Chromotherapy: The Art of Healing with Colors
“CHROMOTHERAPY is the science that uses the colors of the solar spectrum to restore physical-energetic balance in areas of the body affected by some dysfunction.
Chromotherapy uses the seven colors that make up the solar spectrum in their electromagnetic vibrations: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Each color has a specific wavelength and frequency, which characterizes a different action on the human organism.
Chromotherapy does not seek to cure symptoms, but rather to interfere in the causes, promoting physical-energetic balance of the organs and systems of the body, providing an improvement in the patient's general condition.
When patients, as well as many doctors, become disillusioned with the results of conventional therapies, they turn to Natural Medicine and to the so-called alternative or complementary therapies, arriving at Holistic Medicine, that is, the Medicine of the total being, which was already advocated by Pythagoras, in 580 BC, and by Hippocrates, in 480 BC, both considered to be the creators of “Holism”.
The priest-physicians of ancient Egypt also had knowledge about the energy body of the human being, which they called KA, as well as about vital energy or HEKA. They already used colors in health treatments, through the use of flowers and precious stones.
Around 3000 BC, a true treatise on human anatomy was written by Sekhem-Athotis, Pharaoh of the First Dynasty. Soon after, in the Third Dynasty, the priest Imhotep founded the first medical school in the great temple of the god Ptah. This was a time when mummification and embalming techniques were perfected, recorded on papyri that were disseminated to other schools created at the time. These teachings were copied, giving rise to the various Medical Papyri found in Egypt, of which we can mention the Georg Ebers Papyrus, which is the best preserved and contains 875 prescriptions for the treatment of diseases, including color therapy with the use of flowers and precious stones, in a process similar to that of Homeopathy.
Recognition of Chromotherapy
Chromotherapy was recognized as an Alternative Therapy by the World Health Organization in 1976, according to the 1962 International Conference on Primary Health Care, held in Alma-Ata, capital of Soviet Kazakhstan, along with Phytotherapy, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurvedic Therapy, Flower Therapy, Orthomolecular Therapy, Quantum Therapy, Yoga Therapy, and others.”
Olga, Ondina; Balzano, Cristina. Chromotherapy vol. I (Natural Therapies Collection)
Principles of Chromotherapy
As mentioned, chromotherapy is based on the idea that each color has a unique vibrational frequency that can impact the body and mind.
Colors can be divided into two main categories:
- Warm colors: These include red, orange and yellow. These colors are associated with energy, vitality and stimulation. They are often used to increase circulation, combat fatigue and stimulate creativity.
- Cool colors: These include blue, green and purple. These colors are associated with relaxation, tranquility and introspection. They are used to relieve stress, promote calm and facilitate meditation.
Applications of Chromotherapy
Chromotherapy can be applied in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the patient. Some of the most common techniques include:
Colored Lighting: The use of colored LED bulbs or light filters can create therapeutic environments. The light is projected onto the body, allowing the colors to penetrate and influence the individual's energies.
Color Baths: This technique uses colored light baths. Each color has a specific effect and is used to treat different conditions.
Crystals and Gemstones: Many color therapy practices use colored crystals and gemstones. Each crystal is associated with a color and their healing properties are used in meditation sessions or placed directly on the body.
Visualization Therapy: In this practice, the therapist guides the patient to visualize specific colors during meditation. Visualization helps promote healing and inner balance.
Benefits of Color Therapy
Color therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Stress and Anxiety: Cool colors, such as blue and green, can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Depression: Warm colors, such as yellow and orange, can stimulate joy and vitality, helping to combat sadness and lack of energy.
- Physical Problems: Each color is associated with different parts of the body and systems. For example, red is often used to improve circulation, while green is associated with healing and balance.
- Emotional Balance: Color therapy can help restore emotional balance, promoting self-expression and creativity.
Final Considerations
Chromotherapy is a complementary practice that can be used alongside traditional medical treatments. Although it does not replace medical care, its benefits can be significant in promoting general well-being. By becoming aware of colors and their energies, we can learn to use chromotherapy to create healthier and more harmonious environments in our lives.
