Healing with Colour

Circle Of Wellness
Healing with Colour
Emotional

Colour metaphors are often used to describe human emotions, such as ‘in the pink of health’, ‘to turn red in the face’ or even ‘a fit of blues’. Time and again we associate colours with our feelings. The reality is that colours influence our emotional and physical health, and possess healing properties that can restore our inner harmony.

Though it is mentioned in modern texts, colour therapy, the ancient art of using colour and light to treat illnesses, can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Healing with colour is also mentioned in Ayurveda and early Indian scriptures such as the Atharvaveda.

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy is an alternative treatment that is gaining in popularity. There have been many reports of diseases being successfully treated with chromotherapy, where traditional medicines have failed. Many studies have shown the colour spectrum being successfully deployed in combination with other remedies to heal ailments ranging from common migraines, to arthritis and cancer.

When light waves of certain wavelengths fall on the photoreceptors in our retinas, they are identified as a particular colour. Everything that we see emits colours, including us. Moreover, each of the different type of atoms in our bodies vibrates at a unique frequency, corresponding to different colours in the spectrum. Different organs at have different resonations matching different colour wavelengths. By being in harmony with our bodily energies, colours can affect the human body by suppressing or strengthening their vibrations.

Colour therapy today is practised across the globe in many forms. From photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of cancer, to colour puncture (a combination of chromotherapy and acupuncture), or Feng Shui experts bringing in certain colours into our homes for harmony, colour therapy plays many diverse roles.

Each of the seven colours of the spectrum resonates with one of the seven chakras (energy centres) of our body. An aura of a healthy person emits pure colours. Any changes in colour indicate some form of illness. Colour therapy is useful to reinstate these chakras by applying the appropriate colours to the body.

• Violet – Violet has the shortest wavelength, and in the human body, this colour relates to the crown chakra at the top of the head. It radiates cleansing, strengthening and awakening properties. It is useful in suppressing appetite and providing a peaceful and spiritual environment. This colour is good for boosting immunity and morale for those with cancer, as well as arthritis. Violet is also great colour for treating headaches and migraines.

• Indigo – This is the colour of the brow chakra or the ‘third eye’, which is in the centre of the forehead. Indigo is a useful colour for treating immunity problems and sinusitis. This colour has calming effects on the neuro-muscular, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. However, too much exposure to this colour can cause depression.

• Green – Green connects with the heart chakra, and has a soothing effect on it. Research has shown that arteries expand when green light rays penetrate the body. Naturally, it is a good colour for cardiac conditions, hypertension and ulcers. Psychologically, this colour induces positive thinking and is therefore prescribed for stress management. Excessive exposure to this colour is said to have detrimental effects on the pituitary gland and muscular tissues.

• Yellow – This colour is to the motor mechanisms of the body, and relates to the solar plexus chakra, situated below the ribs. It stimulates appetite, aids digestion, energises, improves memory and relieves depression. Psycho-spiritually, yellow relates to self worth. Excessive contact with this colour can induce acidity, colitis or haemorrhoids.

• Orange – Orange unites with sacral chakra above the abdomen, and depicts enthusiasm, joy and wisdom. This colour helps the body to increase resistance against infections, and is used to heal stiffness and spasms. It strengthens the metabolism rate, lung function, spleen and pancreas. On a mental level yellow is linked to self-respect and mutual ‘give and take’ within our relationships with others.

• Red – Red has the longest wavelength among all colours. Relating to the base chakra at the end of the spine, this colour stimulates sexual glands, brain activity, increases heart rate, respiration and enhances reactivity and circulation of the blood. Due to the colour’s firing effects, red is often prescribed in combination with green and blue colours for proper treatment. Since, red stimulates sexual glands, it is said that women who have difficulty conceiving should try using a red lamp in their bedrooms. Spiritually, this is the colour of self-awareness and induces assertiveness, courage and will power.

Some combinations of two or more colours have also been found to be useful to the body:

• Pink (red and white) – In a contrast to red, pink has tranquilizing and calming effects within minutes of exposure. It saps aggression, hostility and anxiousness. Pink has reportedly been used in prisons for this reason.

• Lemon (yellow and green) – This colour has laxative properties and energises the cerebrum. It also has antacid properties.

• Lavender (violet and blue) – The colour of equilibrium, lavender aids spiritual awakening. This colour of divine freedom enhances immunity and boosts self-esteem.

• Dark Violet (red and blue) – This colour is a powerful analgesic and is used to treat symptoms of malaria.

• Purple (blue and red) –Purple is helpful in treating skin disorders and sinusitis.

Color therapy has other therapeutic applications. Research has shown that people with dyslexia can overcome their learning disabilities with the use of tinted glasses. Studies also suggest that many of the premature babies diagnosed with neo-natal jaundice, a potentially fatal condition, recovered successfully when exposed to blue light. Full-spectrum white light is commonly used to treat cancers, winter depression, anorexia, insomnia, jet lag, work-related stress (especially caused by shift-work), and drug or alcohol addiction.