The didgeridoo's sound is an effective tool in releasing stored negative energy and/or emotional stagnation. This natural characteristic of the didgeridoo combined with the sophisticated systems of subtle energy medicine theory from both Traditional Chinese Medicine (meridian theory) and Ayurveda (chakra theory) provide a high level of qi/pranic clearing and balancing. The most basic description one could give for the energetic clearing power of the didgeridoo is “it is like a reiki or qi gong power washer.” It has been reported that the energetic clearing effects are similar to traditional five-element acupuncture.

What are Chakras?

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel." The chakras themselves are described as wheel-like vortices that emanate from the physical body like three-dimensional spheres radiating outward. Seven primary chakras flow through a human's energetic body. These energy centers are recognized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as dantiens and comprise only three spheres interconnected through a series of meridians. Vitality energy flows throughout the energetic system via the seven chakras. The energetic body or subtle energy system is the foundation of our conscious being, and in theory, it is this energetic body that acts as the "consciousness blueprint" for the physical body.

The chakras do not exist as "objects" in the physical body. Instead, they can be visualized as the intentionality of energic patterns in specific locations within and extending outward from the body. Chakras, dantiens, and the meridians are points of subtle energy collection within a physical body. This subtle energy is referred to cross-culturally and is most recognizable as Qi, prana, life force, universal energy.

How does the didgeridoo clear a chakra

Chakras are said to vibrate/resonate in a particular key or note. The didgeridoo produces a broad range of frequencies that resonate with the internal vibrations of our subtle energy system. By playing a didgeridoo in the specific key of the chakra you are entraining the vibration of that energy center back in to an in tune state. This helps to facilitate the release of energetic and emotional stagnation.

How do the chakras and TCM meridians/organ systems correlate?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been practiced for thousands of years, is a highly sophisticated system that breaks down the specific energetic and emotional functions of the human subtle energy system into an easily referenced series of organ centers and meridians (energetic pathways). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, three of these "Chakras" are paid particular attention. These powerful "Chakras” are referred to as "Dan Tiens." Roughly translated, "Dan Tien" means "Field of Treasure." The three Dan Tiens are, 

The Navel (Chi or bodily energy)

The Heart (Shi or emotional energy)

The Third eye (Yi or mental energy)

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are 14 major meridians (12 meridians, plus two vessels, to be precise), which connect all the major organs in our body. These meridians are all connected and form a network of pathways by which Qi moves through the subtle energy system in relation to the physical organ system. There are 365 acupoints along the meridians. These acupoints are where the acupuncturist inserts the needles. The meridians are like the railway tracks, while Qi is the train and the acupoints are the train stations. When a blockage occurs along a meridian, caused by an injury, build-up of toxins, emotional stagnation, etc., physical manifestation of disease or illness may occur. It is possible to experience pain or numbness near the blockage. If the blockage is not cleared soon enough, the organ connected to that meridian will start encountering problems. Moreover, when the Qi level is too low, many organs will not function properly.

When overlaying the two systems over each other, you will see that the TCM system relies heavily on the effective organ venal system while the chakras are centered more around the endocrine system's glands.

When working with the didgeridoo as a sound therapy therapy tool, it is beneficial for the client and practitioner to isolate the organ center of any given emotional stagnation or chronic physical system. From that point, cross-referencing with the traditional Ayurvedic 7 Chakra system enables the practitioner to know which key to working to aid the client in releasing their emotional or energetic stagnation.

How do emotions affect chakras and health?

In her book, Awakening Intuition, Dr. Mona Lisa Schultz shares her experiences and observation of illness and emotion while working as a physician in a Boston hospital. Dr. Shultz began noticing similarities between emotional states and situations correlating with a specific disease or affected organs that patients were experiencing.

Cross-cultural holistic energetic theory agrees that emotional or energetic stagnation within the subtle energy system (consciousness) can create the potential disconnect between the energetic body (blueprint) and the physical body (structure), creating an environment for the manifestation of physical illness. Stated more simply and directly, stress and emotional unrest have the potential to make a person sick. Intentions of energetic pathways flow from energy center to energy center. Emotional stagnation creates a blockage of flow that stops vital lifeforce from replenishing organs and or organ systems.

Because the chakra system is the central processing center for every aspect of our being, blockage or other energetic dysfunction in the chakras usually gives rise to disorders in the body, mind, or Spirit. A defect in the energy flow through any given chakra will result in a deficiency in the energy provided to certain portions of the physical body, as well as an impairment in the entire energy field's ability to process energy—affecting all levels of the being. This is because the energy field is a holistic entity; every part of it affects every other part.

The energy centers in our body are like pools of water, allowing energy to flow from one pool to the next as if they were connected by a small stream in a cascading series of waterfalls. Blockages in the flow of the pools can cause distribution in the natural flow of this energy, preventing our vital organs from having access to Qi, prana, lifeforce. Over time, these energetic blockages can create a disconnect between the physical and energetic body, leading to illness or disease in the organs. Removing blockages within the chakras ensures a healthy connection to vital lifeforce throughout the entire physical and energetic body. This healthy connection to essential lifeforce promotes the maintenance of optimum physical health and mental balance and harmony to universal health and wisdom.

The commonly accepted seven chakras and their associated abridged characteristics are as follows: 

1. Root (Muladhara)

   1. Base of spine

   2. Seed Sound: LAM (Lum)

   3. Key: C

   4. Element: earth

   5. Safety and self and family.

2. Sacral (Swadhisthana)

   1. between pubis and navel

   2. Seed Sound: VAM (Vum)

   3. Key: D

   4. Element: water

   5. Connection to relationships (romantic, work, things)

3. Solar plexus (Manipura)

   1. between sternum and navel

   2. Seed Sound: RAM (Rum)

   3. Key: E

   4. Element: fire

   5. Self-esteem and self-worth

4. Heart (Anahata)

   1. located in the heart region

   2. YAM (Yum)

   3. Key: F

   4. Element: air

   5. To love and be loved

5. Throat (Vishuddha)

   1. located in the throat region

   2. Seed Sound: HAM (Hum)

   3. Key: G

   4. Element: ether

   5. Communication, speaking one's truth. Listening, hearing the truth.

6. Third eye (Ajna)

   1. located in the center of the forehead just above the brow line

   2. Seed Sound: Sham (Shum)

   3. Key: A

   4. Element: space, universal consciousness, higher self

   5. Manifestation and sight. The ability to visualize from thought to reality

7. Crown (Sahasrara)

   1. Center top of the skull

   2. Seed Sound: OM

   3. Key: B

   4. Element: space, universal consciousness, higher self

   5. Connection to universal consciousness. The sense of meaning and purpose.

How does sound affect the chakras?

The chakras have had an interconnected relationship with sound since identifying the Bija mantras over 7,000 years ago. It is said that seers in India connected with Spirit and brought down the Bija, which means seed providing the plausible origin of the term seed sound. 

Each chakra has its own bija-mantra. A bija mantra is a sacred vowel that represents and resonates with the vibrational frequencies of the chakra. The bija-mantras also have a visual representation in the form of a Sanskrit name, symbol, and lotus flower of a specific color. The auditory and visual representations of the bija-mantras provide the context to establish a relationship between sound, chakras, and the subtle energy system to enable an individual's consciousness the tools to visualize and engage their consciousness within the physical body. Meditation techniques that use the correlating bija mantras in chants stimulate the chakra to help promote the release of energetic and emotional stagnation within the subtle energy system, promoting energetic flow through the chakras enabling healing in the body. 

It is important to note that there are no references in any of the ancient Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine texts that associate a particular musical key with the chakras or dantiens. However, both traditions recognize chanting distinct vowel-driven sounds that are associated with regions of the body. Applying specific frequencies and/or keys to promote the release of energetic or emotional stagnation within the subtle energy system is a relatively modern phenomenon. Aspects of musical theory and pitch recognition have arguably existed for thousands of years. However, the ability to utilize electronic tuners to establish a root note or an oscilloscope to isolate a particular frequency is a phenomenon of modern times. Therefore, it is fair to reason that the ancient roots of the application of sound in subtle energy traditions had more to do with the general sound and intention than with a specific frequency or musical key.

The subtle energy system and the attempts to define it within the contexts of a visual system such as the chakras, dantiens, or meridians is an attempt for consciousness to visualize and understand consciousness. Using the C Major scale from first chakra (C) to seventh chakra (B) tuned to a Western concert pitch of A=440 should not be done out of a belief that these frequencies are better or somehow more healing than other frequencies and keys. Instead, offer a familiar structure and easily understandable representation that a person can utilize in facilitating the sonic connection to and visualization of their consciousness as expressed in the paradigms of accepted subtle energy systems. 

It could be argued that all sound has holistic applications and therapeutic potential. However, the relative effectiveness of the sounds as a holistic health tool will correlate directly to a person's ability to resonate positively with those sounds. Familiarity with key and tunning within a culturally established musical paradigm is essential insofar as the need to develop a sense of relaxation and generate a connection between the individual and the tones being applied. Additionally, the sound is a medium that provides a visceral connection to the act of emotional and energetic stagnation release through concepts such as entrainment and tunning, giving the individual receiving a treatment or session a tool for their consciousness to engage in an active exercise of freedom.

Chakras: Locations, Colors,
Keys & Associations:

1st Chakra – MULADHARA
Root Chakra (Survival)
Color: Red
Key: C
Survival/Basic Needs/Grounding/Anger/Passion

The first chakra or root or base chakra is located at the base of the spine. This is a source of great energy and is the first of the seven chakras in terms of where it is located on your body. Your first chakra is associated with your connection to a tribal force and your sense of belonging in the world. Issues to do with one's family, religious upbringing, family values, and family belief systems also feature here. It symbolizes the physical plane of existence both the earth and your physical body. This being true, it's not surprising that the first chakra is known to be the source of self-preservation and survival. When this first chakra energy is disrupted, you may be more liable to feel alone in the world, be afraid for your safety, and feel disconnected from other people. You're also likely to feel ungrounded, lacking a strong connection to the earth or your body. Energetically, when the first chakra is disrupted you can feel you have no real "roots."

Red is a vibrant color that stimulates the body.

Too much red can overexcite and even cause anger. People with high blood pressure or anxiety may wish to avoid wearing too much red. This color can be used therapeutically for energy conditions associated with low blood pressure, inactivity, and impotence.

2nd Chakra - SVADISHTHANA
Sacral Chakra (Sexuality)
Color: Orange
Key: D
Sexuality/Male-Female Energies

The second chakra or sacral chakra is situated at the base of the genital organ. It is associated with the element of water, is often called the sexual chakra, because sexual energy is believed to originate there. But the second chakra is much more than simply a sex chakra; it is the seat of creativity.

Sexual energy usually refers to an energy exchange between two people and so this chakra is also concerned with the nature of energy exchange between yourself and another (partner, lover, boss, family members, neighbors etc). This chakra is located at the sacrum, which is the densest bone in the spinal column.

When the second chakra is closed or blocked, it can make the entire person appear lifeless. A blocked second chakra can cut you off from your emotions, and you may feel removed from an interest in sexuality. On the other hand, if your second chakra is excessively open, emotions can sometimes rule your being, creating an unbalanced system overall.

Orange can stimulate the respiratory and nervous systems and bring joy, making it useful for depression or melancholy. It is associated with the sacral chakra, so it can benefit the kidneys and urinary systems. The sacral chakra is also related to the adrenal glands, so orange can help to balance adrenal depletion or exhaustion resulting from chronic stress or overwork.

3rd Chakra – MANIPURA
Solar Plexus Chakra (Power)
Color: Yellow
Key: E
Personal Power vs. Power Over Others

The third chakra or solar plexus chakra is near the navel (lumbar or epigastric plexus). The third chakra is associated with personal power. People who are empowered have high positive energy emanating from their third chakras. Knowing that you can move things forward in your life in order to learn, grow, and live well is closely related to having a clear third chakra.

Individual charisma is also generated in this energetic region. Conversely, people who don't trust their own perceptions or feel confident in their own decisions may experience disruptions in this chakra.

When the third chakra is closed or blocked, it can lead to a lack of energy, fatigue, and a yearning to be quiet and shut down. During times when this chakra is blocked, confrontations with others can be very hard to initiate or even tolerate. It can often appear that the whole world is against one. Blockage can also lead to problems building and sustaining interpersonal relationships based on equality.

Yellow is associated with the solar plexus chakra. An imbalance in the solar plexus can manifest as fear, apprehension, introversion or power issues, which this color can help to balance. Yellow is associated with the intellect and mental processes. It can be used therapeutically for people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis due to its vibrational link to calcium metabolism. In addition to the metabolic system, the solar plexus affects the digestive system and is related to the eyes.

4th Chakra  - ANAHATA
Heart Chakra (Love)
Color: Green
Key: F
Putting “Heart” into things

The forth chakra or heart chakra is in the region of the heart - its location is near the heart (specifically in the center of our chest and not over to the left-hand side, where the physical heart is located) and because of the emotions it is associated with.

The fourth chakra is associated with a gradual increasing of consciousness, as it sits between the lower three and upper three chakras. However, primarily, it is the center of unconditional love. When a person becomes disconnected from their heart and the emotions associated with this region, the fourth chakra becomes closed off. This often results in both low energy and shallow breathing. At times when you're feeling a fourth chakra blockage, you might even feel that it's difficult to breathe.

Emotionally, when this chakra is blocked, you're likely to feel wounded or victimized. Often this will be due to trying to work out past problems. People who have studied chakras liken this kind of chakra disruption to a hurt child inside of us, going over and over past scenes of hurt, trying to get closure on difficult events. If this kind of inner turmoil happens on an ongoing basis without relief, the overall effect can be a feeling of being stuck in the past. When the energy from the fourth chakra is disrupted, you may have trouble protecting yourself from emotional harm because you generally feel raw and emotionally  vulnerable.

When the fourth chakra is open and energy is flowing positively, far different feelings result. For example, you are likely to feel open, loving, and compassionate to those around you and to be very accepting of people for who they are.

Green is a color that can help bring balance to the body and help purify and cleanse. It is related to the heart chakra, so it can help with issues stemming from too much or too little self love or rejection.

5th Chakra – VISUDDHA, Throat Chakra (Communication)
Color: Blue
Key: G
Speaking one’s truth

The fifth chakra or throat chakra is located at the juncture of the spinal column and the medulla oblongata, behind the throat. The fifth chakra is associated with acts of communication, including speaking the truth or finding creative ways for self-expression. It is located at the base of the throat and is often called the throat chakra.

This chakra is associated with sound in general. The meaning of your own personal truth is central to this chakra. The more free-flowing the energy of this chakra, the more you are able to speak your truth without fearing the consequences — or at least without letting external forces stop you from doing it. When the throat chakra is too open, you may talk more than other people would like and may not listen closely enough.

On a different level, this chakra is also associated with personal will. When the chakra is very open, your will can be excessively strong; when it is closed, your will can seem nonexistent. However, at times when the fifth chakra is in balance, your will is aligned with divine will. During such periods, you're likely to feel that things are going your way, rather than having to fight against the current in order to reach your goals.

When your fifth chakra is disrupted, personal truths can become harder to express. You may even become afraid to speak your opinions or feel unsure about what you might say. Issues of the will can also come to the fore during these negative times. For example, you may feel that when things go wrong, others are entirely to blame and when things go right, it's solely your will that created the success. Such exaggerated and absolute thinking is often connected to disruptions in the fifth chakra.

Blue is associated with the throat chakra and is responsible for strengthening the immune system against disease. It is also involved in improving communication. Blue can have an anti inflammatory effect. It calms and strengthens the voice, and can help to improve verbal expression.

6th Chakra  - AJNA, Third Eye Chakra (Soul Travel)
Color: Indigo
Key: A
Seeing Clearly

The sixth chakra or third eye chakra is situated between the eyebrows. The sixth chakra is associated both with light and with psychic abilities. This chakra provides a source of inner knowing (intuition), as well as an objective reflection of how things are. By being focused on a commitment to the truth and flexibility of thought, people with clear sixth chakras usually have a sense of life's realities that surpasses usual conscious barriers. 

For this reason, the sixth chakra is connected with higher levels of wisdom and a level disposition. It also concerns itself with our particular vision of deity.

When this chakra is closed or blocked, you may have trouble seeing the big picture of events that are unfolding in your life. The truth of matters can be dwarfed in details, and you may become easily confused. At times like these, you can sometimes overlook the subtler forces in any situation because you're so busy giving attention to literal details. You may also find that you have a tendency to judge people and events pretty harshly.

Indigo is a very calming and sedating color. Indego is related to the brow chakra. It can help to balance energy when there is high blood pressure, migraine, asthma, anxiety and skin irritation. It is a protective color that helps to protect you during challenging times by strengthening intuition and insight.

7th Chakra – SAHASRARA, Crown Chakra (Pure Consciousness)
Color: Violet
Key: B
Top of head

The seventh chakra or crown chakra is the 'Lotus of a Thousand Petals' located about four finger-breadths above the crown of the head. The seventh chakra is associated with thought it is also known as the Guru Chakra. It signifies our relationship to all things and the unity of everything. This chakra also symbolizes self-knowledge and spiritual consciousness.

It is located at the crown of the head, but it is connected with the entire muscular system, the skeletal system, the skin, and nervous system.

The seventh chakra is associated with a more profound spiritual connectedness than the other six chakras are. This chakra is the seat of higher wisdom and the energy that comes from it. The seventh chakra is thought to give access to the infinite intelligence that exists in the universe and is our key to opening the door to it. This chakra allows for self-expression on higher spiritual levels. When asking the question, "Who am I, really?" you are tapping into the energy of your seventh chakra.

When this chakra is closed or blocked, you can feel cut off from spirituality. At such times, your relationship with the divine becomes limited, and fears of the spiritual side of life can be magnified. Disruptions in your seventh chakra can also amount to the inability to gain closure on unfinished business. Such problems have the potential to end up as a real thorn in your side. Most of all, lack of flow in your seventh chakra leads to an inability to live in the present. People with blocked seventh chakra energy seem to always be either revisiting their past or looking ahead to the future.

Purple is associated with spirituality, being linked to the crown chakra. It can help when personal transformation is desired, and can also help to bring self respect and inner wisdom, which is a vital aspect of self healing.

References

Dale, C. (2009). The subtle body: An encyclopedia of your energetic anatomy. Sounds True. 

Schulz, M. L. (1999). Awakening intuition. Bantam.

Wauters, A. (2010). The Complete Guide to Chakras: Unleash the positive power within. Barron's.