Chromatherapy: Healing with Color

By Heather McCauley

Have you ever wondered why your favorite blue sweater has the ability to make you feel relaxed as soon as you pull it over your head? Or why your “go-getter” outfit (aka, the “power suit”) simply must boast a splash of red – be it scarf, shoes or blouse? You are probably on to something and you are definitely not alone. It is no longer considered a pseudo-science but a recognized alternative therapy to treat certain ailments with color.

In fact, since the beginning of human civilization, mankind has been fascinated with color. There is evidence in some parts of the world of civilizations mining for pigment as early as 50,000 BC. The ancient Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese may have begun by attempting to re-create the colors of nature in order to perform rituals, decorate their habitats, or record their history. The first colors artificially created were thought to represent the sun (yellow), moon (white), trees (green), sky (blue), blood/life (red) and darkness/death (black).

In recent history, scientists have begun to study and better understand color. Individual colors vibrate at different frequencies, with red having the fastest vibration and violet having slowest. It is no coincidence that the colors of the rainbow coordinate with the colors of the Chakras, our body’s energy centers. Colors are often used to balance our chakras, sometimes intuitively so (see above sweater and power suit reference). Each color (like each Chakra) correlates to certain organs, body functions or healing aspects. Here is a brief guide:

Red: Energy, stimulation, improves circulation and red blood cell production
Orange: Enthusiasm, joy, antibacterial, aids in digestive discomforts
Yellow: Cognitive functions, decongestant, lymphatic system
Green: Balance, antiseptic, ulcers
Blue: Communication, toxin elimination, liver ailments
Indigo: Calming, promotes intuition
Violet: Relaxes muscles and nervous system

You can certainly find more complete and detailed information on the subject of color therapy in books specializing in the subject (Color Medicine by Charles Klotsche and Healing With Color Zone Therapy by Joseph Corvo and Lilian Verner-Bonds to name two) and on the internet. Although there is mounting scientific evidence regarding each color’s significance, the choice should always be personal and intuitive. Maybe red is soothing to you rather than energizing. Be aware though, if there are certain colors you absolutely cannot tolerate or you go out of your way to avoid. This could be indicative of an imbalance that you are not yet prepared to address. All in due time (yes, I am speaking to you, Yellow).