Colour is defined as a component of light which is separated when it is reflected off of an object. To see colour, you have to have light. When light shines on an object some colours bounce off the object and others are absorbed by it. Our eyes only see the colours that are bounced off or reflected. While artists consider black a colour, scientists do not because black is the absence of all colour.

What is colour therapy?

Colour therapy, also called chromotherapy, is a method of treating ailments by using colours. The therapy is done by shining an appropriate colour on the particular area of the body. It is also done through eyes by looking at a particular colour. Though this is performed with utmost care, so that there is no strain on the eyes.

Colour therapy is a complementary therapy and not an alternative to medical care. The results of the therapy vary from person to person.

 What does colour therapy do?

Colour therapy is a non-invasive and holistic treatment that brings balance and health to your mind and body. The vibrations of the colour in colour therapy class improve your mood and overall health.

 The basic idea of colour therapy:

Colours are made up of reflected lights that hit our retinas as the wavelengths vibrate. Our brain interprets these wavelengths, which ultimately makes our perception of colour as a physical and sensory experience.

Colour therapy is based on the idea that colours create an electrical impulse in our brain, which stimulates hormonal and biochemical processes in our body. These processes either stimulate or calm us.

Significance and uses of different colours to treat ailments:

According to an article in Times of India, The shades of colours used in your colour therapy session will vary depending upon the type of ailment you are trying to correct. For example, blue or purple lights are anti-inflammatory and calming. Green colour helps to purify and cleanse, white and yellow colour light stimulates the lymphatic system. Red light is invigorating but it may cause agitation if you are already tense.

According to Indian philosophy, the chakras are considered the centres of spiritual power and energy within our bodies. There are seven chakras and different colours represent a different chakra.

The main colours used in colour therapy are the same as the seven colours of a rainbow as follows:

·       VIOLET:

It is associated with the Crown Chakra and is located at the top of the head. It is associated with clarity, dreams, spirituality, sleep cycles, dreams, pineal gland and light sensitivity.

Violet colour can be used all over the body. The vibrations of violet colour are of high spiritual content and it would be a waste of these wonderful vibrations if used below your hips. Violet light should be confined to the forehead, back and front of the head, front and back of the neck and in concentrated form over the heart and between the shoulder blades for a total of fifteen minutes. Violet colour brings relaxation and stimulates the flow of subtle energies throughout the psychic centres and the nervous system.

·       INDIGO:

The third eye chakra is located between the eyebrows. It is associated with the pituitary gland and pineal gland. It influences our sleep cycle, clarity, wisdom, self-esteem and intuition . Indigo colour is a great purifier for the bloodstream and is also good for mental problems. The colour has a freeing and purifying agent. Indigo is linked with and stimulates the brow chakra (third eye) and controls the pineal gland. Indigo colour can be of great help in dealing with ailments of ears and eyes.

·       BLUE:

The chakra is associated with thyroid and metabolism and also with a peaceful expression. The colour can be applied from the top of the head to the feet. The colour helps in lowering the high blood pressure and in dealing with nervous breakdown. Blue colour has high, short and quick vibrations and manifest cold. Blue colour helps people sleep better. For people with severe insomnia, low voltage dark blue light in the bedroom has proven to be beneficial.

·       GREEN:

The colour represents the Heart Chakra. It’s associated with heart, lungs and immune system, energy, nervous system, mental focus, compassion and empowerment. The most basic colour used in all healings is green. The colour is always used first and last. No matter what you are treating, it starts and finishes with green colour. Green colour is also one of the safest colours to use. The colour can be applied all over yourself and can be concentrated to any part of the body. The colour is the colour of balance that harmonizes the flow of prana or universal life force, throughout the psychic centres.

·       YELLOW:

The solar plexus chakra is associated with liver, pancreas, digestive system, gallbladder, empowerment and well-being. The chakra is located between the navel and sternum. Yellow colour signifies wisdom. Any type of mental issues can be relieved by using yellow colour. A concentrated beam of yellow light about the size of a tennis ball when applied at the base and the front of the neck has proven to be valuable for all types of nervous conditions. The normal application time of the colour is twelve minutes.

·       ORANGE:

The Sacral Chakra, which is located 2 or 3 inches below the navel, is represented by orange colour. This chakra is said to be associated with reproduction, kidneys, adrenals and pleasure. The chakra is the mind-body chakra. Orange colour can be used on liver, kidney, heart, spleen or any other organ, which promotes good circulation. The total time of application for the colour is ten minutes. People suffering from high blood pressure should not use this colour. The more concentrated the colour, the more effective it will be. Orange colour should not be used on the forehead of anyone who feels nervous. If the patient suffers from brain fatigue, the colour can be used on the back of the neck but not for more than four minutes.

·       RED:

The root chakra located at the base of the spine is represented by red colour. The chakra has to do with our connection with the Earth. Red colour should not be given on the head. But when concentrated on to rheumatic joints, it can be beneficial. Red colour can be applied to legs, knees and ankles for ten-fifteen minutes. The frequency of red colour is slow and long and has high penetrating properties. It can stimulate the aura to such an extent that circulatory blockages can be cleared. The infra-red rays should not be given over the reproductive organs of a man or a woman and neither should they be given for more than two minutes on liver, kidneys or bladder as it can lead to some damage.

Does it work?

According to research conducted by Ameri Disability, Research, presented at a cardiovascular conference, found that stroke survivors who reported liking art had an easier time walking, were more energetic and less depressed, and felt happier and less anxious. Plus, their memory and communication skills fared better. Another study, from University College London, found that the same parts of the brain are stimulated when one looks at art as when one is in love; both releasing a chemical dopamine promoting feelings of affection and desire.

 Such an easy way to have an improved psychological health, just by adding a few art pieces in your space and viewing it time and again. Science proves it is good for you. So, let’s get your empty wall filled with painted canvas(s). Check out some from our painting collection!