
From the moment we open our eyes until the moment we fall asleep, light and color are a part of our lives, but there’s more to it than meets the eye… The presence of color is a result of light (energy) interacting with an object (matter). Research continues to explore the importance of this phenomenon, and discover ways to harness the energy and power that comes from the world around us.
What is Color Therapy?
Color Therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a type of alternative treatment that uses colors and their vibrational frequencies in an effort to heal and balance specific areas of the body. Colors have a profound effect on our physical, mental and emotional existence. If our energy levels are blocked or depleted, our bodies cannot function properly. This can lead to numerous problems and health issues.
Colors, (and their associated energies) play an enormous role in our behaviors as well. For example, in jails and prisons, pink holding cells are becoming commonly used to reduce violent and aggressive behavior among prisoners. Some sources have even reported a reduction of muscle strength in inmates in less than 3 seconds. Color therapy techniques have been practiced for generations, however, what we currently know is likely just the beginning of a new and powerful way of healing.
The History of Color Therapy
Using colors for their healing and balancing properties has been traced back for thousands of years. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians used colored minerals, stones, and crystals (among other techniques), to treat various diseases. Since 980 AD, forward-thinking scholars such as Avicenna, Babbitt (1876), and Kirlian (1939) have studied color as a form of treatment, discovering historic developments along the way.
Although people of ancient eras were not aware of the scientific reasons color therapy was effective, they did understand the balancing and healing effects it had on the human body and all living things. As time progressed, humankind learned from ancient civilizations and continued the work to understand how color can be used as a powerful treatment.
Color Therapy Today
Present day, we understand that chromatherapy operates on scientific fact that all organs, cells, and atoms each have their own frequency or vibrational energy. Simply put, when they come in contact with a light source, they produce a unique color. If the color differs from the norm, it can be assumed that this area of the body is diseased or not functioning properly. When specific frequencies (colors) are applied to the diseased or injured area of the body, the appropriate color works to balance the organ or system that has become abnormal.
Edwin Babbitt, one of the pioneers in chromotherapy, introduced an academic and comprehensive approach to healing. He presented a theory of healing with color where he “identified the color RED as a stimulant, notably of blood and to a lesser extent the nerves; YELLOW and ORANGE as nerve stimulants; BLUE and VIOLET as soothing to all systems and as having anti-inflammatory properties.” With this belief, Babbitt “prescribed REDfor paralysis, physical exhaustion and chronic rheumatism; YELLOW as a laxative, emetic and purgative and for bronchial difficulties; BLUE for inflammatory conditions, sciatica, meningitis, nervous instability, headache, irritability and sunstroke” etc.
The Future of Color Therapy
Building on knowledge from the past, researchers continue to break barriers and develop treatments. In the 1960’s, blue light therapy was found as a treatment for neonatal jaundice, which can cause death or lifelong issues in infants. Using light therapy replaced blood transfusions, a far less safe and effective method. Furthermore, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique that is employed to treat a variety of illnesses, such as esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, lung cancer, and stomach cancer. This type of therapy relies on a medication that makes cancer/abnormal cells vulnerable to high-intensity light energy. Lasers are then used to destroy the unwanted cells.
The scholars and scientists who devote their time to studying color and light have revolutionized the development of chromotherapy and alternative healing. However, there is still much to learn! Our journey of understanding the world around us is never complete, but one thing is for sure: Our attraction to certain colors may very well signal areas where we are imbalanced.
Understanding why certain colors affect us favorably while others bring about negative feelings helps us along our healing journeys. We invite you to take a look inside yourself for a moment to find which colors you identify with and why, and perhaps help you to activate and strengthen your "blocked" colors. Our founder, Dr. Fred Bell, PhD, created many incredible patented devices which aid the body in just this. Read more on The Nuclear Receptor.
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