Could color therapy be right for you?
Have you ever felt a natural affinity for a specific color? Or, conversely, found that certain colors made you feel anxious, or ill-at-ease? According to a practice known as color therapy — also known as “chromotherapy” — it’s because color has a concrete effect on our minds and bodies.
Sophia Hansen, a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and founder of the Integrative Wellness Institute in Pasadena, California, told HelloGiggles via phone that this is because all colors on the light spectrum have their own frequency (think: Roy G. Biv from seventh grade biology). While we can’t see these moving frequencies with the naked eye or even feel the vibrations of the frequencies (we just perceive them as, well, colors), our bodies respond to each frequency differently — like the way we might respond to a heavy bass guitar versus a melodic symphony.
Who most benefits from color therapy?
Hansen told us that “every single human being” can benefit from the practice — which is the act of intentionally using color to bring balance to the body and or spirit. This is because every human responds to color frequencies and vibrations whether they’re conscious of it or not. For example, she said that if someone is having troubles of the heart, she might use an emerald green or gold to help the person with self-love and self-acceptance, and with being “more loving towards other people in their lives and the world at large.” She might use silver for “cleansing” or reducing stagnation, and other colors still for things like reproductive health.
How does it actually work?
There are many different ways to practice color therapy. Hansen personally visualizes and “tunes in” to a color while doing energy work on her clients. Other practitioners might use colored lights, and others still might work with colored crystals.
HOWEVER, Hansen noted that literally anyone can practice color therapy — even if you don’t have access to professionals who specialize in the treatment. She recommends starting small.
"Wear a color that you especially love on you, and get a blanket that you love the color of," she said. "If you can, paint a wall — even a triangle on the wall. It's about your intention. Energy always follows intent and as your eye receives that color, it affects your consciousness."
How does each color affect us?
According to the site Colour In the Home, violet helps make us feel calm; yellow helps energize us; green can promote tolerance and understanding; blue can also help us feel calm, but without the sedative effect of say, violet or indigo; red helps energize, and orange can stimulate creativity. But there are obviously a world of color options out there, and perhaps the best way to know how each one makes you feel is by tuning in to each one yourself (as Hansen mentioned, it can be best to just start off with the colors that you’re most drawn to).
If you’re interested in learning more about color therapy, Hansen offers an e-course through her website at Sacred-Energy-Healing.com — you can even become an accredited color therapist yourself should the spirit move you.
