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.

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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)

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Colors and You: Color Symbolism and Effects of Color in Our Lives

All About Colors And What They Say About You

Nature’s gift to us ‘Light’, brings with it a whole spectrum of what we call Colors/Colours. A huge part of our everyday life in almost everything we do, colors have a profound and undeniable impact on our lives and say a lot about our personalities. Each color symbolizes different things and invokes different emotions. We are drawn to certain colors for a reason, from clothing choices, colors in our homes right down to the foods we eat. Colors reflect our inner attitudes and emotional states. Knowing more about each color and understanding their effects can help us truly benefit from making colors a way of life and not just a ‘feel-good’ preference.

The Symbolism & Effects of Colors
The Symbolism of Colors comes from its use as a symbol or to representation of something as observed across time. The Symbolism of Colors differs in different cultures around the World. Here’s a quick look at the most common representations & symbolism of the basic colors-

Blue

Symbolism of Blue
A hot favorite of a lot of people, Blue is a non-threatening and confident color. Seen as a color of confidence, it represents stability, loyalty and trust-worthiness among other traits like security, wisdom and dependability. Hence Blue is the predominant color chosen for police officer uniforms and business attire.

*Blue is the color of the throat chakra

Effects of Blue
Blue is the dominant color of natures elements – the sky and water. It is perceived with a cooling and calming effect. Darker shades like Navy blue and Royal blue are said to convey richness and even superiority, while lighter shades have soothing undertones with a  serene or sedate effect. Bright electric shades of blue are dynamic and express exhilaration.

Green

Symbolism of Green
Nature is the most representative of this color, which is why Green is the fore running color in any eco-friendly movement. Regarded the color of eternal life, green also symbolizes good luck, peace, vitality, fertility and wealth (which explains the choice of green for currency). Its extremes symbolize envy (”green with envy”), jealousy, disgrace (in China) and greed.

* Green is the color of the heart chakra

Effects of Green
Due to it’s association with nature, green has a calming effect and is the color of rebirth and renewal. Lighter shades like lime with undertones of yellow have a tranquil and refreshing effect. Green being the color of Peace denotes balance, harmony, and stability.

Red

Symbolism of Red
This intense color has many associations across various cultures. Symbolizing danger, intensity, love and passion, it’s a bold color with strong meanings. As the color of blood and fire, red symbolizes war, heat, bravery, strength and aggression. Red, also, typically conjures up symbols representing love, sex and romance. In some cultures like in China red denotes purity, joy, prosperity and celebration.

* Red is the color of the base or root chakra

Effects of Red
Recognized as a stimulant, Red evokes strong emotions such as excitement, strength, danger, passion, and aggression. This attention seeking color is often more effective in smaller doses than than all out red. Deeper shades like maroon, burgundy, ruby, blood red have more subtle effects as compared to crimson, scarlet, tomato and flame red.

Purple/Violet

Symbolism of Purple/ Violet
Purple is the color of royalty. Highly symbolic of spirituality, purple is used a lot in religious ceremonies and by priests and leaders. Embodying the opposite colors red and blue, purple represents a middle ground or balance of the two contrasting colors. In some cultures however, it represents mourning.

* Violet is the color of the crown chakra

Effects of Purple/Violet
This color is uplifting and encourages creativity and spirituality. Deeper shades like plum, mauve, wine, eggplant associated with royalty, sensuality, and enlightenment. While lighter shades with a blue undertone like violet, orchid, lavender and lilac are more romantic, feminine and delicate.

Orange

Symbolism of Orange
Another attention seeking color like it’s relative Red, Orange represents energy, happiness, balance, warmth and enthusiasm. Not considered a serious color orange symbolizes playfulness and sparks a lot of controversy.

* Orange is the color of the sacral chakra

Effects of Orange
Less intense than red with the cheerfulness of yellow, orange is an energizing color. It is a vibrant color which stimulates a variety of emotions like kinship, warmth and a sociable attitude. Its also stimulates the appetite.

Yellow

Symbolism of Yellow
The symbol of sunlight and optimism, yellow shines with cheerfulness, joy, hope and intelligence. The color of gold, yellow is a sign of wealth. On the flip side however, it represents hazards and deceit.

* Yellow is the color of the solar plexus chakra

Effects of Yellow
This very visible color draws a lot of attention. It denotes happiness and is quite perky. It helps create excitement and also instills hope. It make one feel youthful.

Also Read:

Heal Yourself Through Color

* Photo credits: photos by lemuelinchrist, Furryscaly, www.butkaj.com, Dennis Wong, niseag03, FotoosVanRobin, Seamus Murray on flickr

Buy 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.

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