Apart from the aesthetic beauty of colour that is visible all around us in nature, plants, and animals, colours contribute a great deal to the mind and emotions. Colour healing or therapy consists of certain molecular reactions that take place in the organs of the body through different colour rays.

Colours and their Effects

The ancient Egyptians believed that red, yellow, and blue corresponded to the body, soul, and spirit, respectively. Indian and Chinese mystics, as well as the Indian Ayurveda and Chinese systems of medicine, both refer to the science of colour as a power which can vitalise, enlighten, animate, heal, supply, inspire, and fulfil. They maintain that each individual is influenced by the seven major rays or colours of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Man has always attempted to introduce colour into his life; the old cave paintings are proof enough of this. ‘Enlightenment’ was synonymous with the power of light and colour to sustain life.

In the late 19th century, Edwin Babbit published The Principles of Light and Colour. This USA-based author attracted worldwide attention due to his theory of healing with colour. He described red as a stimulant of the blood and nerves; yellow and orange as nerve stimulants; blue and violet as anti-inflammatory and soothing. Investigations into the healing power of colour continued well into the 20th century. Max Luscher, a professor of psychology at Basle University, claimed that colour preferences indicated the state of mind and glandular balance, and could be used for physical and psychological diagnosis. Luscher’s theories found support among other scientists too.

Blue light has now been found successful in the treatment of jaundice, arthritis, cancers, and healing injured tissues. White is used in the treatment of cancers, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia, and alcohol and drug-related disorders. Red is considered effective for headaches and enhancing energy, while pink reduces violent tendencies by inducing a calm and tranquil effect. Modern-day healing with colour is actually a throwback to the ancient cultures of the world.

How Colour Therapy Works

It is believed that subtle energies from the environment are distributed through the body through seven power centres or chakras (wheels). This energy, in the form of light, is attracted by the aura surrounding the human body. Acting as a prism, the aura breaks the energy into seven streams, corresponding to the seven colours of the rainbow. Each colour is drawn to a particular chakra or energy centre. Any imbalance of energy in the chakras influences the corresponding gland, giving rise to hormonal changes, which, in turn, produce immediate changes in mood, appearance, respiration, digestion, and intelligence.

Healing with colours is based upon understanding the attributes associated with the chakras and the negative qualities that are manifested as a result of imbalances in the chakras.

Diagnostic Techniques

There are several techniques used by colour therapists for diagnosis of problems.

Dowsing: An ancient technique for detecting the flow of energies is dowsing. The amount and direction of energy flowing through a chakra is diagnosed through the swing of a pendulum. The wider the radius of
movement, the greater the energy flow. Fast movement indicates an overworked chakra, whereas, slow movement suggests a sluggish one. A clockwise movement shows an efficiently working chakra; an anti-clockwise movement indicates a blockage in energy.

Applied Kinesiology: The healer holds a colour at eye level with the left arm, and extends the right arm horizontally. As each colour is seen, he applies gentle downward pressure to the extended right arm. Lack of resistance to this pressure indicates that the person needs the influence of the colour he/she is looking at. Spinal Diagnosis: A personal specimen, usually a signature or photograph of the subject, is placed under a chart depicting the spine. The therapist moves the middle finger of his or her dominant hand above the chart, one vertebra at a time, to feel the sensations that arise. ‘Inactive’ vertebrae produce no sensations; ‘active’ ones produce hot, cold, or tingling sensations.

Treatment

Colours can be projected on to the body through lamps and filters. Full-spectrum lamps with special quartz filters are advised since they produce colours of all wavelengths and frequencies. Ordinary lights may be weaker in some wavelengths. Treatment through full-spectrum light should be done under the guidance of a trained therapist.

Indirect use of coloured light in the form of water being drunk from coloured glass containers, is also beneficial.

Therapists also believe that energies can be stimulated by encouraging daily exposure to certain colours. This can be done via clothes, accessories, foods.

Coloured gemstones can be worn as amulets and jewellery. Essential oils and flower essences are also used for treatment.

Precautions and Prospects

Though healing with colour therapy is good for altering mental states and some physical conditions, it must be remembered that wrong colour combinations can cause illness. Also, colour therapy is best used as an adjunct to other therapies and is not advisable as a total self-care method.

Now You Know

The healing power of colour on the mind and body is a scientifically accepted phenomenon today. Propagated initially by the Greeks, Indians, and Chinese, it maintains that energy, in the form of light, enters the body and is attracted towards the seven energy centres as seven different colours. Any inbalance in an energy centre is set right by exposing the body to the required colour.

Colours can be projected on to the body through lamps and filters, coloured glass containers for drinking water, gemstones, and oils and flower essences. Colour therapy is best used as a supplement to other healing methods.