The Science, Philosophy, and Psychology of Color and Light

Color energy comes to earth in the form of electromagnetic vibrations contained in white light. Light is a small part of all electromagnetic radiation, It is sensed by the eyes and interpreted by the brain to produce the visual sensation of images in color. To see color we need light, without light there is no color. Light rays themselves are not colored but each visible waveband produces a different sensation in our brain. Sunlight contains all colors of light which when combined make white light. Red is the longest wavelength and the slowest vibration whereas violet has the shortest wavelength and the highest vibration. White light is actually made up of a wide range of colors mixed together. This can be seen if we pass white light through a glass prism. (Discovered by Issac Newton)

How Color Energy Is Absorbed

1) Through our eyes. We can absorb the healing effects of color simply by looking at different colored objects or colored lights. The energy from colored light travels to the pituitary gland. These visible rays of color increase and stimulate the production of hormones that regulate a wide variety of bodily functions. 2) Color is absorbed by the skin and effects every cell in our body, all cells are light sensitive so the vibrations of color affect their growth and behavior causing fine biochemical changes to take place. Not only plants, animals and humans but even bacteria and chemicals show changes in behavior when exposed to different colors. 3) Color and light are absorbed by the human energy field. Inside every human being there is a network of nerves and sensory organs that interpenetrates the outside physical world. At the same time within us resides a subtle system of channels and centers of energy (Meridians and Chakras) that look after our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Meridians are energy channels through which “Chi” flows is specific patterns or pathways. If the meridian is clear, then energy can flow through contributing to a health system. This is the basis behind Chinese Medicine. If a meridian is blocked the energy cannot flow through as easily and if left untreated will begin to present as a physical symptom in the body. There are 14 meridians, 12 of them being major and they exist in pairs. One being Yin energy which is feminine , passive , dark and yielding, the other being Yang which is masculine which is strong, light, hard and pushing. Each Meridian is also associated with organ, time of day, season, climate, color, taste, sense and sound. In Color Therapy the Meridians can be treated by balancing them with their corresponding colors.

Meridian Clock

The subtle body is an energy field which has a structure which influences and gives life to the physical body. This body has several interconnected layers which include the Etheric Body, which extends approximately one inch from the physical body and is responsible for the transfer of life energy or vitality from “Chi” to the physical body. Every cell in the body has an etheric counterpart and furnishes the basic blueprint for the physical body. In Shamanism this is called the “Luminous Energy Field” or LEF. Bluish -White in Color.

The Chakras

The Aura has seven layers, the outer auric layers being concerned with the soul and spirit , while the inner layers relate to the mind, emotions and health. The shape is oval , surrounds the whole of the physical body and to some it looks like a heat haze radiating around the person, that shimmers with light and energy. The Aura is composed of every color imaginable. One of the main functions is to draw in white light , breaking it down to its components color energies to send to the appropriate body energy centers called the “Chakras.” The Chakras exist on the etheric plain and resemble whirling wheels of energy. All Chakras interpenetrate each other and each one corresponds to nerve ganglia, where there is a high degree of nervous activity and also to glands in the endocrine systems, they are not synonymous with any portion of the physical body, but exist within the subtle body. The Chakras are aligned in an ascending column that start from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Their function is to spin and draw in “Chi” or Life Force Energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance. Chakras can be open or closed, excessive or deficient, or any of the various stages in between. There are many ways to work with and balance the Chakras system. Chromotherapy is one of the very effective and powerful ways to work with this system. “If we consider that a large percentage of our information comes to us in visual form, and that visual form is perceived as patterns of color, the subtle changes in frequency exhibited by light must have an enormous effect on our minds and bodies.” Author Anodea Judith Ph.D.

The Chakra System:

Balancing the Chakras

The Chakras can be open or closed, excessive or deficient, or any stages in between. If a Chakra is ailing, it may be unable to changes its state easily and can be stuck in either an open or closed state. The Chakra then needs healing by uncovering and removing whatever may be blocking it. Through Chromotherapy where there are depletions or excesses of any color energy within the Chakras, balance and replenishment can be achieved by reintroducing the appropriate color utilizing Light Therapy, Color Acupuncture, Color Reflexology, Color Breathing, Meditation, Affirmations, Color Scarves, Colored Glasses, Dress, Diet, and Solorized Water.

The Philosophy of Color Therapy

Color therapy is a method of healing the whole person, bringing into balance the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of the client. Most illness’s develop in the emotional, mental or spiritual body long before showing up as physical symptoms. Our modern lifestyles can cause a multitude of ailments and only by changing and managing our lives in a more balanced way can we become and stay healthy. Color Therapists believe that each individual needs to take responsibility for their own health . Through Color Therapy problem areas can be identified and ways can be provided on how to use color to help you create a balanced and harmonious life.

The Psychology of Color

Color psychology is a field devoted to the study of color and the effect of color on human behavior and feeling. Colors have an amazing effect on our moods and emotions and although we may not realise it , colors are te key to our personality. There are an increasing number of studies linking colors to specific responses. It has also been found that colors used in the design of an environment can have a significant impact on the emotions and performance of people within that environment. Psychological tests have been conducted and reveal that hues in the color red are typically viewed as warm and increase bodily tension as well as stimulating the autonomic nervous system while the colors in the blue and green range are viewed as cool release tension. We are unconsciously attracted and repelled by different colors depending on our emotional and mental needs and the different stages of life. When we are attracted to a new color it typically means we are going through a change in life. If we are attracted to a particular color it will give us some indication as to what area in our life we are confronting at the time. Psychologist Carl Jung believed in the symbolic power of color and encouraged his patients to use color in a spontaneous way while they were painting to help express their subconscious and assimilate it with the conscious in order to achieve wholeness. The conscious mind continually makes excuses why we should not be doing things intuitively that we know are right for us–the conscious mind effectively blocks intuitive knowledge coming from our higher selves. Using color spontaneously and expressively links in to our subconscious mind by passing our the censoring or our conscious mind. Color Therapy can be a wonderful adjunct to more traditional treatments and is safe, non invasive, holistic and fun.

• Chromotherapy Home
• The Science, Philosophy, and Psychology of Color and Light
• Colors and Their Meanings
• Color Therapy Treatments Offered by Tranquil Flow
• The Origin and History of Chromotherapy
• Overview of The Energetic or Subtle Body and Chakra System
• Intake, Consent, and Release Forms