Chromotherapy is a method of treatment of diseases by using colours. According to this system, the cause of any disease can be traced to the lack of a particular colour in the human system and the imbalance can be resorted by means of applying coloured light to the body. In healing by colours, the sublet and finest vibrations in nature are used instead of the coarse irritating vibrations of drugs and chemicals.

Supportive Therapy

Chromotherapy is best used as a supportive therapy along with other natural methods of preserving health such as correct diet, adequate rest and relaxation, exercise, yogic-asanas and so on. Minor ailments can be treated at home through chromotherapy before they become serious diseases, but in no circumstances should a layman treat serious illnesses through this method. Qualified practitioners who thoroughly understand colour treatment must be consulted for such diseases. The use of drugs will not reduce the efficacy of colour treatment, although it will be preferable to use only herbal decoctions.

Various Colours

Blue and red colours are considered at the two extremes, with yellow representing the midpoint. There are also the three principle colours in a rainbow, the other four being violet, indigo, green and orange. In the colours of the rainbow nature has provided a scheme of healing disease, which is of great therapeutic value.

Effects of Different Colours

The action and effect of various colours on the body and their healing qualities are as follows:

Red: Symbolic of heat, fire and anger, it is a stimulating, and deeply penetrating and energising colour. It stimulates arterial blood and brings warmth to cold extremities. Red colour stimulates nervous system and exercises special effect on sympathetic nervous system. Used as a general tonic, it is valuable in diseases like low blood pressure, bronchial asthma, rheumatism, paralysis, anaemia and advanced cases of tuberculosis.

For bronchitis, the red colour should be employed over the upper chest. For deficient menstrual flow, it should be employed over the womb, employed over the cover spine and sexual organs, this colour yields good results in cases of inactivity and sexual weakness.

Orange: Symbolic of prosperity and pride. Orange is useful for stimulating blood supply and energising the nerves. It is beneficial in the treatment of kidney and gall stones, hernia, epilepsy, bronchitis, cold, constipation, Physical debility, pneumonia, and appendicitis. It is also used to stimulate the milk producing action of breasts after childbirth.

Violet: Violet is linked to the pineal gland, which is often associated with psychic and spiritual power. It has very little heat effect, but has marked luminous effects. It is the least penetrating of all the visible rays.

This colour is beneficial in the treatment of nervous and emotional disturbances, arthritis, acute cases of consumption, insomnia, tumours, rheumatism, sciatica and skin diseases.

Yellow: Associated with joy and happiness. Yellow is a laxative and diuretic. It is stimulant to the brain, the liver and the spleen. It is effective in the treatment of diabetes, indigestion, eczema, flatulence and paraplegia, kidney and liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphilis and impotence.

Purple: purple or indigo combines the blood-warming red and cooling antiseptic blue. It is an excellent stimulant without being irritant. It is beneficial in the treatment of advanced stages of constipation, hydrocele and leucorrhoea, many disorders of the stomach and womb, cataract, migraine and skin disorders. It exerts a soothing effect on the eyes, ears and the nervous system.

Green: Made up of blue and yellow, green is regarded as a colour of harmony. It is a mild sedative. It is useful in nervous conditions. Back disorders, hay fever, ulcers, influenza, hepatic ailments, malaria, colds, sexual disorders and cancer. It preserves and strengthens eyesight. Being highly medicinal and depressive, it is of great help in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Blue: cool, soothing and sedative, blue alleviates pain, reduces bleeding and heals burns. It is beneficial in the treatment of dysentery, measles, hysteria, insomnia, jaundice, painful menstruation, colic, asthma, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and skin aberrations. In a study at the New England State Hospital in the Unite States, 25 members of staff with normal blood pressure were bathed in blue light for half an hour. It resulted universal fall in blood pressure. The blood pressure rose when red light was applied.

Methods of Treatment

There are two methods of treating diseases by colour: (i) by application of light through different coloured glasses; and (ii) by external or internal use of colour-charged water.

In the first method, sheets of glass, 30 cms x 36 cms, of the required colours are needed. These are placed at the window frames or any other convenient place in such a way that the sun's rays can pass through them and fall directly on the patient's body. The usual duration of the colour treatment is 30 minutes.

In the second method, coloured bottles are needed. These bottles should be cleaned and filled upto three-fourths level with fresh-well water, distilled water or rain water. The bottles should be corked and then placed in bright sunlight for three to four hours. After this exposure, the water is said to acquire medicinal properties and this colour-charged water can be used both internally and for external applications.

Diet

A correct and balanced diet is essential during the treatment of diseases through chromotherapy. The patients should take food items with analogous colouring.

Contraindications

There are some important contraindications to colour treatment. For instance, red colour would be injurious in a naturally inflammatory condition of the system, and in case of persons with feverish and excitable temperament. If the red light is employed for too long and frequently, it may produce dangerous fevers.

Similarly, yellow should not be used when the nerves are very active or irritable. Yellow or orange reddish tones may prove injurious in fevers, acute inflammations, delirium, diarrhoea, neuralgia and palpitation of the heart and any condition of over excitement.

- The author writes on health related issues and is based in Mumbaiment. If the red light is employed for too long and frequently, it may produce dangerous fevers.

Similarly, yellow should not be used when the nerves are very active or irritable. Yellow or orange reddish tones may prove injurious in fevers, acute inflammations, delirium, diarrhoea, neuralgia and palpitation of the heart and any condition of over excitement.

- The author writes on health related issues and is based in Mumbai