Is Chromotherapy An Actual Thing?

 When I first started my regular infrared sauna sweats I would flick through the colour lights with the remote and pick one that I fancied that day.  I’d heard a bit about chromotherapy, but to be honest I thought it was all a bit woo woo. 

But then, as my wellness journey continued I read more into colour therapy.  I learned about chakras and realised the same colours I was flicking through in my sauna were the same colours that represent each chakra! Was there actually something in this?  Was there actual scientific benefits to chromotherapy? Being the geek that I am, I had to find out.

 Chromotherapy is the science of using coloured light to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that are said to result in good health and harmony.  Colour medicine has actually been studied for more than 2000 years!

 Colour therapy goes hand in hand with the ancient Indian Chakra system.  Chakras are the seven main energy wheels of the body which promote harmony between the body, mind and spirit. Each of the seven chakras contain energy that regulate the body’s functions, from organs to the immune system, metabolism, and emotions.  They are the invisible energy source that keeps us lively, active and vibrant each day.   Each chakra is governed by a certain colour, the colours follow the colours of the rainbow. Just like a chakra imbalance, a colour imbalance can manifest into physical and mental symptoms. 

 It does sound bizarre, but if you’ve ever tried an infrared sauna at Clear Mind Studio then you’ll know that it feels pretty much like that euphoric feeling of being on holiday somewhere warm and tropical relaxing in the sun, happy and content.  And having the chromotherapy lights on just emphasised that feeling. 

 It’s not just the ancient Indians that have researched this colour therapy concept, in 2015 Gul et al wrote a research paper entitled “Chromotherapy – An Effective Treatment Option or Just a Myth…”.  Results showed: “The studies have proved that chromotherapy has tremendous effects on diseases like cancer specially breast cancer, hematoma (red), hepatitis B (combination of various lights), hypertension, neonatal jaundice (blue light),  spondylosis,  peptic  ulcer  disease  (yellow  light),  depression  and  stress,  migraine  (green  light), hyperthyroidism (violet/blue light), alopecia (violet), colour blindness (blue/  green) and  various skin  infections specially cutaneous leishmaniasis (blue and  red).”

 So, turns out there’s actual hard science in chromotherapy.  I always did wonder why rainbows make me feel happy!!

 f you’d like to know more about what each colour can do for you the following is taken from Clear light Sauna’s website:

Violet

Violet is the last colour we can see before light passes-on to ultra-violet. This colour is an excellent remedy for neurosis, diseases of the scalp, sciatica, tumours, rheumatism, cerebral meningitis, concussion, cramps and epilepsy. Violet animates and cleans the venous blood. It is generally not used for physical conditions; however, some colour experts believe that it does provide nourishment to the cells in the upper brains. Violet purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us inspiration in all undertakings. The violet energy connects us to our spiritual self, bringing guidance, wisdom and inner strength, and enhances artistic talent and creativity. Leonardo da Vinci proclaimed that you can increase the power of meditation ten-fold by meditating under gentle rays of violet, as found in church windows.

 Blue

 Blue on the other hand is at the opposite end of the visible spectrum. Blue can be used for any types of ailments associated with speech, communication, or the throat. This is a mentally relaxing colour. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system encouraging great relaxation. It is ideal for sleep problems. Blue light connects us to holistic thought and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing communication and speech. Relaxing, soothing blue rays bring a great calm and peace of mind that is worried, or in an excited nervous state. It is a very positive colour, indicating loyalty and reliability, as expressed in the sentiment of being “true blue.”

 Green

Green is the universal healing colour. Green is midway in the colour spectrum. It contains both a physical nature and a spiritual nature in equal balance and in equal harmony.  Green can be used for just about any condition in need of healing. When in doubt, green will always work. It can help relax muscles, nerves and thoughts. Green cleanses and balances our energy to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony. Used primarily for balancing our whole being, it is neither relaxing nor astringent in its impact. In a more practical sense, green affects blood pressure and all conditions of the heart. Having both an energizing effect, moderating or soothing effect. Green can help heal many illnesses of this nature, specifically including heart troubles, decreasing and stabilizing blood pressure, ulcers, cancer, headaches, nervous disorders and influenza, and acts as a general tonic.

 Yellow

 Yellow helps awaken mental inspiration arousing higher mentality. Thus, it is an excellent colour for nervous or nerve-related conditions or ailments fuelling the solar plexus. Yellow has a very enriching effect upon the intellect. Yellow can be used for conditions of the stomach, liver and intestines. It can help the pores of the skin by repairing scarred tissue. These rays have an alkalizing effect which strengthens the nerves. Awakening, inspiring and vitally stimulating the higher mind promoting self-control. Typical diseases treated by yellow are constipation, gas, liver troubles, diabetes, eczema and nervous exhaustion. Providing clarity of thought, increasing awareness, stimulating interest and curiosity, yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive or understand. The yellow energy

connects us to our mental self.

 Orange

 Orange has a freeing action upon the mind, relieving repression. Because orange is a blend of red and yellow, it combines physical energy with mental wisdom, including a transformation between low physical reaction and higher mental response. Thus, it is often referred to as “The Wisdom Ray” Orange is warm, cheering and non-constricting. Through orange, we’re able to heal the physical body (red), and at the same time, induce within the mind (yellow) greater understanding. Orange helps assimilate new ideas. Orange is the best emotional stimulant, helping to remove inhibitions paving independent social behaviour, such as bringing joy to your workday and strengthen your appetite for life. Orange aids in repairing inflammation of the kidneys, gallstones,

menstrual cramps, epilepsy, wet cough and all sinus conditions.

 Red

 Red is called “The Great Energizer.” It loosens, releases stiffness and constrictions. Red is the first visible colour we see after the infrared band is passed. It promotes cellular growth, stimulating the “will” aspect, or the circulatory system. It is therefore indicated for all colds, sluggish or dormant conditions, such as pneumonia, arthritis, anaemia, as a liver stimulant, an energy builder, and for increasing circulation. Red links with and stimulates the base of the spine, causing the adrenal glands to release adrenalin. This results in greater strength. Red causes haemoglobin to multiply, thus increasing energy which raises body temperature conditions as it stimulates sensory nerves such as hearing, taste, smell, and activates metabolism. It is excellent for anaemia or blood-related conditions.