Color Therapy

by Brian Greenfield

What is color therapy?

Color therapy is based on the ancient art of using color and light to treat disease.
Practitioners believe that by altering the colors that surround us, it is possible to enhance health and well-being.

The earliest forms of therapy included the use of colored gems and sunlight. There is now a wide range of treatment options available and many practitioners combine the use of color with other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, crystals and yoga. 

What are the principles of color therapy?

The human body absorbs light that is made up of the color spectrum. Each color in the spectrum has a frequency, wavelength and energy associated with it. The colors we absorb can have an effect on the nervous system, the endocrine system and subsequently on the release of hormones and other organic substances within the human body. They can also have an effect on the more subtle energies of the chakra system. This may affect our mental, emotional, psychological and physical states of health.

The symptoms of disease are a sign that there is a shortage of, or improper utilization of color and light in the cells and organs of the human body. This may be due to factors such as our lifestyle, our environment, stress or too much, or too little of a particular color frequency in our energy system. This imbalance can be corrected by the selective use of color frequencies. The forms by which the frequencies of color can be transmitted to the body are numerous.

What happens in a consultation?

An initial appointment will last about two hours. The practitioner will spend time finding out as much as possible about you, your medical history, and current physical health and state of mind. 

The practitioner will identify the particular color frequencies that you need. There are several ways of doing this including kinesiology to test muscle strength in relation to color, dowsing and diagnostic charts in addition to the practitioner's own experience.

A typical color therapy treatment might include the use of breathing exercises, crystals, light, silk scarves or colored (solarized) water. Colored light might be applied to parts or to the whole body. The main color is usually given with its complementary color (for example blue with orange). The lights may be used constantly or rhythmically.

You may be given advice on how to make the best use of color in your diet, the clothes you wear and your home and work environment.

Which problems can color therapy help?

Color is used in orthodox medicine for the treatment of neonatal jaundice and other specific medical conditions. It is used in complementary therapy to boosts the immune system and promote healing from within.

It can benefit a wide range of problems including stress-related conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, asthma, behavioral disorders and depression and many more. In particular, it can help to restore health after surgery or illness. It can also aid creativity and help learning. 

How do I find a qualified color therapist?

The majorities of color therapists are self-employed and work, either from their own home or from a room rented in a natural health center or clinic. When choosing a color therapists, it is important to make sure that the practitioner has been properly trained at an accredited school or training establishment and is a member of a professional organization. Practitioner members of the International Association of Color use the letters PMIAC and are included in the Register of qualified practitioners which is sent out free of charge (on request only) to members of the public.

(You can also find qualified, select practitioners using Holisticonline.com preferred provider directory. - webmaster)

Webmaster's Note: Brian Greenfield is a licensed color therapist. Those who want to contact him may do so by telephone: 01303 813549 or by email at briangreenfield@btinternet.com.