Chromotherapy is the use of different coloured lights used to affect physical and mental health. It is a form of colour therapy.
Although many medical experts consider chromotherapy to be an experimental science, the use of the visible spectrum of coloured light as a type of medicine dates back to the ancient Egyptians.
Chromotherapy is an alternative holistic health treatment that many believe will help to heal physical, mental and spiritual ailments caused by an imbalance of energy.
Whether you consider this to be a science or hocus pocus, it is a relaxing experience, and we could all benefit from a bit of that.
Believed benefits of Chromotherapy
- Relaxation
- Less stress and anxiety
- Appetite boost
- Improved energy levels
- Aids those with sleep disorders
- Believed to help ease depression, particularly seasonal
It is important to note, that colour therapy may help ease some of the more serious conditions mentioned above, such as depression and insomnia, however, always speak to a medical professional if you are suffering from these conditions.
Origins of Colour Therapy
Colour Therapy, also known as Chromotherapy dates back to 2000 BC and was used around the world, including in ancient China, Greece, Egypt and India. In all these ancient civilisations, colour has been used as a medicine.
In India, ancient teaching looked at the Chakra system, around 1500 to 500 BC. The Chakra system believes the body has energy centres, 7 in total mainly located along the spine. They believe each energy centre relates to colour. It believes the energy centres are the organs, brain, lungs, stomach, immune system, metabolism, and emotions.
The teachings go, that the body needs to be exposed to colours to remain balanced and healthy.
How to use the colours
Chromotherapy lighting is a popular feature within luxury bathing and spa experiences.
There are Chromotherapy centres where you will lie on a massage table and a light will be above your head or full body, with alternating light colours shining on you for your therapy.
In gyms and spa’s you may also find saunas and heat therapy combined with chromotherapy lighting.
If you have access to Chromotherapy, try this for yourself. Some whirlpool baths, Jacuzzi, walk-in baths and hot tubs feature Chromotherapy lighting. It is becoming a popular feature on this type of at-home appliance, as people experiencing the many positive effects of Chromotherapy.
If you are looking to have a walk-in bath installed or buy one of the other products mentioned above, you will often find Chromotherapy lighting as an option when you make your purchase.
Chromotherapy, when combined with the other features for relaxation and self-care which you can get with a walk-in bath, can create an atmosphere for a holistic home remedy to many physical and mental conditions.
So which colour does what?
Red Light Therapy
Red light is a powerful colour, it brings warmth, energy and stimulation. Red is symbolic of the root chakra which is located at the base of your spine and is believed to be the primal energy centre.
Red light is used to give energy to those feeling tired and fatigued. It is believed to be good for blood circulation as it energises the organs and the senses.
It is also believed to be a natural pain reliever, helping relieve muscles pain and soreness and to help arthritis pain and protect against common illnesses such as the cold or flu.
Red light is also linked to the production of collagen, a protein in your body that makes up your tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles, and is a key ingredient in a lot of anti-ageing products.
Orange Light Therapy
An orange light is a very soothing colour due to the warm feeling it creates.
It is a healing light colour specifically used for those who suffer from conditions that cause abdominal pain as it is said to target pain in the stomach area. It is linked to the Sacral chakra located between the hips. Other physical conditions it is linked to are indigestion and constipation and bloating and cramps.
It is also believed to stimulate appetite and mental activity.
Yellow Light Therapy
Yellow light stimulates happiness, improving your mood and providing a feeling of optimism.
It is said to help provide mental inspiration and a general feeling of well-being. Yellow light is also said to increase the ability to absorb information.
Physically, it is linked to improving nerve-related conditions, strengthening the immune system, and to conditions that affect the stomach, liver and intestines. Purifying bloody, helping digestion and yellow light is also a natural skin purifier.
Green Light Therapy
Green light is the colour of healing and green light therapy is used to create a feeling of renewal and relaxation. It is said that the heart becomes healthier when exposed to green light. Green is symbolic of the heart chakra.
Green is the colour of nature and green light can help us to feel connected to the earth bringing a feeling of balance and harmony, relieving stress. It is also said to reduce swelling in joints and tissues.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is used for anti-anxiety treatment as it is said to provide mental relaxation. It is a calming colour.
Dark shades of blue can help people who suffer from insomnia and sleeping problems, due to their ability to put the mind to sleep, however light blue emitted from technology can affect your sleep quality.
Blue light is also believed to help break bad habits and unhealthy cravings. Blue light therapy is used to help treat depression.
Indigo Light Therapy
Indigo light is believed to be one of the most mentally stimulating colours on the light spectrum. It can enhance your creative thoughts and increase your imagination, and if used before bed it can provide more dream activity.
Indigo light therapy is also used to treat scalp psoriasis and for migraines and tension headaches.
Does light therapy work?
The effectiveness of chromotherapy is inconclusive. Whilst there are some reports and experiments out there that back up the claims of different light therapy, it is very difficult to back up with science.
However, we are all affected by light and colour on a daily basis and know how colour can trigger moods and other psychological reactions.
Colours have a huge effect on our minds and bodies; however, every person is different. What one person finds relaxing, for another may produce a feeling of anxiety.
The best part of having access to Chromotherapy in an at-home setting, such as built into a walk-in bath, is that you can experiment with the colour therapy for yourself.
Try each colour setting and see and feel your emotional and physical responses. Like everything, you will develop a personal preference and begin to learn for yourself which colours you find therapeutic and stimulating.
