Chromotherapy

 

Chromotherapy, or colour therapy, is a holistic, complimentary / alternative method of therapy used for the healing and treatment of various afflictions. Colour therapy is classified as a vibrational healing modality (the use of chi energies within living organisms such as plants, gemstones and crystals, water, sunlight, and sound) and uses the frequencies created by various colours to restore balance to the body.

Colour is simply light of varying wavelengths and frequencies which make up just a small part of the Electromagnetic spectrum, and, as such, is a form of energy that is used in Colour Therapy. The history of colour healing has its roots in ancient Egypt, indicating that color therapy has a connection with ancient civilizations of Atlantis, Lemuria, Mu, and Alatia. Some 2,500 years ago, Pythagoras applied colour light therapeutically, and ‘colour halls’ were used for healing in ancient Egypt, China and India, from where ancient texts exist as evidence of this type of therapy dating back thousands of years. It is often facilitated in the healing rooms of alternative health practitioners.

Colour Therapy can be used for physical, mental, emotional or spiritual problems, and as an over all relaxation therapy. It is safe and effective, either alone or alongside any other therapy (whether complementary or orthodox medicine) for adults, children, babies and animals alike, and is best used as a supportive therapy along with other natural methods of preserving health such as correct diet, adequate rest and relaxation, exercise, yogic asanas, etc. No complementary therapy should ever be considered as the only alternative to orthodox medical advice.

 

How Does Chromotherapy Work?

 

Based on the fact that all matter has a vibration and operates on a specific frequency, including human beings, colour is used to channel balance and equilibrium where it is needed. These different frequencies of light, or colour, can have a profound and healing effect on all creation, human or otherwise. Colour Therapy aims to balance our body's energy centres / chakras by using the seven colours of the light spectrum as a catalyst, including sunlight, which can help to stimulate the body's own healing process.

Each of the spectrum colours is simply light of varying wavelengths with its own particular energy. This energy resonates with the energy of one of each of the seven main chakras of the body. By applying the appropriate colour / energy to the chakras, symmetry and equilibrium are restored, stimulating good health. A therapist trained in colour therapy applies light and color in the form of tools (gemstones, crystals, candles, lasers, fabrics), visualization, or verbal suggestion to balance energy in the areas of our bodies that are lacking vibrancy, be it physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental.

 

 

 

 

The pioneer of modern colour therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark. Following the discovery, in 1877, of the bactericidal action of solar ultra-violet energy, Finsen studied the possibility of assisting the healing of wounds with visible light. He subsequently used red light to inhibit the formation of smallpox scars and, in 1896, founded a Light Institute (now the Finsen Institute of Copenhagen) for the phototreatment of tuberculosis. In 1932, Gerrard and Hessay, two Californian psychologists, scientifically established that blue light had a calming effect and red a stimulating power on human beings.

Blue and red colours are considered at the two extremes with yellow representing the midpoint. These are also the three principal colours in a rainbow. Violet has the shortest wavelength and red the longest wavelength. A patient is first subjected to an examination to ascertain which colour he lacks. The deficiency is determined by observing the colour of the eyeballs, nails, urine and excrement. In cases of the lack of red the eyes and nails will be bluish, and the urine and excrement white or bluish. If there is a deficiency of the blue colour, the eyes and nails will be reddish and urine and excrement yellowish or red.

Every substance on earth contains colour. Even the rays cast on earth by celestial bodies contain colour in the form of white light. The rays of the sun contain seven different colours - violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red, which all correspond to the chakras of the body. These are natural colours which are highly beneficial to the maintenance of health and for healing diseases. According to Dr. Babbit, a well-known authority on chromotherapy, 'sunlight' is the principal curative agent in nature’s laboratory and where light cannot enter, disease does. Chlorosis, anaemia, leukaemia, emaciation, muscular debility, degeneration of heart and liver, dropsical effusion, softening of bones, nervous excitability, physical deformity, stunted growth and consumption are the result of excluding oneself from the beneficial effects of sunlight.”

Sunlight plays an important role in the recovery from chronic diseases. Judicious use of sunlight can be part of the curing process in almost every affliction. The rays of the sun improve digestion and nutrition, quicken blood and lymph circulation and increase the elimination of impurities through the skin.

 

 

 

Actions & Effects

The action and effect of various colours on the body and their healing qualities are listed below, together with the corresponding chakra and it's influences.

 

Violet

 

 

VIOLET/PURPLE in Colour Therapy relates to the CROWN chakra which is situated at the top of the head.

The related organs to this chakra are the brain, the cerebral cortex, cerebrum and the central nervous system. The endocrine gland is the pineal gland. The element is thought and cosmic consciousness.

Violet relates to self knowledge and spiritual awareness. It is the union with your higher self, with spirituality, and your higher consciousness. The seventh chakra is the foundation of our spiritual body and links us to the highest guidance, the creation. It influences spiritual will, inspiration, idealism and celestial knowledge it is our connection with the universe. Violet is the highest colour in the visible spectrum. This colour is known as one of the 'cool' colours. It has a very calming effect on us and is, therefore, very helpful for those people experiencing sleep difficulties or stress. However, it can be contra-indicated for those suffering from depressive disorders.

Some of the associated problems relating to the crown chakra are: depression, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Senile dementia, Alzheimer's , many mental disorders, confusion and dizziness.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
Reverence for all life	Feelings of superiority
Outstanding in their chosen job	Flaunt power
Great mental powers	Morbid interest in black magic or Spiritual awareness mysticism
Humanitarians	No concern for others
Pure idealists	Fanatics
Self sacrificing	Lack of contact with reality
Kind and just

Using Violet in Colour Therapy

Violet, being the colour relating to our spiritual connection, can be very helpful for meditation and any spiritual matters. Violet is beneficial in the treatment of nervous and emotional disturbances, arthritis, acute cases of consumption and insomnia. Purple or indigo combines the blood-warming red and the cooling antiseptic blue. It is an excellent stimulant without being an irritant. It is beneficial in the treatment of headaches, worry and anxiety, immune disorders, metal and cognitive problems, constipation, leucorrhoea, many disorders of the stomach and womb, cataract, migraine and skin disorders. It exerts a soothing effect on the eyes, ears and the nervous system. 

 

 

 

Indigo

 

 

INDIGO in Colour Therapy relates to the BROW chakra or third eye which is situated in the centre of the forehead.

The related organs to this chakra are the brain, eyes, lower head and sinuses, and the endocrine gland is the pituitary gland. The element is light.

Indigo relates to self responsibility, that is to say, being responsible for one's own life; responsibility to oneself to follow the soul's path and needs. Trusting one's own intuition is at the seat of this chakra. The third eye chakra influences our capacity to see things that are yet to come into being or clairvoyance it is the foundation of our psychic powers. The ability to see things from a 'higher' viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one's material comfort. Intuitive messages are unique to you and are for your own personal growth and differ from the gut feelings.

Some of the associated problems relating to the brow chakra are: tension headache, migraine, visual defects, short-sightedness, long-sightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, catarrh, sinus problems, some ear problems.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
Highly intuitive	Separateness
Faithful	Fearful
Sense of unity	Intolerant
Fearless	Impractical
Devotion to duty	Judgmental
Articulate	Inconsiderate
Practical idealists	Depressed easily

Using Indigo in Colour Therapy

Indigo is a sedative and it helps to open up our intuition. It is the colour of divine knowledge and the higher mind. Blue can alleviate visual and sinus problems, headaches and nightmares, and can also help gain clarity and analysis of circumstances. It helps improve concentration and alleviates psychological problems, panic attacks and depression. Indigo can also be helpful for meditation as it is the colour relating to our intuition. Not suitable for areas for entertainment but for more 'quiet' places. Bedrooms or treatment rooms for example. Some people find indigo is helpful for studying so this colour could be used as part of the decor of a library or study.

 

 

Blue

 

 

BLUE in Colour Therapy relates to the THROAT Chakra and is situated in the throat.

Associated organ is the throat, physically it influences the mouth, teeth, throat, thyroid gland and the immune system, and the endocrine gland is the thyroid gland. The upper digestive tract can be affected by imbalance in this area. The element is ether.

Blue relates to self expression. Speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and requirements. Spirit of truth and purpose. It influences communication, dreaming, artistic expression, good judgment, self belief, wisdom, truthfulness, out of body experiences and clairaudience. Cool, soothing and sedative, blue alleviates pain, reduces bleeding and heals burns.

Some associated problems relating to the throat chakra are: thyroid problems, 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.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
loyal	unfaithful
tactful	untrustworthy
trustworthy	self-righteous
peaceful	cold

Using Blue in Colour Therapy

BLUE is calming, relaxing and healing. Not as sedating as indigo, it is the colour of communication. Blue is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, colic, asthma, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and skin aberrations.  Can be used in any rooms except those used for physical activity or play.

 

 

Green

 

 

GREEN in Colour Therapy relates to the HEART chakra, and is situated in the centre of the chest.

The organs associated with this chakra are the heart and lungs, and it influences blood circulation. The gland is the thymus gland. The element is air.

The fourth chakra is the convergence point between our physical (first three chakras) and our spiritual (last three chakras) body, it is driven by love. It influences forgiveness, compassion, empathy, trust, equilibrium and ease with our life. This chakra also relates to love and self love: the ability to give and take unconditionally. When balanced we are able to give this love and also to love and nurture ourselves. Green is regarded as a colour of harmony. It is a mild sedative.

Some associated problems relating to the heart chakra are: heart diseases, diseases of the immune system, for example, Aids and ME (myalgia encephalomyelitis, sometimes referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome or post viral syndrome), other problems related to the immune system and allergies, cancer of the breast.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
generous	unscrupulous with money
sympathetic	indifferent
compassionate	jealous
understanding	miserly
harmonious	hangs on to possessions
adaptable	lack of consideration
practical
love of children, animals and nature

Using Green in Colour Therapy

Green is a balancing colour, in the middle of the visible spectrum. The higher three colours are known as the 'cool' colours and are calming in effect, the lower three are known as the 'warm' colours and have a stimulating effect. Green is the balance between these two. It is useful in the treatment of nervous conditions, hay fever, ulcers, influenza, malaria, colds, sexual disorders and cancer. It preserves and strengthens eyesight. Being highly medicinal and depressive, it is of great help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. When a therapist comes to the end of a colour therapy treatment, he / she will use green as a balancing colour at the end of a treatment. Green is the colour of balance and harmony and can, therefore, be helpful in times of stress. If one has experienced a trauma, a green silk wrapped around the shoulders can have a very therapeutic effect.

 

 

Yellow

 

 

YELLOW in Colour Therapy relates to the SOLAR PLEXUS chakra, situated near the navel.

This chakra physically involves the liver, spleen, gall bladder, stomach, small intestine and the nervous system. The endocrine gland is the pancreas. The element is fire.

On the psycho-spiritual level, yellow relates to self worth, self acceptance and confidence, and personal power. How we feel about ourselves and how we feel others perceive us. This is the area of the personality, the ego and the intellect, and emotional issues. Associated with joy and happiness, it enables us to pick up vibrations and essences from people, places and things. Being aware of an imbalance of the third chakra is very important because it highlights our understanding of our own inner workings. This allows us to look within and reclaim the balance, our own power, allowing us to move forward with self-confidence.

Some of the associated problems with the sacral chakra are:-diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, peptic ulcer, Coeliac's disease, gall stones.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
broad minded	vindictive
good humored	looks for flattery
confident	feelings of inferiority
wise	over analytical
logical	pessimistic
positive and good humored	cowardly
intellectual	devious

Using Yellow in Colour Therapy

Yellow is one of the three colours in the lower half of the visible spectrum It is known as a "warm" colour and has a stimulating effect. It is the colour of the intellect and can be very helpful with study and where concentration is required. Yellow can help deal with anger and frustration, as well as problems dealing with power and authority. yellow is laxative and diuretic. It is a stimulant to the brain, the liver and the spleen. It is also effective in the treatment of ulcers, diabetes, indigestion, kidney and liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphilis and impotence.

 

 

Orange

 

 

ORANGE in Colour Therapy relates to the SACRAL chakra situated in the lower abdomen.

The organs to which this chakra relates are the kidneys, bladder and the reproductive glands. The endocrine glands are the adrenals, the ovaries and testes. The element is water.

On the psycho-spiritual level, this chakra relates to self respect and is symbolic of prosperity and pride. It is the source of creativity and inspiration. The second chakra is the foundation of the emotional body, it influences our ability to feel emotions, sensations and atmospheres, and controls our ability to let go of our emotions. It influences our sexuality and sensuality, physical force, sexual and ardent love, open-mindedness and our ability to yield and cooperate with other people.

Some of the associated problems relating to the sacral chakra are: premenstrual syndrome, problems with menstrual flow, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, prostate disease.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
Joyous	Despondency
Self-confident	Pride
Enthusiastic	Exhibitionism
Independent	Dependency
Sociable	Destructive attitudes
Constructive	Unsociable
Creative	Difficulty interacting with others

Using Orange in Colour Therapy

It is interesting that orange is the colour which is the least popular and the associated issues of orange and the sacral chakra seem to be an area which people find the most difficulty working on. But orange is such a good colour for us in many ways. It is useful for stimulating blood supply and energising the nerves. It is beneficial in the treatment of kidney and gallstones, hernia and appendicitis. It is also used to stimulate the milk producing action of breasts after childbirth. This is an excellent colour for creativity. It promotes tolerance and patience which in turn helps us to relate with others in a positive manner. Orange encourages intuition, a good frame of mind, energy and success. In the physical orange can help with bladder infections, impotence or frigidity and problems with the reproductive organs and fertility. In the home environment, orange is the colour of fun and sociability and can be used in any activity area and creative areas. It also stimulates the appetite, but is not ideal for bedrooms or areas of possible stress.

 

 

Red

 

RED in Colour Therapy relates to the BASE chakra situated at the base of the spine.

The body part associated with this chakra is the root or base, located at the perineum. The endocrine gland to which this colour relates is the adrenal gland. The element is earth.

On the psycho-spiritual level, this chakra relates to self awareness. That is to say our awareness of ourselves as human beings and our place on earth.The first chakra is the foundation of the physical body; it stimulates vital forces throughout our body and assists in keeping us grounded to the earth. It influences our immune system, our energy, basic impulses, instincts, endurance and fight or flight reactions. This chakra is the base of the six other chakras and it deals with survival including the need for food, shelter and protection. Red gives us courage and strength. The colour relates to stability and security.

Some problems associated with the base chakra are: constipation, diarrhea, piles, colitis, Crohn's disease, cold fingers and toes, frequency of urination, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney stones, impotence, problems with hips, legs and feet.

 

Positive aspects of this colour	Negative aspects of this colour
Courageous	Fearful
Pioneering spirit	Fear of progress
Leadership qualities	Ruthless
Strong willed	Brutal/ Aggressive
Confident	Domineering
Energetic	Resentful
Determined	Self pitying
Spontaneous	Obstinate
	Quick tempered

Using Red in Colour Therapy

Symbolic of heat, fire and anger. It is a stimulating and energising colour. It stimulates arterial blood flow and brings warmth to cool extremities. Used as a general tonic, it is very valuable in the treatment of problems like low blood pressure, tiredness and lethargy, rheumatism, paralysis, anaemia, advanced cases of tuberculosis and to boost sluggish circulation. Red should not be used on anyone, with hypertension/high blood pressure since this colour increases blood flow. Pink may be used instead in such cases. Red, in its most positive sense, is the colour for courage, strength and pioneering spirit. However, in the most negative aspect, it is the colour of anger. In the home, red is energising and excites the emotions, and can stimulate the appetite. It can be used in any activity area but red needs careful choice of tone and depth and the space in which it is to be used as it can make a space look smaller and can be claustrophobic or oppressive. However, used well, red and its variations, can make a space feel warm and cosy.