The Beginnings of Chromotherapy

It has long been known that bright colours lift spirits and dull colours have a depressive effect. Architects and interior designers as well as we ourselves, albeit often unknowingly, have used colour to enhance our state of mind and bodily health. Healing with colour is known as chromotherapy and has been in existence since the 13th century. But even before this, we know that the ancient Persians practised some form of light and colour therapy.

The Psychology of Colour

The advertising industry woke up to the psychology of colour a long time ago. For example, a sugar manufacturer knew that he must not package his product in green, while beauty products packaged in brown would likely stay on the shelf forever. The colours of nature have influenced us and these influences are deeply-seated in our physiological and psychological make up.

Advertisers probably did not know why they chose the colours they did and rejected others, but the fact is that green denotes astringency and sugar is definitely not that. On the other hand, the popular blue used on sugar packaging stands for sweetness.

Even the Blind Can See

The response to colour is so deep-rooted in us that the lack of sight makes no difference. If the individual needs emotional peace psychically or physically, he will automatically choose the darker colours. If he needs to expend energy in creativity or outdoor activity, he will choose the brighter colours.

Shine a red light on a person with normal sight and his blood pressure will go up. Shine it on a blind person and his blood pressure would go up too. Colour gets through to everyone.

Healing with Colour

In chromotherapy, therapists focus a particular coloured light along with its complementary colour on the part of the body that is affected, or sometimes on the entire body. Treatment is carried on for predetermined time periods over several weeks. The therapist also advises his patients to use the right colours in their clothes and surroundings. As in homeopathy, the therapist takes a holistic approach to the problem. He notes the patient’s food habits and lifestyle, his previous medical history and his colour preferences.

Some therapists shine the coloured light on acupressure points on the body or on the chakras. It is believed that the chakras correlate with the endocrine system which has a direct influence upon the patient’s health.

Tried and Tested

Colour therapy is still in its early stages of development but health problems such as eczema, psoriasis, blood pressure disorders, insomnia, breathlessness, hyperactivity and depression have responded well to this form of alternative healing technique. It has also been seen that patients in hospital rooms painted orange or red heal faster than in those painted in drab colours.

Do it Yourself

You may try healing yourself with colour. Relax and close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Picking the colour you need to treat your particular problem, visualise yourself inhaling the colour. Direct the colour to the affected part of your body. Do this for ten to fifteen minutes every day over a couple of weeks and you’ll notice a difference. You could increase the number of weeks according to the seriousness of the problem. Here’s a colour table to help you pick the right colour.

• Red: Stimulates, increases vitality. Stimulates nervous system, speeds up growth, increases blood pressure, releases adrenaline. Prescribed for anemia, depression, low blood pressure, arthritis. Complementary colour- turquoise.
• Orange: Antidepressant, encourages enthusiasm and laughter; stimulates digestive, metabolic and respiratory systems. Prescribed for gallstones, bronchitis, asthma, coughs. Complementary colour – blue..
• Yellow: Stimulates intellect, promotes detachment, improves scar tissue healing, digestion, bowel movement, reduces lethargy. Prescribed for arthritis, lethargy. Complementary colour: violet.
• Green: Promotes mental flexibility and harmony, calms nerves and heart palpitations, soothes stomach. Prescribed for ulcers, boils, insomnia. Complementary colour – magenta.
• Turquoise: Refreshing, cooling, promotes objectivity, relieves pressure and pain, reduces inflammation. Prescribed for eczema, colitis, psoriasis. Complementary colour – red.
• Blue: Relaxes, reduces blood pressure, recharges energy, helps healing. Prescribed for headache, menstrual pain, rheumatism. Complementary colour – orange.
• Violet: Induces peacefulness, promotes individuality and self-esteem, lowers heart-rate, induces sleep, calms mind and body. Prescribed for dermatitis, epilepsy, bladder problems. Complementary colour: yellow.
• Magenta: Increases composure and self-respect, stimulates genitals and vitality, revitalises spine. Prescribed for headaches, sexual dysfunction. Complementary colour — green.

Read more about colour therapy in the next article Colour Therapy – 2.