Colour Therapies

The most important source of energy for humans is sunlight. We already know that the entire spectrum of colors is derived from light. Light enters our bodies from our eyes, triggers a hormonal reaction and affects our biochemical rhythms. Thus, light has the ability to influence our physical and psychological well being.

What Is Colour Therapy?

The fact that light influences our bodily functions and working has already been well established. Colour therapy works on this very premise. It uses different colours to balance the chakras of the human body and restore energies that have been depleted. Different colours have different frequencies, wavelengths and properties and hence are used for different purposes.

Light is made up of seven colour energies. Commonly known as the seven colours of the rainbow, these are: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. Each colour has its own properties that connect to various areas of the body. Each colour also affects the body in different physical, psychological and emotional ways. Colour therapy explores the influence of each of the seven colours and then uses these colours to create the desired effect in the patient’s body.

Colour therapy is not something that occurs only in a clinic. It can be used and applied in our daily lives as well. For example: If you wake up in the morning feeling lethargic and a lack of energy, wearing a red tie to work can perk you up significantly. Putting a spray of yellow daisies in a sick room can make the patient feel much better and healthier.

The Psychology Of Colours

Some colors pick you up when you’re feeling blue while others help calm an agitated mind. Even expressions we use in our daily lives reflect how colours influence our moods. Example: Green with envy, red with jealousy, purple for passion, sunshine yellow and pink with health are all descriptions that indicate the influence of colours.

Red: Vibrant, brave and self-assured

Red is a colour that affects the base or root chakra and gives energy from the Earth. It can be a good colour to use when you are feeling lethargic or need to create a high-energy environment. It is the colour of choice for ambitious people who want to move ahead in life.

However, too much red denotes anger and can be harmful. Red should never be used in the bedroom since it can interfere with peaceful sleep.

People with a red aura are generally full of courage, confident, honest, extroverts, spontaneous and willing to help others. They are go-getters who know how to get the job done.

Orange: Happy, confident and resourceful

The colour orange governs the spleen or sacral chakra and is the colour that governs emotional well-being. It is a good colour to add to your office environment since it brings positive emotions into the work place.

People with an orange aura are generally sociable; happy go lucky, energetic, constructive and a great addition to any party.

Yellow: Wise, organized and self-respectful

The colour yellow governs the solar plexus chakra. Yellow is the colour of organized thought. It stimulates curiosity and awareness, decision-making, discrimination and discernment and in general all cognitive functions. It denotes an optimistic attitude.

Conversely, pale yellow may be the colour of sickness and a dull yellow may denote fear.

Green: Love, self-control and balance

Green governs the heart chakra. It is the colour of unconditional love and healing. It rejuvenates, revives and revitalizes us physically, mentally and emotionally. It is the colour of peace and harmony. Dark green however, is associated with death while lime green or olive green are associated with negative emotions like envy.

People with a green aura are generally humble givers, loving, caring, nurturing and romantic.

Blue: Health, decision making and knowledge

Blue governs the throat chakra and is the colour that brings mental peace and calm. It has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and results in great relaxation and release of stress. It is often used to resolve sleep related problems. Blue is also associated with higher learning and knowledge.

Indigo: Mystical, intuitive and understanding

Indigo governs the brow chakra and connects us to our unconscious self. It is a colour that encourages imaginative thinking and increases dream activity. It is also said to encourage intuitive abilities.

Violet: Creative, inspirational and beautiful

Violet governs the crown chakra and is the colour of purity. It is a colour that connects us to our spiritual selves. It is also known to enhance artistic expression and creativity.

People who have a violet aura are generally strong spiritual leaders and have a very steady emotional state.

Application Of Colour Therapy

It is always better to seek a professional colour therapist to feel the complete benefits of colour therapy. A colour therapist can generally decipher which chakra needs to be healed with a few consultations and recommend appropriate treatment. Each therapist uses his own method of application. Here are some of the common applications of colour therapy.

• Light filters: A lightbox is used with a filter of the desired colour to treat the patient. Seasonal affective disorders are often treated by using a light box with a full spectrum light that imitates daylight.
   

• Coloured Silks: Another popular way to apply colour therapy is by placing a cloth of pure silk in the desired colour on the patient’s body. The dye used to colour the silk should be a natural dye. Also, while it is not necessary to remove one’s clothes when undergoing silk colour therapy, it is advisable not to wear any coloured clothing. Most professional therapists have a plain white gown on hand for patient’s to change into.
   

• Solarized water: Pour some clear spring water into a glass of the desired colour or a transparent glass that has been covered with a filter of the desired colour and place the water in the sun. The sunlight is absorbed within a few hours and the water is solarized. It lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can drink at your pace.

Does Colour Therapy Really Work?

Thus, there are many different ways to apply colour therapy. If you are wondering whether colour therapy really works then think about this. Colour therapy works on the principle that all colours affect different chakras in our body and the energies of these chakras can be balanced with relevant colours. If you believe that colours do affect our body, then you must believe in colour therapy as well. And if you believe that colours do not affect our body, then there is no real harm in trying colour therapy since there can be no side effects in any case!