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HISTORY
The earliest association of colors with symbolic meanings rose from the close relationship between prehistoric humans and nature. Green was the color of growth; blue represented the sky and heavenly peace. Cultural differences developed, however. Red, the color of blood, spelled disaster for the ancient Celts, while the Chinese associated it with the sun and considered it propitious.
In the West, healing with color remained largely a folk tradition based on superstition and the use of crystals and precious stones until the 19th century, when discoveries were made about the light spectrum and electromagnetic waves. An Indian scientist, Dinshah P. Ghadiali, was one of the first to attempt a scientific explanation of color therapy. In a book published in 1933, he claimed that colors transmitted healing vibrations, and he invented two machines for this purpose.
Modern practitioners borrow at random from folk superstition, Eastern mysticism and Western psychological research.
DESCRIPTION
The effects of color on our moods, health, and way of thinking have been studied by researchers for years. Even an individual's preference for one color over another may be related to the way that color makes the individual feel.
The sun's rays contain a whole spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that forms visible white or "full-spectrum" light. Light travels in waves, and its different wavelengths are perceived by the brain as colors. Color can be described as light - visible radiant energy - of certain wavelengths. When light is passed through a prism or refracted as a rainbow, the different color waves of the spectrum are identified. Photoreceptors in the retina, called cones, translate this energy into colors. The retina contains three kinds of cones: one for blue, one for green, and one for red. We perceive colors by combining these colors.
As well as having its own wavelength, each color has a certain frequency, the rate at which its wave vibrates. Practitioners of color therapy believe that cells and organs of the body also have vibrational frequencies, and they use colors to correct vibrational imbalances in the body and create a state of harmony. When the energy of color enters our bodies, it stimulates the production of certain hormones, which in turn affect a variety of physiological processes. This explains why color has been found to have such a direct influence on our thoughts, moods, and behavior - an influence that many experts believe is distinctly separate from psychological and cultural factors. Remarkably, color seems to have an effect of blind people, who are thought to sense color as a result of energy vibrations created within the body.
Clearly, the colors you choose for your clothes and for your home, office, car, and other surroundings can have a profound affect on you. Colors have been known to ease stress, to fill you with energy, and even to alleviate pain and other physical problems. This idea, it should be noted, is far from new. In fact, the "color your world" concept is part of the ancient Chinese design technique called "Feng Shui".
When selecting a color to effect a change in mood or to relieve a discomfort, it is vital to choose the color suited to your particular objective.
Many color therapists are influenced by the Vedic theory of the body's chakras, which are vortexes of "life energy" into which light is believed to stream. You, too, should become familiar with the body's energy centers, known as chakras. Each chakra has a particular part of the body and is associated with and stimulated by, certain emotions and specific colors. Practitioners use various tests to ascertain which colors are missing and which ones are required to keep the chakras working in harmony. Related to the person's chakras is a person's aura, a "subtle" (non-physical) body consisting of multicolored layers that surround an individual. Although it is invisible to most people, some practitioners and energy-sensitive individuals do claim to "see" a person's aura. They will be "read" the colors of the aura to determine the client's state of health, then visualize healing colors to counteract negative or dull colors in the aura.
There are seven major chakras and they are present on both the front and the back of the body. There are said to be a total of 49 chakras on the human etheric double, with the others usually considered to be minor energy points. Each acupuncture point may also be called a minor chakra and there are several hundreds of them. The small chakras located in the hands, and fingers are not minor centers for healers. And those located on the soles of the feet - that can also transmit Reiki and serve to connect us to the Earthplane - cannot be considered minor either. There is a chakra at the back of each body joint. The chakras are a major part of the electrical system of the body, the bridge between physical and non-physical Be-ing.
Below is a list of colors associated with the seven major chakras (energy centers located in the body) and in energy healing (Reiki) and in chromotherapy (color therapy).
VIOLET:Is associated with the seventh major chakra (energy center in the body located at the top of the head, The Crown. The color WHITE or MAGENTA is also associated with this chakra, depending upon the practitioner's training). It is called the "Sahasrara" chakra. Physically it is associated with the pineal gland. This is people's connection with spirituality and Goddess/Source. The Crown is the place of perception of spirit guides and the skill of channeling energy. It influences spiritual development, reverence, commitment, and tolerance. A person with an excess of this color will express fanaticism and domination.
Violet is a cooling color that brings spiritual peace and creates a peaceful environment. The color of violet heals insomnia, tumors of the brain, suppresses the appetite, and is good for scalp and kidney problems and for migraine headaches. It calms highly-strung, excitable people. It is used to treat compulsive behavior.
INDIGO:Is associated with the sixth major chakra (energy center in the body located in the head where the "third eye" is located - between and slightly above the eyes on the lower part of the forehead. It is called the "Ajna" chakra". The color VIOLET can also be associated with this chakra, depending upon the practitioner's training). This chakra is associated with the pituitary gland. This is the chakra of psychic perception, and understanding of the "Oneness of the Universe". Indigo is the blue-black color of the nighttime sky. It is a woman's power center and represents the creation of personal realities. It works with the Crown chakra in the healing of the brain, eyes and central nervous system. It influences spiritual perception, intuition, dignity, self-respect and tolerance. In excess, a person will experience corruption, pride and arrogance.
Indigo is a cooling color that develops psychic perception and intuition. It heals eyes, ears, nose and mental problems. It is used to treat addiction.
BLUE:Is associated with the fifth major chakra (energy center in the body located at the throat). It is called the "Vishuddha" chakra. Blue and the throat chakra are associated with the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It is a light blue in color and its function is communication both physical and psychic. It influences spiritual creativity, inspiration, peace, relaxation, devotion and trust. In a world where speaking out is a risk, most people's Throat centers are in need of healing. Emotions are expressed at this level, and creativity is located there. Healing issues include anything with the throat (sore throats, stage fright, thyroid problems, throat cancer). An excess of this color in a person will bring about doubt, distrust, apathy, and melancholy.
Blue is a cooling color that has a relaxing, calming effect, giving peace of mind. Blue lowers the blood pressure, the heart rate, and respiration. Aggressive individuals become calmer when placed in a blue room. Blue has been found to make people in a hot and humid environment feel cooler. Blue fights infections, heals throat disorders, relieve pain of ulcers, back problems, rheumatism, and inflammatory disorders. It will lower fevers. It is used to treat insomnia and over-activity. Surrounding yourself with blue and focusing your mind on the body part you want to heal while looking at the color, relieves the discomfort. A good place to do this is in the countryside, where the blue of the sky and the water can impart a feeling of calming "oneness" with the universe.
GREEN:Green (along with the secondary color of "rose") is associated with the fourth major chakra (energy center located at the heart, behind the breastbone or sternum). It is known as the "Anahata" chakra. It is associated physically with the heart organ or thymus gland. Its spiritual influence is freedom, balance, harmony, sympathy and love. Emotions come from the heart, as does universal love and love for others. Heartache and heartbreak (and physical heart conditions) are typical of modern society - most of us need heart and emotional healing. A person with an excess of green will experience lethargy, lack of motivation, insecurity, and jealousy.
The color green has a soothing and relaxing effect on the body as well as the mind. It helps alleviate depression or anxiousness. Green also helps nervous disorders, nervous tension, exhaustion, heals the heart and helps heart problems, the circulatory system, and cancer. It helps you to overcome fear of giving, sharing, and adaptability. When you are ill, try sitting on a hillside or by a green pasture, and focus on the body part you want to heal. Green may also be a good environmental color for the dieter.
PINK:Pink (rose) is a secondary color associated with the Heart chakra.
Pink has a soothing effect on the body, relaxing muscles. Because it has been found to have a tranquilizing effect on aggressive and violent people, pink is often used in prisons, mental wards/institutions, hospitals, and juvenile and drug centers. Those suffering from anxiety or withdrawal symptoms can benefit from pink surroundings. Pink is also a good color for a bedroom, where it can help evoke feelings of romance.
YELLOW:Yellow (solar yellow) is associated with the third major chakra of the body (located at the solar plexus just above the belly button, between the lower ribs). It is also known as the "Manipura" chakra. This is a man's power center, and the place where energy moving though the body is assimilated. Food is assimilated at this center. Its physical correspondence is the pancreas gland or liver, as well as power issues and balances of power. Solar plexus diseases include digestive problems, alcoholism, and food issues. A person with an excess of color will express lack of concentration, malice, and deviousness.
Yellow is a stimulating color that is the most remarkable of all the colors. Whenever you want to remember something, jot it down on yellow paper. It stimulates the intellect. Yellow was found to increase children's learning ability and increases IQ when included with orange and red in classrooms. This color raises blood pressure and increases the pulse rate, but to a lesser degree than red does. It heals the nervous system, helps elimination, the liver, intestines, and pancreas. It balances the adrenal glands, heals skin troubles, and helps diabetes. As the color of sunshine, yellow has an energizing effect that can help relieve depression. The color can be used to treat muscle cramps, hypoglycemia, overactive thyroid, and gallstones. It is used to treat unresolved feelings.
ORANGE:Orange is associated with the second major chakra (energy center located in the loin area a few inches below the belly button). It is known as the "Swadisthana" chakra. The Belly or Sacral (lower abdomen) center is the spleen in men (purification) and the uterus in women, which also has a purifying function. It affects the sexual organs. First impressions and old emotional pictures are stored in this center, and it is also the center of sexual choosing. Healing at this chakra includes recovery from past abuse, and sexuality or fertility issues. A person with an excess of orange will express confusion, tiredness, and pessimism.
Orange is a stimulating color that helps improve digestion and the stimulates the appetite. Use this color for place mats and tablecloths to encourage a finicky eater, or to pique the appetite of a person who is ill. This color should be avoided by those who are trying to lose weight. If you are feeling tired or run down, try wearing an orange garment to lift your energy level and alleviate fatigue. It helps to you to assimilate new ideas, removes repression and inhibitions. Orange broadens the mind and helps you to cope with life and career. Along with the color, yellow and red, it increases IQ when it is included in classrooms. General weakness, allergies, and constipation may also improve. It is used to treat depression and low libido.
RED:The color red (ruby red) is associated with the 1st major chakra (energy center located at the perineal area, also called the Perineum or Root chakra - the area found between the anus and the vagina/urethra/scrotum). It is called the "Muladhara" chakra. It is the Hui Yin center. The Root chakra is usually associated with the adrenals glands and is located at the genitals. It is represented by a vibrant red. Its spiritual influence is courage, willpower, physical energy, and vitality. Known in the East as the Gateway to Life and Death, the Root is the place of birth and rebirth. This is the survival center, the ability to draw abundance from the planet. Root center healing involves basic issues of having enough food, shelter and clothing, of wanting to live of die, of grounding and of living on the Earthplane. A person with an excess of red will express domination, physical cruelty, anger, and vulgarity.
Red stimulates, excites, and warms the body. It is used to treat inertia. It increases the heart rate, brain wave activity, and respiration. Red is the color of passion and energy. It is good for impotence and frigidity and the reproductive systems in general. It stimulates circulation of blood and flow of adrenaline. It is good for anemia, bladder infections, and skin problems. Those who have poor coordination should avoid wearing the color red. In addition, people suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension) should avoid rooms with red decor, as this can cause their blood pressure to rise. Conversely, red has a good effect on those with hypotension (low blood pressure). Red energizes, gives confidence and courage. Along with yellow and orange, if these colors are included in the classroom, IQ is increased.
BLACK:Black is associated with the "Earth" or "Grounding" chakra (located at the bottom of the feet). It has the Earth Ch'i.
It is a "power" color. It is also a calming color. Try wearing black clothes for a feeling of strength and self-confidence. Black also suppresses the appetite. If you want to lose weight, cover your dining table with a black tablecloth.
Besides the seven major and many minor chakras of the etheric double, there is another line of important energy centers from above the Crown chakra through the body to the Grounding or Earth Chakra. This line is probably beyond the etheric double and on the emotional/astral body aura layer. This line has been called the "Hara Line" by Barbara Brennen, in her book Light Emerging. It is also described in Awaken Healing Light of the Tao by Mantak and Maneewan Chia and is also the basis for Duane Parker and Sanaya Roman's Awakening Your Light Body tape series. Along this line are several centers, which are part of the ancient Ch'i Kung system, but seem to be opening spontaneously for the first time in many people. The presence this opening is seen by healers doing healings. The Hara Line is important in the higher attunements of Reiki II and Reiki III, though their uses are not fully understood at this time.
NEW CHAKRAS: THE HARA LINE CHAKRAS
CLEAR:Transpersonal Point chakra located beyond the Crown and above the physical body. Its color is "clear" (all colors) and its function is Goddess-Within. It is the Heavenly Ch'i. Other beyond-the-Crown centers may be developing in people at this time.
CRIMSON & GOLD:This is the "Causal Body" chakra at the base of the skull. It appears to be involved with manifesting.
AQUAMARINE (TURQUOISE):This chakra is called the Thymus chakra and is aquamarine in color. It is located between the Throat chakra (blue) and the Heart chakra (green) and is physically associated with the thymus gland. It plays a part in immunity and in protection from pollutants and chemicals. It influences spiritually: independence, heightened awareness, and the power of articulation. In excess, the person will have a tendency to be immature and easily influenced.
LIME GREEN:This chakra is called the Diaphragm chakra located between the Heart chakra (green) and the Solar Plexus (yellow). Its purpose lies in the purging of old emotions and toxins at every level.
ORANGE BROWN (GOLD):This chakra is the "Hara" chakra itself, located between the Belly chakra (orange) and the Root chakra (Red) and sometimes called the Sacral center. In Ch'i Kung it is named the Tan Tien, and is known in Japan and China as the center of human energy and power of the Original Ch'i. It's Western equivalent is the Solar Plexus (though its color is gold, rather than yellow, but the Tan Tien is much more. It is the location of Original Ch'i in the body, the life force energy one is born with. This combines with the Heavenly Ch'i (from the Universe) and Earth Ch'i (from the planet) (the Transpersonal Point and the Earth chakra) to create the three forces that sustain and nourish all life. It has been described as the "will to live in the physical body". The Hara line is described as the line of intention and purpose for this incarnation.
When working with color therapy (chromotherapy) keep in mind the color associations that are associated with the energy (chakra) points of the body as well as the systems or organs that are associated with that specific color. There are many levels of healing, not just the physical level. Colors and energy healings work on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well.
CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER
The practitioner usually begins by asking for details of your medical history and your personal color preferences. Practitioners working with the aura and chakras may claim to "see" or "feel" which colors your body requires. There are two other main methods of diagnosis commonly used in color therapy.
COLOR REFLECTION READING
From a range of eight colored cards, the practitioner asks you to choose three. Your physical and psychological health are assessed from your selection to provide clues as to which areas of your body are out of balance.
COLOR SPINE CHART
This relates parts of the spine to different colors and body areas. Techniques vary, but the practitioner may "dowse" the chart for imbalances by running a finger down it to pinpoint problem areas and treatment colors, while concentrating on information you have given.
A computer-controlled color therapy machine directs colored light at the client as she sits or lies in a darkened room. The main treatment color, in this case orange, is alternated with its complementary color, blue, and each dose is precisely timed.
Treatment often in the form of color illumination therapy, in which colored light is shone for a precise length of time either directly onto a specific part of your body through a quartz- tipped "crystal flashlight" or diffused around you as you sit under a light source. Different hues are selected according to their vibrational frequencies and their particular effects on internal organs. The practitioner often uses both the main color and its complementary opposite color alternately in treatment. If you are being treated with violet, for example, you will usually also be exposed to yellow. This is said to ensure a healthy balance of color in the body. Sessions are usually about an hour long, and a course of treatment may last several weeks, depending on the condition.
Practitioners of other therapies, such as reflexology or acupuncture, may incorporate aspects of color therapy into their work.
SELF-HELP
COLOR THERAPY (CHROMOTHERAPY) PRODUCTS
SOME RECOMMENDED BOOK DESCRIPTIONS
How To Heal With Color (Llewellyn's Practical Guide to Personal Power)
How To Heal With Color by Ted Andrews
Now, for perhaps the first time, color therapy is placed within the grasp of the average individual. Anyone can learn to facilitate and accelerate the healing process on all levels with the simple color therapies in How to Heal with Color. Color serves as a vibrational remedy that interacts with the human energy system to stabilize physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions.Gems Of The Seven Color Rays: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing with Gems (More Crystals and New Age)
Have you always wondered if precious and semiprecious stones held power besides their natural lustre and beauty? Well, as it turns out, gemstones are powerful, compact carriers of vibrational energy. Gems of the 7 Color Rays by William C. Stuber presents a simple, step-by-step guide to creating profound and lasting changes in your life by working with gemstones. Gems of the 7 Color Rays makes identifying gemstones a snap! The gems in the book are organized by color. You can look up orange gemstones, for example, and discover that carnelian and orange calcite are this color. How do they differ? What do they look like? You'll see the difference with the help of the forty-five clear, full-color photos in this book.
You'll also need to know what you can do with the gems of each color. This is fully explained in Gems of the 7 Color Rays. You'll learn how to:
- Identify your own primary color ray
- Release blocked energy patterns
- Use the healing properties of fifty-eight gems
- Gain strength and courage with ruby
- Use citrine to encourage self-acceptance and allow yourself to change
- Clear negative thought patterns with the help of blue sapphire
- Use indigo sodalite to access areas of the mind not previously used and develop latent psychic abilities. Gems of the 7 Color Rays is a practical book. It gives explicit instructions on how to work with the stones for the best healing results. For example, depression can be overcome by using yellow beryl. Stuber explains, "A single stone produces the best treatment...place it for no more than fifteen minutes at a time until there have been at least a dozen exposures." How this process works, possible side effects, and how to overcome those effects are all explained. If you want to heal with gems, Gems of the 7 Color Rays is the book for you!Chakras For Beginners: Honor Your Energy (For Beginners)
The chakras stand out as the most useful model for you to identify how your energy is expressing itself. With Chakras for Beginners you will discover what is causing any imbalances, how to bring your energies back into alignment, and how to achieve higher levels of consciousness. Also available in Spanish.Chakra Therapy: For Personal Growth & Healing (Llewellyn's New Age)
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness
Accumulating karmic baggage-the dense energy carried from one lifetime to another-is a common hazard for many. This debilitating energy can negatively influence one's personality, relationships, physical health, and spirituality.
The author of Chakra Therapy offers a step-by-step approach to overcoming karmic baggage and energy blockages. Keith Sherwood's easy techniques can help you activate the chakras, strengthen boundaries (the surface of auras), arouse the kundalini, and embrace personal dharma. He also teaches how to take care of your energy system and condition it for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.A Chakra and Kundalini Workbook: Psycho-Spiritual Techniques for Health Rejuvenation, Psychic Powers and Spiritual Realization
Spend just a few minutes each day on the remarkable psycho-physiological techniques in this book and you will quickly build a solid experience of drugless inner relaxation that will lead towards better health, a longer life, and greater control over your personal destiny. A Chakra & Kundalini Workbook is one of the clearest, most approachable books on Yoga there is. Tailored for the Western mind, this is a practical system of personal training suited for anyone in today's active and complex world.Art Of Spiritual Healing: Chakra & Energy Bodywork (Llewellyn's New Age)
Each of you has the potential to be a healer; to heal yourself and to become a channel for healing others. Healing energy is always flowing through you. Learn how to recognize and tap this incredible energy source. You do not need to be a victim of disease or poor health. Rid yourself of negativity and become a channel for positive healing.
FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
This is only a small sample of educational materials available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below for a more indepth search for a particular item.
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