You don't have to be a brain surgeon to realize that a dark brown bedroom might feel a bit oppressive at times, and that a bright yellow kitchen might be a cheerful place to in which to bake chocolate chip cookies in the depths of a cold winter.
But does the use of color play a more important role in our lives than it may appear to a casual observer? Some people say yes.
If you're looking for a soothing, relaxing way to heal your mind, body or both, color therapy might be exactly what you're looking for.
Its goal is simple: to harness the therapeutic use of color to enhance and balance the energy in your body, encouraging it to begin a unique healing process that can make you feel better both emotionally and physically.
Color therapy works on the premise that light moves in various wavelengths, and that every color of the rainbow has a different one.
As individual members of the human race the colors all correlate to our bodies' inner vibrations, and when those are not quite right we experience a type of disharmony.
Proponents of color therapy claim that this alternative treatment, which has been around for hundreds of years, is a completely non-invasive way to treat specific ailments, lift moods and make us feel in better balance with our bodies.
Skeptics, however, say it's a complete waste of time and money - and that you'd be better off spending your time gazing at a rainbow or a sunset - for free.
What Exactly is Color Therapy? Color therapy works on the premise that light moves in various wavelengths, and that every color of the rainbow has a different one.
As individual members of the human race the colors all correlate to our bodies' inner vibrations, and when those are not quite right we experience a type of disharmony.
Color therapists, then, can help to make us feel harmonious with our inner and outer self once again, by treating us with specific colors that relate to the chakras in our body.
In other words, if you are suffering from migraines, you might be treated with pastel and dark colors to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
This is accomplished by a variety of means.
Some people who are particularly in tune with their own chakras simply change clothes or look at beautiful palettes to switch their moods.
Color therapists in med spas, however, may shine colored lights on you, dress you up in colored silks or point special colored flashlights at your acupressure, or color pressure areas.
Other practitioners resort to using bottles of colored liquid to make us feel better and more in tune with our bodies, or immersing us in colored baths while using verbal suggestions to make us even more aware of the healing properties of color.
Other tools include lasers, candles, gems, crystal wands and even colored contact lenses.
What Do the Colors Mean? Many ancient cultures have integrated the use of color in healing, including the Chinese, Indians and Egyptians, who assigned specific attributes to colors.
They include, in alphabetical order: Blue.
Water element.
Can soothe illness and treat many types of pain, especially the throat.
Blue is associated with a sense of calm and relaxation, and physically is thought to help with laryngitis, throat problems, high blood pressure and other problems.
Green.
Air element.
Helps with problems of the heart, including sorrow and intense grief.
Also has a lot to do with compassion and, not surprisingly, jealousy.
Ever heard of the green-eyed monster? Indigo.
Light element.
Situated in the lower part of the forehead, this color has a lot to do with intuition, and a sense of mental alertness.
Can be used for its tranquil, calming properties.
Also helps heal problems of the skin.
Orange.
Water element.
Creativity and sexuality are all part of this playful color.
Increases levels of energy in the body, heals the lungs and is even thought to play a role in helping with eating disorders.
Red.
Earth element.
Thought to be perhaps the most important color of all, it is located at the base of the spine and is important for survival both physically and emotionally.
Increases circulation, stimulates the mind.
Violet.
Thought element.
Associated with power and feelings of self-worth, but interestingly is also important to laughter, without which none of us can lead happy lives.
Emotions and all forms of self-knowledge are tied in with this color.
Works with the crown, or head.
Yellow.
Fire element.
Has a lot to do with intelligence, spiritual growth and faith.
Is linked to the chakra that corresponds to the navel or solar plexus.
Purifies the body, stimulate nerves.
Color Therapy Meets Hydrotherapy You can see modern color therapy at work today if you visit any bathroom showroom.
Chromotherapy showers, for example, have become increasingly popular over the last few years.
They contain central lights which illuminate the water to provide a relaxing and invigorating waterfall for both water and mind.
Chromotherapy baths have lights which change color under the water, so that the color of the water appears to change as well.
Some chromotherapy showers have special attachments which allow aromatherapy to be part of the experience, so you can enjoy a colorful as well as olfactory sensation as you bathe.
You can also have special speakers built in to pipe soothing, calming sounds.
What's not to like? Commercial Color Therapy People are trying to make money out of anything these days, and color therapy is no exception.
Some companies are now offering special services to bring color into any type of commerce, promising they can not only maximize results, but make employees both happier and more productive.
How do they do it? By introducing the right color to the right company.
Easy, huh? But finding some sucker to go for it - and pay big bucks while they're at it - may be less easy than you might think...
Color therapy of any kind is not intended to take the place of conventional medicine.
But if you think it can shine a light on problems you have been unable to sort out for yourself, you could give it a try.
Many people come out of a color therapy session feeling relaxed with a more cheerful outlook on life, even if they get no long-term benefits from it.
That's saying something...
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