Colour Therapy: What is it, and How Can it Help You?
What is Colour Therapy?
It is believed that Colour Therapy (also called Chromatherapy) originated thousands of years ago, and was used in the ancient cultures of China, Egypt, and India.
The theory behind Colour Therapy is that each colour of the spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) is connected to the energy of each of the seven energy centres (chakras) of the body. When all of the energies are balanced, the health and wellbeing of a person is promoted. When the energies of a person are unbalanced, Colour Therapy can be used to bring the balance back.
Each colour is connected to each chakra as follows:
Red - The Base Chakra
Orange - The Sacral Chakra
Yellow - The Solar Plexus Chakra
Green - The Heart Chakra
Blue - The Throat Chakra
Indigo - The Brow Chakra (Sometimes called the third eye)
Violet - The Crown Chakra
According to this theory, colour affects all aspects of a person's health and wellbeing, and to keep the balance at all times is essential. The rest of this article explains how you can use each colour to enhance your life and promote this balance.
Red - The Base Chakra
What is the base chakra?
The base chakra is thus named because it is the lowest chakra of the human body, found at the base of the spine. It is related to the bladder, kidneys, bones, teeth, intestine, and other connected areas.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
The base chakra is related to problems centred around the bowel and anal area, including constipation and diarrhoea, as well as kidney stones, impotence, pain in the lower back and legs, and anxiety.
How can red be used in Colour Therapy?
Red can be used to promote courage and strength, and should be a focus of Colour Therapy if you are experiencing deficits in these areas. You can surround yourself with red-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as apples, tomatoes, and rhubarb, or other plants with red flowers or foliage. It can be used in the home, but be aware of any negative effects that may occur, such as developing feelings of anger and violence.
Orange - The Sacral Chakra
What is the sacral chakra?
The sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen, right below the navel, and encompasses the reproductive organs, circulatory system, and urinary tract.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
The main problems that can occur when there are problems with this chakra involve the reproductive organs. Women may experience menstrual, or premenstrual, difficulties, men may experience impotence, and either sex may experience disinterest in their partners. There can also be circulatory problems or other blood problems such as leukaemia.
How can orange be used in Colour Therapy?
Having orange in the environment can be warming and stimulating. Warm orange curtains can be useful in a workplace setting, such as a study or office, but should not be used in the bedroom. It can also be used in creative areas, such as an art studio or music room. A good shade of orange is peach, and can be teemed with greens and blues.
Yellow - The Solar Plexus Chakra
What is the solar plexus chakra?
The solar plexus chakra is located just below the ribs, and relates to the stomach, spleen, small intestine, and liver.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
The main problems associated with the solar plexus chakra are those involving digestion and associated organs. Illnesses include liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, gall stones, and Coeliac's disease.
How can yellow be used in Colour Therapy?
Yellow is good to be used in areas of study, where concentration is important. Bright yellow flowers are good, as well as yellow-painted walls, yellow curtains, and yellow room furnishings and accessories, e.g. vases. Too much yellow can result in vindictiveness and cowardice, so balance it out with blue hues.
Green - The Heart Chakra
What is the heart chakra?
The heart chakra is located at the heart, and includes the breasts and thymus gland.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
The most obvious problem associated with the heart chakra is heart disease. Other problems include chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, and breast cancer.
How can green be used in Colour Therapy?
People who have experienced trauma can wrap themselves in green cloth to soothe them. It can also be used in rooms where people may experience stress. People who are experiencing weight problems can surround themselves with green to help balance their weight. Green should not be used with people suffering from tumours, as this colour promotes growth.
Blue - The Throat Chakra
What is the throat chakra?
Apart from the throat, where it is found, this chakra also includes the lungs and upper digestive tract.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
Thyroid problems are associated with this chakra, as well as respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma, hearing problems, and mouth problems.
How can red be used in Colour Therapy?
Blue is the colour of calming and communication. It can be used in any rooms, other than those involving physical activity, but must not be used in excess as it can cause a person to become cold-natured. It can be used in children's bedrooms, as it helps cure all sorts of kids' diseases, such as chicken pox and whooping cough. Unlike green, blue can be used to help tumours.
Indigo - The Brow Chakra
What is the Brow Chakra?
The brow chakra is located at the centre of the forehead, hence is sometimes referred to as "The Third Eye." It includes the eyes, lower head, sinuses, endocrine gland, and pituitary gland.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
Headaches and migraines are caused by problems with this chakra, as well as eyesight and sinus problems.
How can indigo be used in Colour Therapy?
Indigo purifies the blood, and strengthens the immune system. It would be a good colour to be used in hospitals, particularly because it can have an anaesthetic effect, and can help stop excessive bleeding. It is most suitable for quiet places, such as libraries or spiritual places of reflection.
Violet - The Crown Chakra
What is the Crown Chakra?
The crown chakra concerns the energy of the mind, the brain, nervous system, and skeleton.
What are some of the issues caused by problems with this chakra?
The problems related to this chakra include those to do with the mind, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, mental illnesses, and dizziness.
How can violet be used in Colour Therapy?
Violet is the same an indigo, in that it can be used to help with meditation and relaxation. It can help with a wide range of mental health problems, epilepsy, scalp problems, and tumours. In excess, it can lead to people feeling superior and uncaring towards others.
