WellSpring Practice Guides

Colour Therapy

What is colour therapy?
Colour therapy is based on the ancient art of using colour and light to treat disease. Practitioners believe that by altering the colours that surround us, it is possible to enhance health and well-being The earliest forms of therapy included the use of coloured gems and sunlight. There is now a wide range of treatment options available and many practitioners combine the use of colour with other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, crystals and yoga.

What are the principles of colour therapy?
The human body absorbs light that is made up of the colour spectrum. Each colour in the spectrum has a frequency, wavelength and energy associated with it. The colours we absorb can have an effect on the nervous system, the endocrine system and subsequently on the release of hormones and other organic substances within the human body. They can also have an effect on the more subtle energies of the chakra system. This may affect our mental, emotional, psychological and physical states of health. The symptoms of disease are a sign that there is a shortage of, or improper utilization of colour and light in the cells and organs of the human body. This may be due to factors such as our lifestyle, our environment, stress or too much, or too little of a particular colour frequency in our energy system. This imbalance can be corrected by the selective use of colour frequencies. The forms by which the frequencies of colour can be transmitted to the body are numerous.

What happens in a consultation?
An initial appointment will last about two hours. The practitioner will spend time finding out as much as possible about you, your medical history, and current physical health and state of mind. The practitioner will identify the particular colour frequencies that you need. There are several ways of doing this including kinesiology to test muscle strength in relation to colour, dowsing and diagnostic charts in addition to the practitioner’s own experience. A typical colour therapy treatment might include the use of breathing exercises, crystals, light, silk scarves or coloured (solarised) water. Coloured light might be applied to parts or to the whole body. The main colour is usually given with its complementary colour (for example blue with orange). The lights may be used constantly or rhythmically. You may be given advice on how to make the best use of colour in your diet, the clothes you wear and your home and work environment.

Which problems can colour therapy help?
Colour is used in orthodox medicine for the treatment of neonatal jaundice and other specific medical conditions. It is used in complementary therapy to boost the immune system and promote healing from within. It can benefit a wide range of problems including stress-related conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, asthma, behavioural disorders and depression and many more. In particular, it can help to restore health after surgery or illness. It can also aid creativity and help learning.

How do I find a qualified colour therapist?
The majorities of colour therapists are self-employed and work, either from their own home or from a room rented in a natural health centre or clinic. When choosing a colour therapists, it is important to make sure that the practitioner has been properly trained at an accredited school or training establishment and is a member of a professional organisation. Practitioner members of the International Association of Colour use the letters PMIAC and are included in the Register of qualified practitioners.