The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Color Therapy
The Power of Fire and Light

ORIGINS

Color therapy, also called chromotherapy, is an alternative healing method that uses colored light to balance the energies of the body. Although color therapy is not a widely used practice, it is gaining popularity in the holistic and natural therapy realms with patients suffering from depression, those recovering from stroke, and others. Tools used in color therapy may include lamps, candles, gemstones, crystal or glass prisms, and colored eye lenses.

HISTORY/LORE

The use of color therapy goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who used colored stones and crystals for healing purposes. The Persian philosopher and scientist Avicenna (980—1037) wrote extensively about the importance of color in medical diagnosis and treatment. He believed that red increased circulation, blue slowed the blood, and yellow reduced pain and inflammation. In the Hindu, yogic, and other traditions, each of the chakras, or energy centers in the body, corresponds with a different color: The root chakra is red, the sacral or base chakra is orange, the solar plexus or navel chakra is yellow, the heart chakra is green, the throat chakra is blue, the third-eye chakra is indigo, and the crown chakra is violet.

USES

Color therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Blue light is used to treat neonatal jaundice. Exposure to white light benefits those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In athletes, red light is shown to provide quick bursts of energy, while blue light assists with steadier energy needs. Pink light has a tranquilizing effect and can be used to calm aggression, hostility, or anxiety. Yellow stimulates the mind and body and can benefit those dealing with depression. If you think you might benefit from color therapy, you can purchase one of many products on the market designed for this purpose, or you can seek treatment with a practitioner who incorporates color therapy methods into his or her practice.