A Chakra is like a spiral of energy, each one relating to the others. Chakra (pronounced sha-kra) is the Sanskrit word for ‘wheel’. If you can imagine the main chakras/energy centres as a set of cogs/wheels, they are rather like the workings of a clock or an engine; each cog /wheel needs to move smoothly and at a similar speed for the clock/engine to work properly. Thus good health and well being is achieved by a balance of all these energies (or the smooth running of the cogs/wheels).
Colour therapy uses colour to balance the chakras of the body
Each of the spectrum colours is simply light of varying wavelengths, thus each colour has its own particular energy. The energy relating to each of these spectrum colours resonates with the energy of each of the seven main chakras of the body. Colour therapy can help to rebalance these ‘wheels’ by applying the appropriate colour to the body and therefore re-balance our chakras. As you can see from my work each of the spectrum colours relates to one Chakra. Violet has the shortest wavelength and red the longest wavelength.
How to work with the artwork to bring the Chakra into balance?
CHAKRA BALANCING ART MEDITATION
- Set up space where you can sit in front of the piece and have the artwork positioned at eye level.
- Begin by setting a timer for however long you would like to practice. I recommend from 5-20 mins.
- Find a comfortable position within the body. Close your eyes and scan the body to see if your holding tension in any part of the body and let it soften and relax.
- Then begin by taking 8 conscious breaths, allowing your breath to be longer and fuller.
- After this gently open your eyes and begin by looking at the artwork. Try to have a relaxed expression and relaxed eyes. Initially, your eyes are going to want to examine the artwork so allow your eyes to move slowly to different parts of the piece.
- Allow your eyes to slowly travel until one area takes you in. Settle there and see if you can remain softly focused on the area that your eyes naturally took you too. (This might change each time you practice).
- Become aware of your breath as you remain focused on the point and begin to breathe in the colour of that chakra into your body. If you like as you advance in this practice you can feel it and imagine it as if it’s going into the area of that Chakra.
- If your eye’s get tired, feel free to let them close but continue to breathe in the colour into the area of that particular chakra.
- Finish your practice by placing your hands over the area of the Chakra and saying Thank you.
Colour therapy can help
Colour is absorbed by the eyes, skin and skull and our electromagnetic field/aura. The energy of colour can have an effect upon us on all levels, that is to say, physical, spiritual and emotional. Every cell in the body needs light energy – thus colour energy has widespread influence on the whole body.
Colours influence us differently because they have different wavelengths and frequencies, and these affect different parts of the brain. Colour therapy, which uses colour to cultivate energy in the body, dates back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, India and China. Even though Western medicine does not formally recognize colour therapy, medical professionals in the West are exploring and using light and colour therapies to treat issues like seasonal affective disorder, depression and sleep disorders. With complementary therapies on the rise, use of colour and light therapies as adjunctive forms of treatment is becoming more common.
The Chakras
Working with the chakras can be a useful approach to cultivating energy through the use of colour (Andrews 1995). Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “disk,” and the seven chakras, located along the central axis of the body, represent its seven major energy centres. Recognized by ancient civilizations for thousands of years, these centres correlate to the major nerve ganglia branching out from the spine. The chakras are also said to correlate to levels of consciousness and bodily functions, among other things. And associated with each chakra is a colour, based on the concept that the energy vibrating through each centre has a different wavelength or quality of light. Colour therapy involves working with colour in each of the chakras to help balance energy and maintain health and well-being.
Red: The Root Chakra
Red is a symbol of life, strength, courage, passion, love and earth. Warmer than other colours, it is stimulating and can be thought of as a tonic. Bright orange-red is more stimulating than blue-red. Red is said to increase circulation and therefore to raise blood pressure, pulse rate, overall energy and physical temperature.
The colour red is associated with the root chakra. This chakra is located at the base of the spine and is related to our connection with the earth. Working with the root chakra and the colour red can help ground the body, connecting us to our sense of security, stability and safety.
Orange: The Sacral Chakra
Orange, a combination of red and yellow, is said to be more balancing than red and good for sustaining warmth. It is thought to enhance creativity, vitality and sensuality; stimulate socializing, and create opportunity. Visualizing orange may help alleviate depression; stimulate joy and happiness, and enhance receptivity to pleasure.
The colour orange is associated with the sacral chakra, located 2-3 inches below the navel. This chakra is related to the reproductive system, kidneys and adrenals; also with sensuality, sexuality and pleasure. Working with the sacral chakra and the colour orange can help us create a healthy balance between body and mind.
Yellow: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Yellow is a bright, empowering colour that brings light and growth to our life. It is a symbol of universal love. Yellow helps with self-definition and is a good colour to visualize when engaging in physical activities.
The colour yellow is associated with the solar plexus chakra, located between the navel and the lower end of the sternum. The solar plexus can be imagined as our own personal sun. The healing properties of this chakra are connected with the pancreas, liver, digestive system and gallbladder and with our ability to absorb nutrition. Working with the solar plexus chakra and the colour yellow is said to encourage positive, empowered thinking and link us to our creativity, well-being, pleasure and abundance.
Green: The Heart Chakra
Green is a healing colour. Soothing to the body, mind and spirit, it is the most relaxing colour for our brain to interpret. Green links us to our love for the earth and to new growth. Combining the coolness of blue with the vibrancy of yellow, green is thought to be the most balancing of all colours. Learning to breathe in the colour green may enhance meditation and healing.
The colour green is associated with the heart chakra, which is also connected to our lungs and to the thymus gland, which is vitally important to our immune system. Working with the heart chakra and the colour green can balance our energy and our nervous system; help our minds focus; connect us to compassion, regeneration and empowerment; and lift our mood.
Blue: The Throat Chakra
Blue represents truth. Cooling to both body and mind, blue provides a spacious, expansive energy that helps with relaxation. Blue symbolizes thoughtful, meaningful love originating from a deep spiritual relationship to oneself. It is also a good healing colour for children and an excellent interior home colour that can be used to enhance and quiet the mind.
The colour blue is associated with the throat chakra, which acts as a channel connecting the heart and the mind. This chakra is associated with the thyroid and the parathyroid glands, which aid in regulating metabolism. Working with the throat chakra and the colour blue can help us express ourselves peacefully and truthfully, freeing the voice to be an instrument of healing (in words or song).
Indigo: The Third-Eye Chakra
The royal colour indigo signifies spirituality and higher consciousness. You can see this deep colour used in churches and temples all over the world. Originating from the deeper hues of blue, indigo has a sedative effect, and too much of it can be depressing.
The colour indigo is associated with the third-eye chakra, our seat of intuition and wisdom, located between the eyebrows. Meditation can be an excellent way to develop the third eye’s ability to “see within.” This chakra is also associated with the pituitary gland, the body’s master gland, and with the pineal gland, which is linked to our cycles of sleeping and waking. Working with the third-eye chakra and the colour indigo can help us develop self-esteem, inner peace, discernment, intuition, wisdom, clarity and happiness.
Violet: The Crown Chakra
Violet is the colour of transformation. A calming colour, it can help slow down nervous energy, creating deep relaxation. Violet can also be intentionally used to raise low self-esteem.
The colour violet is associated with the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. This chakra is related to the pineal gland in the brain. This gland is sensitive to light and produces neurohormones like melatonin that help regulate our sleep cycles. The crown chakra also bridges the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Working with the crown chakra and the colour violet can stimulate dream activity, clarify our thinking and help us connect to our higher spiritual self.
