How Does Color Therapy Work?
Although we would live, we would probably not be healthy if we lived in total darkness without any light. Light can affect our mood. Most of us feel better and more cheerful on a sunny day than on a gloomy, sunless day. Some people living in areas which do not get many sunny days in the winter develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Studies have indicated that working the grave yard shift is detrimental to your health. We need light to be healthy.
Even though we don't see it, the light around us contains the full spectrum of colors. Each color has its own frequency and vibration. It is thought by some that our tissues and organs need the same energies as light. When disease or injury disturbs the vibration and energy of an organ or area of our body, applying the associated color frequency can restore the body to health.
Color therapy has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese studied and used color to treat ailments. Papyrus sheets have been found dating back to 1550 BC which have a list of color "cures." The "," the Chinese book of internal medicine, dating back 2000 years, records color diagnosis.
In 1932, two psychologists from California scientifically showed that, in humans, blue light has a calming effect and red light has a stimulating effect.
In 1933, Dinshah Ghadiali, a scientist from India, published "The Spectro Chrometry Encyclopedia." This book laid the foundation for most modern color therapy.
About the same time in the United States, Dr. Harry Spitler developed a form of color therapy called "Syntonics." Dr. Spitler found that he could generate profound physiological and psychological changes in patients by changing the light which entered their eyes.
Even conventional medical practice uses light to treat certain diseases. Phototherapy is used to direct ultraviolet light to the affected area in the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Blue light is used to treat hyperbiliruminemia, a liver condition in premature babies. Light is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The Relationship Between Light and Melatonin
Sleep experts have known about the relationship between melatonin and light exposure for a long time. In fact, both melatonin and light are said to control the synchronization of the biological clock.
It is believed that the color entering the eyes is directed to the hypothalamus gland, from there to the pineal gland and then to the pituitary gland, which regulates and governs hormone production. As the brain processes this information, it is believed that it causes cellular and hormonal changes. The key is that the frequency of the color may be transmitted to the area of the body which recognizes it. The frequency, or vibration, of the color is constant. The vibration can "tune" that area of the body. In other words, that area may now be restored to its proper vibration and be restored to health while the color is being used. If used regularly, the body may learn to function properly on its own, much as it will with physical therapy.
Neurologists have found that children with autism may be helped by the use of color.
There are indications that using a color filter or looking through colored glasses, particularly blue, may help dyslexics to read.
Bibliography of Research
Adler, L., & Attwood, M. (1987). Poor Readers: what do they really see on the page? A study of a major cause of dyslexia. Los Angeles CA: Los Angeles County Office of Education. Anstice, J. (2000). Eye movements: Their importance for reading and some of the factors that disrupt them. Paper presented to the 6th Irlen International Conference, Australia, 5-8 July. American Music Teacher (1996, June/July) Dyslexia or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome? The Official Journal of Music Teachers National Association. 16-17. Barbolini, G., Caffo, E., Robinson, G.L., & Wright, A. (1998). Light sensitivity and some pervasive developmental disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder. Modena International Conference on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disor- ders. Univer. Of Modena, Italy, 26-27 March. Barbolini, G., Migaldi, M., Wright, A., & Irlen, H. (1996). A biological and medical approach to remedial chromotherapy. Irlen Institute, Fourth International Directors/Screeners Conference, June 27-30, New Orleans, LA. Barbolini, G., Wright, A., Migaldi. M., & Irlen, H. (1996). A biological approach to remedial chromotherapy. Published in the form of a booklet. Available from: Irlen Centre East, 4 Park Farm Business Centre, Fornham St. Genevieve Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP28 6TS, UK.
Relaxation Was Observed While Staring at Baker-Miller Pink
In 1978, while studying at City University in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Schauss, along with Dr. John N. Ott, experimented with a certain color of pink, later to be called Baker-Miller. They "observed relaxation of the subjects when they stared at a 18 by 24 inch card-board plate" of this color of pink. They found that no other color consistently resulted in the same relaxation.
Dr. Schauss then did some experiments on himself. He observed that his blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate were unaffected by exposure to this shade of pink. However, "after intentionally increasing cardiovascular activity through a series of intense physical exercises, [he] found that this color had a marked effect on lowering [his] heart rate, pulse and respiration as compared to other colors."
Could Baker-Miller Pink Also Reduce Aggression?
In 1979, Commander Miller and Warden Gene Baker at the U.S. Naval Correctional Center in Seattle painted the walls and ceiling of one admissions cells the color pink that Dr. Schauss would later name after them. After 156 days, they reported to the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Naval Personnel, Law Enforcement and Corrections Division, Washington, D.C. that "Since initiation of this procedure on March 1, 1979, there have been no incidents of erratic or hostile behavior during the initial phase of confinement." RED has the longest length in the visible spectrum and the lowest rate of vibration. Possible benefits: Chronic pain - May lower the frequency of wave lengths causing them to be less excited and thereby reduce pain. Migraines Stimulate the automatic nervous and circulatory systems. Stimulate the liver. Act as a pustulant, drawing poisons to a head to be eliminated. Help with female disorders. Reduce inflammation and swelling. Increase heart strength and stimulate circulation. Support the building of the blood. Increase blood flow to the brain. Seasickness relief. possible Turrets Syndrome cure ORANGE possible benefits: Stimulate the lungs and thyroid gland to increase oxygen to the body. Depress the parathyroid gland. For lactating mothers, stimulate the mammary glands resulting in increased milk production for women who breastfeed their babies. Reduce menstrual cramps. Relieve cramping, cramps and convulsions in all parts of the body. Relieve hiccups (hiccoughs). Relieve digestive gas, flatulence. Treat skin conditions such as boils, carbuncles and abscesses. Build lungs and stimulate the respiratory system. Used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Tuberculosis. Improved rheumatoid arthritis, neuritis and similar conditions because yellow may help eliminate calcium and lime deposits.YELLOW is associated with the stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Possible benefits: Can help with night blindness because it filters out blue light. Depress the spleen and the parathyroid gland and stimulate the lymphatic glands. Increases appetite. Better assimilation of food for better nutrition. Healing for all kinds of paralysis from stroke to sluggish organs. Stimulates and builds nerves. Strengthened heart resulting in better circulation. Strengthened the nervous system. Destruction of body worms GREEN is the master color, associated with the pituitary which is the master gland. Useful for overall wellbeing, for chronic or acute issues. Infections. Use green along with turquoise for the treatment of burns. Healing of sores, bruises and cuts. Promote the release of mucus/phlegm. Stimulate the brain. Stimulate the digestive system. Dissolving blood clots. Tremors, twitching, shaking. AQUA possible benefits: Rebuild the skin when damaged by burns, scratches, infections or sores. Relieve pain from burns. Help with scaring. Irritations, itching and inflammation of the skin. Fever. Remove muscle fatigue toxins from the body. Relieve aches and pains. A mild sedative with no side effects. Harmonize all circulation processes. Relieve headaches. Dyslexia. Read more about dyslexia and color Macular degeneration. Reported to improve vision and relieve stress on the eyes.BLUE is associated with the thyroid, parathyroid, throat, mouth and lungs. Blue is associated with the thyroid, parathyroid, throat, mouth and lungs. Act as a bactericide. Useful in the treatment of acne and other skin disorders. Relax and calm muscles. Weight loss. Shrink tumors, get rid of goiters, and warts. Relieve itching, skin irritations and inflammations. Sleep disorders since blue has a peaceful effect. Slightly stronger than turquoise for the relief of burns and fevers. Rebuild the skin when damaged by burns, scratches, infections or sores. Pain from burns. Fever Goiters Dyslexia. INDIGO may depress the thyroid while stimulating the parathyroid at the same time. Possible benefits: Use indigo for ear, eye, sinus, throat and nasal problems. An analgesic. Reduce swelling relieving the associated pain. An alternative antibiotic which may be more powerful than prescription antibiotics with no side effects. A strong sedative resulting in a deep sleep. Upon awakening, you will feel rested, refreshed and alert. Stops hemorrhages and nose bleeds. Acts as an astringent, tightening, toning and firming the skin.VIOLET possible benefits. Overall immune enhancer. Stimulate hormonal activity. Use it on the throat to stimulate the thyroid. For over excitable people, may relax and calm the nerves. Depress any over active part of the body, except the spleen and parathyroid. Stimulate the spleen, helping it build white corpuscles. The spleen is the final checkpoint for the blood before it returns to the heart. It cleanses the blood of poison or any undesirable cells. Violet may act as an antibiotic, helping to destroy harmful organisms. Cardiac depressant, relaxing the muscles and nerves controlling the heart. Depress the appetite. Relieve dysentery and diarrhea. Deep, restful sleep.MAGENTA possible benefits: Stimulate and build the heart. Bring blood pressure within normal range, whether up or down. Strengthen reproductive organs. Stimulate or depress arteries or veins to bring them to normal. Stimulate or depress adrenal glands and kidneys to bring them to normal.BAKER-MILLER PINK possible benefits: Appetite suppressant. Relaxation. Stress relief. Calming aggression.