thought I knew a lot about colours and their effects until I delved into the realm of colour therapy. The more I read and researched, the more I was surprised by its potential.
The colours we wear, eat, and drink can influence our bodies and mood. When we feel active and energetic, we gravitate towards the colour red. Conversely, blue is known for its relaxing properties, signifying peace and even lowering blood pressure. However, prolonged exposure to blue can lead to feelings of sadness or depression, hence the term “feeling Blue.”
Orange is believed to stimulate the appetite, explaining why many restaurants paint their walls in this vibrant hue. The colour purple, when applied to a child’s room, is said to enhance imagination.
Colours not only describe our personalities, alter our moods, and help overcome psychological issues, but they are also utilised in treating physical illnesses such as epilepsy, colds, asthma, and even tumours through Colour Therapy.
Colour therapy, an ancient form of treatment, is gaining recognition worldwide. Paint companies, prisons, and hospitals are now employing colour therapists.
Therapists believe that our bodies absorb colours, and diseases and emotional imbalances occur due to a deficiency of a particular colour. They propose that the body consists of seven energy centres called “Chakras,” which regulate the flow of energy.
The Seven Chakras: Understanding their Significance
“Chakra” is the Sanskrit word for “wheel.” These chakras are aligned vertically along the spine and are believed to spin, controlling and balancing the energy flow in our bodies. Light consists of seven colours, each with its own frequency and wavelength.
The highest-wavelength colour, red, is located at the base or root chakra near the spine. Red is used to address problems associated with the kidneys, bladder, lower back, hips, legs, and infertility.
The sacral chakra, represented by the colour orange, is located in the lower abdomen and deals with issues related to the uterus, large bowel, testes, and ovaries.
Yellow, the solar plexus chakra, is connected to the pancreas, liver, spleen, small intestine, and stomach.
The heart chakra is symbolized by green and is used to address problems related to the heart, breasts, and blood circulation.
The throat chakra, represented by blue, is linked to the throat, thyroid glands, lungs, bronchial tubes, and vocal cords.
Indigo is associated with the brow chakra, which influences the eyes, lower head, and sinuses.
Violet, with the lowest wavelength, represents the crown chakra situated at the top of our head, governing the skull and brain.
Exploring Various Colour Treatments
Colour therapy offers a range of treatments. The most popular source of colour therapy is light. Therapists also utilise flowers, crystals, and coloured silks in their remedies.
- Solarised water is an easy healing method involving exposure of water to sunlight in a coloured container, consumed as prescribed by the therapist.
- Colour breathing, a form of meditation, involves imagining inhaling and exhaling colours before sleep and can be used for self-treatment.
- Lightboxes, equipped with different coloured filters, are another common method used to administer colour therapy to patients.
While colour therapy can be self-administered, it is advisable to consult a therapist before applying colours to the body.
An Interview with Valerie Logan-Clarke, a Colour Therapist
During my research on colour therapy, I had the privilege of interviewing Valerie Logan-Clarke. Valerie Logan-Clarke, a professional Colour Therapist practising in the U.K., utilizes various methods to treat humans and animals. She is a member of both the Colour Therapy Association and the International Association of Colour. Here are some of the questions I asked her:
What initially drew you to this form of healing?
Valerie: I’ve always had a fascination with colour, both in art and in nature. Several years ago, I attended a talk by Dr Christine Page where the topic of colour in healing was discussed. It immediately resonated with me, and I became eager to learn more.
How does colour therapy differ from crystal healing?
Valerie: Color therapy primarily focuses on the use of colour, whereas crystal healing incorporates the use of crystals alongside colour. While some colour therapists do utilise crystals, the main emphasis in colour therapy remains on the colours themselves. Often, the colour of the crystal aligns with the corresponding chakra being treated, although this is not always the case.
Can you provide a brief history of colour therapy?
Valerie: Color therapy is an ancient healing practice for which we owe gratitude to the Ancient Egyptians. Colour held great significance for them, and they constructed temples dedicated to colour healing. Specific rooms were designated for colour therapy, where patients would be placed based on their diagnosed colour requirements. These rooms were designed to allow sunlight to enter and radiate the full spectrum of colours. The ancient Egyptian healers also used herbs, plants, metals, and coloured minerals in their colour therapy.
Colour for healing was also employed by the Atlanteans, who included healing rooms with crystals on the ceilings in their circular temples. These crystals refracted sunlight, filling the temples with colour.
There is evidence of colour therapy being connected to India and China as well. In India, minerals and gemstones were used in colour treatments, while in China employed herbs and minerals.
In the nineteenth century, Edwin Babitt played a significant role in advancing the understanding of colour and light. He published his book “The Principles of Light and Colour” in 1878.
Which colour is most commonly used in therapy?
Valerie: It is difficult to pinpoint a single colour that is most commonly used. Traditionally, blue has been a popular healing colour, even among those who are not colour therapists. However, in my own practice, I find that no particular colour dominates my therapies. The selection of colours varies depending on the individual and their specific needs.
What are the potential side effects of colour therapy?
Valerie: Colour therapy has no known side effects. It is perfectly safe and can be used alongside other treatments, whether conventional medicine or other complementary therapies. It is suitable for both adults and children, including babies, as well as animals.
What are the most common issues encountered in females?
Valerie: While I have not conducted an extensive survey on this matter, based on my personal experience with patients and inquiries, I have observed that one of the most common issues relates to the orange/sacral chakra, which is associated with the reproductive system and the bowel. It is interesting that orange, the colour linked to this chakra, tends to be the least popular among individuals. The challenges associated with the orange and sacral chakra often revolve around the psycho-spiritual aspects, such as self-respect and establishing boundaries. Patients may not present specific problems related to the bowel or reproductive organs, but upon consultation, their issues often trace back to the psycho-spiritual aspects of the sacral chakra.
In addition to humans, you also treat animals. How do they respond to the treatment?
Valerie: Animals respond exceptionally well to colour therapy. Their heightened intuition and sixth sense enable them to instinctively perceive and absorb the energies involved. I have found that animals relax deeply during their treatments and genuinely enjoy the sessions. Moreover, they show improvements in their well-being over time.
Can colours be interchanged during a treatment session?
Valerie: Yes, during a treatment session, colours can be interchanged based on what is deemed appropriate. Different colours may be used to address specific needs and promote balance.
What is Aura-Soma?
Valerie: Aura-Soma is a method of using colour to interpret a person’s inner thoughts and feelings. It consists of a collection of over 100 bottles containing coloured liquids. Some bottles contain a single colour, while others have different colours on the top and bottom. An Aura-Soma practitioner interprets the person’s bottle choices and their associated colours. The contents of the bottles can be applied to corresponding areas of the body to facilitate healing.
Can cosmetics and hair dye affect our bodies?
Valerie: Any colours applied to the body can have an impact on us, whether it’s hair dye, makeup, or clothing. We absorb colour through our skin and also through our electromagnetic field or aura, as well as our eyes.
Can colour-blind and blind individuals benefit from colour therapy?
Valerie: Color blind and blind individuals can indeed benefit from colour therapy. While eyesight is not the sole means of perceiving colour, blind individuals can differentiate between colours through touch. During our studies, we experimented with blindfolds and found that we could often sense different colours accurately.
For appointments or consultations, contact Valerie Logan-Clarke at valerie@colourtherapyhealing.com or visit www.colourtherapyhealing.com.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified colour therapist for personalised advice and treatment.
