The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.” Finding energy from colors might sound like hocus pocus — but it’s actually an age-old alternative healing method that has its roots in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Even the ancient Egyptians were known to use a form of color therapy to heal the sick in their solarium-style rooms, which had colored panes of glass that the sun would shine through and flood patients with color.
What is chromatherapy?
Color therapy, or the more clinical term, “chromatherapy” is a healing method that uses color and light to re-balance energy centers in the body, also known as chakras. According to practitioners of ayurvedic medicine, the body has seven chakras; each associated with a different color in the visible light spectrum, along with a function and organ or bodily system. When the chakras become imbalanced, it is believed that physical disease or ailments can manifest. The application of appropriate color is thought to correct such imbalances.
Credit: Project By: Jared Lewis Construction. Photographer: Kate Falconer
What are the seven chakras?
The seven colors, locations in the body and their energy associations can be found below:
Red / Lower Body
Associated with courage, loyalty and perseverance. Symbolizes life and desire. Believed to increase blood pressure and circulation.
Orange / Pelvis
Evokes compassion. Symbolizes the sun and makes us alert and cheerful. Used to treat depression, discontent and pessimism.
Yellow / Stomach
Promotes feelings of freedom. Believed to have effects that greatly assist the metabolism, strengthen the nervous system and combat glandular disease.
Green / Heart
Creates a harmonizing effect. Promotes relaxation and detoxification.
Blue / Throat
Promotes peace and infinity. Believed to relieve headaches, migraines, stomach pains and muscle cramps.
Indigo / Forehead
Promotes perception and intuition. Often applied in health treatments for the eyes, ears, nose, it is commonly used to treat addiction.
Violet / Top of Head
The most meditative color. Used to soothe organs, relax muscles and calm the nervous system.
What are some modern-day applications of chromatherapy for wellness?
Chromotherapy is probably most often facilitated in saunas, spas or the healing rooms of alternative health practitioners. A therapist trained in color therapy might apply light and color in the form of tools (such as gemstones, candles or lamps, crystals, or colored fabrics), visualization, or verbal suggestion to balance energy in the areas of our bodies that are lacking vibrancy — be it physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. Some wellness innovators, like ThermaSol, have integrated color therapy into their steam shower and home spa offerings to give people a truly multi-sensory healing experience at home.
How can you apply chromatherapy in your everyday life?
You don’t have to go to an expensive spa or find a healer to enjoy the benefits of chromatherapy. ThermaSol has created a special rainhead called the Serenity Light, Sound Rainhead, which generates a soothing spectrum of seven gradually changing colors as you shower. Imagine that. You can balance your chakras in your own home spa!
