In Sanātana/Hindu and tantric/yogic traditions and other belief systems, chakras (चक्र) are energy points or nodes in the subtle body. Chakras are part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy channels called nadiis. Nadiis are channels in the subtle body through which the life force (prana) (non-physical) or vital energy (non-physical) moves. Various scriptural texts and teachings present a different number of chakras. There are many chakras in the subtle human body according to the tantric texts, but there are seven chakras that are considered to be the most important ones.
Their name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning", but in the yogic context a better translation of the word is 'vortex or whirlpool
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.
Personality Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrifing, 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 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
