The seven chakras derive from the philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism. They are central energy points throughout the body, that link to different organs and glands. Energy flows through them all to evenly distribute chi or praana (life energy) throughout the body.
When one chakra is blocked it can manifest itself in different ways in our lives, from illness to emotional problems. Yoga, meditation and colour therapy can help release these blockages.
Colour is literally all around us. Scientifically, it's waves of light travelling through space. Our eyes register different wavelengths as different colours. Each chakra in our body matches to the vibration of a certain colour.
If you meditate and focus on the chakra's colour, it can release the blockage occurring within that chakra.
Crown Chakra - VIOLET
Areas: Central nervous system, the brain, the pituitary gland, the cerebral cortex
Influence: Information, knowledge & peace with your world
Blockage: Migraines, anxiety, forgetfulness
Colour visualisation: Decisiveness, trust, structure
Gemstone: Amethyst
Brow Chakra - INDIGO
Areas: Eyes, head, pituitary gland
Influence: Perception, wisdom, intuition & spiritual awareness
Blockage: Lack of foresight, memory loss & depression
Colour visualisation: Courage, clarity, awe
Gemstone: Labradorite
Throat Chakra - BLUE
Areas: Neck, shoulders, arms, hands, thyroid & parathyroid glands
Influence: Self-expression, honesty, creativity & communication
Blockage: Lack of communication, dishonesty, creative blocks
Colour visualisation: Decisiveness, clarity, freedom
Gemstone: Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli
Heart Chakra - GREEN
Areas: Heart & central organs
Influence: Relationships, love, compassion
Blockage: Lung & heart problems, poor immunity & lack of compassion
Colour visualisation: Balance, love, trust
Gemstone: Malachite, Rose Quartz
Solar Plexus Chakra - YELLOW
Areas: Digestive system, muscles, pancreas & adrenals
Influence: Willpower, feelings, ambitions & achievements
Blockage: Lack of direction, anger, inability to express oneself
Colour visualisation: Self-control, vision, trust
Gemstone: Malachite
Sacral Chakra - ORANGE
Areas: Lower abdomen, kidneys, bladder & your reproductive organs
Influence: Sexuality, desire, pleasure & creativity
Blockage: Sexual guilt, obsessive behaviour, emotional issues
Colour visualisation: Gratitude, self-love, independence
Gemstones: Carnelian, Moonstone
Base Chakra - RED
Areas: Legs, feet, bones, large intestine & adrenal glands
Influence: Groundedness, relationship to earth, safety
Blockage: Inflammation of the body, fear, defensiveness, procrastination
Colour visualisation: Security, courage, confidence
Gemstone: Red Tiger's Eye
Colour therapy assists with getting your chakras back in balance. Here's a simple exercise you can try to help balance your chakras:
Identify which chakras may feel out of balance. Place something of the corresponding colour on the associate energy point. Visualise the colour being absorbed into that area, and the feelings associated with that colour.
Throughout the ages gemstones of different colours have been paired with their corresponding chakra for their believed healing properties. For example Carnelian and Moonstone have been used to balance the sacral chakra, and Aquamarine and Lapis Lazuli have been used to harmonise the throat chakra.
Interested in the qualities different colours possess? Take our test to see which coloured gemstone best suits you.
Yoga and meditation also help get your chakras back in balance. Make time for yoga weekly, and try our daily meditation app if you haven't yet.