Colour Therapy
Colour Therapy is a holistic therapy with evidence dating back thousands of years. We are surrounded by colour but are rarely aware of the profound effect it has on us physically and emotionally. Colour Therapy harnesses the energies of light and the colours of the spectrum to correct any imbalances and bring the body back into harmony, restoring health and well-being.
Chakras
Chakras are energy centres located within the body, they not only absorb but reflect light energy. When the chakras are functioning well, energy flows freely through the energetic system and this leads to a greater sense of health and wellbeing. If a chakra is blocked this leads to an energy imbalance which can manifest in a physical or emotional function, which often leads to illness. For instance if you have frequent stomach aches and have low self-confidence, you may need to consider a blockage in your solar plexis.
The energy relating to the colours of the spectrum, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, resonates with the energy of the 7 main chakras.
There are numerous ways to balance the chakras, this includes colour therapy using coloured light, visualization, crystals, decor, clothing, eating foods associated within the colours of each of the chakra and yoga. Basically we need a balance of all colours in to have happy, healthy lives.
Red – The first or base chakra
- Located at the base of the spine.
- Linked to the physical status of a person and connected to passion, life, energy and security.
- An imbalance can lead to fatigue and anxiety.
- Go for a walk in nature and introduce red to enhance your connection to the earth.
Orange – The sacral chakra
- Located below the navel.
- The centre of creativity, well-being and joy.
- An imbalance can lead to difficulties in relationships, jobs and happiness.
- Introduce orange to boost creativity and positive emotions.
Yellow – The solar plexus chakra
- Located at the centre of our being.
- Linked physically to the nervous system. Symbolises the mental activities and intellect.
- Emotionally it is linked to confidence and self-worth.
- Introduce yellow to brighten you life and make you feel more empowered.
Green – The heart chakra.
- The centre of love, connection, balance and harmony.
- Linked to healing, equilibrium and life renewal.
- Introduce green to enhance the hearts vitality and be able to give and receive unconditional love.
Blue – The throat chakra
- The centre of expression and is associated with communication, speaking the truth and authenticity.
- When imbalanced you may struggle to convey what you want to.
- Introduce blue to open up the lines of communication.
Indigo – the Brow Chakra or third eye
- The centre of creative visualization.
- When balanced you have a clear sense of direction.
- You can heighten your intuition.
Violet – the Crown chakra
- Located at the crown of the head.
- The centre of spirituality connecting you to a higher intelligence.
- Associated with spiritual enlightenment.
If yoga or meditation is not for you then there are other ways to bring the energy of colour into your life. I practice colour therapy on myself everyday in the clothes that I choose to wear and the colours I choose to surround myself with. Most people do this instinctively without even realising it, we are naturally drawn to colours we need.
I studied colour therapy at the Hygeia Institute of Colour Therapy in England, with founder and one of Europe’s foremost experts on Colour therapy Theo Gimbel. Sadly Theo Gimbel has passed away but I would love to share this case study he sent in to Positive Health. How Colour Therapy can be used in your home: a case study by Theo Gimbel.
To summarize: A patient called Bill visited the Hygeia studios as he was unable to get rid of his migraines. The treatment for Bill’s migraines was blue colour therapy and Bill was encouraged to surround himself with more blue. Surprisingly Bill refused as he hated the colour blue.
At the third consultation, Theo asked Bill if there was any reason why he hated blue. Initially Bill could not think of any reason. When pushed to think back to his childhood, Bill brushed it off, but recalled that at the age of 8 he was travelling on a train at night that derailed. He fell out the bunk and the first thing he saw was the blue night light over the door.
Theo explained how blue signified he was alive and he should actually be thankful for the colour blue. This new appreciation and acceptance of blue led to Bill painting his office blue and soon enough his migraines subsided.
I feel so privileged to have met and learnt from Theo Gimbel. When I left his home, I bought a few items including his book, Healing with colour. He insisted on signing it and I am so grateful he did. This book has become very special to me.
For more information of light therapy visit http://www.international-light-association.org/
I am often asked about courses on colour therapy. I obtained my diploma in colour therapeutics for interiors via correspondence from the colour therapy school founded by Suzy Chiazarri
Both Theo Gimbel and Suzy Chiazarri have some wonderful books on the subject.
I hope you have a wonderful week