowingness and enlightenment. It is throught this very important energy center that life force is dispersed to the other 6 chakras below it.

Violet is the color most associated with the Crown chakra and then white. Violet stonesof Quartz Crystal or Diamond as well as aroma oils like Lavender, Jasmine and Magnolia stimulate the crown chakra. wearing shades of violet and incenses of sage, myrrh, frankincense, and juniper help open and clearing this Spiritual Communication Center.

See a specially designed Violet Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone thousand petals symbol dedicated to the Crown Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

* Image Credits : Chakra symbols by Sacred Centers (wikipedia.org)

Stimulate your chakras with these specially designed Chakra Colored T-shirts with Rhinestone symbols only at Yogacarashop.com

Heal Yourself Through Color

The Ancient Indian philosophy of “Chakras” or energy centers of the human body and the colors that represent them are revolutionizing a hot new trend today. Dressing in the colors of the Chakras is said to stimulate our Chakra centers and help cure the imbalances or the problematic area of our bodies. To better understand color therapy here’s a brief look into the 7 Chakras or Energy centers and what they represent.

According to traditional Indian medicine and also noticed in the Greek writings of Plato, it is believed that the body has 7 main energy centers, which are connected to major organs and glands that govern other parts of the body. Each of these main energy centers are referred to as ‘Chakra’ – a Sanskrit word which means wheel and symbolizes a wheel-like spinning vortex of life force energy. For your body to stay healthy, it is said that all the 7 chakras need to be balanced. If our surroundings are healthy and positive, we receive positive energy and feel good. This balance of inner physical, mental and emotional energies can also be achieved through light and its colors which physically affect our glands and hormones and have an influence on our feelings.

The 7 Chakras and their colors are-

1. Root Chakra  - RED

Sanskrit name: Muladhara

Location: Base of spine and in the region of the pubic bone. Includes genitals and reproductive organs.
Symbol, Color and Sound: Muladhara (Root/Base Chakra) is symbolized by a lotus with four petals. Red is the color of energy, vitality and power. Sound “lam”.
Influences: Sexuality, mentally it governs stability, emotionally – sensuality and spiritually it influences a sense of security.

2. Sacral Chakra – ORANGE

Sanskrit name: Swadhisthana, Svadisthana

Location: Sacrum, below the navel near the lower abdomen.
Symbol, Color and Sound: Lotus with six petals. Color orange used to increase immunity. Sound “vam”.
Influences: Physically, Svadisthana is related to reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it  is responsible for joy and spiritually influences enthusiasm.

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra – YELLOW

Sanskrit name: Manipura

Location: Above the navel, stomach area
Symbol, Color and Sound: lotus with ten petals. Yellow is the color of intellect and it’s used for mental stimulation. Sound “ram”.
Influences: Physically, Manipura influences digestion, mentally – personal power, emotionally – expansiveness and spiritually- all matters of growth.

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4. The Heart Chakra – GREEN

Sanskrit name: Anahata

Location: Center of chest
Symbol, Color and Sound:Lotus flower with twelve petals. Colour green is the color of balance an healing. Sound “yam”.
Influences: Physically Anahata is related to circulation, emotionally – unconditional love for the self and others, mentally – passion and spiritually – devotion.

5. The Throat Chakra – BLUE

Sanskrit name: Vishuddha, Vishuddhi

Location:Throat region, parallel to the thyroid gland
Symbol, Color and Sound: Lotus with sixteen petals. Color blue helps to communicate your emotions properly. Sound “ham”.
Influences: Physically Vishuddha influences communication, emotionally- independence, mentally – fluent thought and spiritually associated with a sense of security.

6. The Brow Chakra – INDIGO

Sanskrit name: Ajna (also known as the third eye chakra)

Location: Forehead, in between the eyes.
Symbol, Color and Sound: lotus with two petals. Color indigo will help you to connect with spiritual self. Sound “om”.
Influences: Physically Ajna governs co-ordination, emotionally it deals with clarity on an intuitive level, mentally it influences intuition and spiritually it  brings a sense of trust.

7. The Crown Chakra – VIOLET

Sanskrit name: Sahasrara

Location: Top of head. Connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus and the thalamus.
Symbol, Color and Sound: Lotus with one thousand petals. Color violet has a cleansing power and inspires the spiritual nature.

Influences: Physically Sahasrara impacts knowingness and wisdom, emotionally it deals with beingnness, mentally  it brings forth universal consciousness and unity.

The trend of wearing colors according to the Chakras to stimulate these energies is more than just a fad. With thousands of years of history many believe that colors help us achieve a balance of mind and body.