Embedded Files
Visible Light Spectrum
Visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. As you can see from the diagram it represents a very small part of this spectrum but is responsible for our sight, our colour vision and our circadian rhythm. It is made up of all the colours of the rainbow, where the violet and blue light (shortest wavelengths) has the highest amount of energy. The energy of each wavelength decreases as the wavelengths get longer where longest red light wavelengths have the lowest amount of energy in the visible spectrum.
Visible light with the highest amount of energy (blue light) can damage your macula and fovea over your lifetime if not protected and will degrade your visual performance even when young and healthy.
The use of colour to heal has ancient roots. Native cultures discovered that the colour of plants often determined their healing qualities. For example, blood conditions were treated with red flowers and herbs. Long before modern technology, healers discovered that light coming through coloured fabric or coloured glass had the ability to speed healing.
Light in the form of specific colours gives our food—vegetables, fruits, herbs—their nutritional or nourishing qualities. Colour is the active ingredient in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in our foods. Research with plants also indicates how coloured light affects plant health.
Colour therapy for health is gaining ground today as a result of the advent of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Medical research sponsored by NASA, using both Red and Near Infrared (NIR) LEDs, expanded the awareness of, and use of, colour therapy.
The application of specific colours as a therapy has been proven over centuries to have a powerful healing effect. Natural light is composed of all the colours. As imbalances occur in our bodies—often from stress and other lifestyle choices—our cells develop the need for exposure to specific colours to help regain balanced function.
Our bodies have two invisible energy transport systems.
One is the meridian system, a system meticulously charted in ancient China, which delivers the energies of light to organs and glands throughout our bodies.
The other is the chakra system, charted in ancient India, which stores the energy of light in the region of the major nerve ganglions along the spine. The chakras are spirals of energy that function like pumps or valves to regulate the flow of light or colour through our nervous system and throughout the body. The body seems to act like a prism as each of the seven chakras has a concentration of a particular colour.
Light is absorbed through our eyes and our skin. Two specific ways our bodies disperse light throughout the body are the meridian system, discovered in ancient China, and the chakra system, discovered in ancient India. The purpose of colour therapy is to help bring balance to the body—mentally, emotionally and physically.
Near Infrared (NIR)
The healing effects of near Infrared light only became known with the advent of light emitting diode (LED) technology. Since it is invisible to the human eye, before LEDs there was no way to gauge the effect near infrared light had on the body.
NIR LEDs are often used in conjunction with Red LEDs
Physical Effects
Wound healing
Burns: Speeds healing of severe burns
Circulation: Improved
Muscle and tendon sprains: Speeds healing
Pain: Eases pain for many conditions
Skin rejuvenation: Helps with skin repair and the effects of aging.
Boosts collagen formation to help smooth wrinkles
Allergy symptoms
Accelerated relief from severe food allergy symptom
Boosts enzyme activity to stimulate metabolism
Within Cells: Stimulates mitochondrial function to boost ATP(adenosine tri-phosphate), our energy source for all body processes.
Increases DNA synthesis for cellular reproduction and the repair of damaged cells
Eye injuries
Accelerated healing in blinded rats when used in conjunction with Red LEDs. Avoid shining light directly into eyes. Use extreme caution if applying any colour to the eyes
Mental/Emotional
The emotional impact of near infrared light has not yet been studied as part of LED light therapy research. It could be that NIR has the same emotional and mental effects as red.
Specific Conditions
Allergies
Arthritic pain and mobility
Burns
Diabetic neuropathy
Eye injuries
Skin repair
Sprains
Wounds
When to Avoid
Information is not available on when to avoid NIR as scientists using LED light therapy have not focused on, or discovered any, as yet.
Common sense tells us that it would be wise to avoid NIR in the same situations advised for Red.
Red
Red is a hot colour and has a stimulating effect—both mentally and physically. It is associated with power, energy, vitality, and the general excitement of life. Red has a cheering effect and helps combat lethargy and laziness.
It is effectively used where there is lack of vitality or where there is congestion. Red relates to the Root chakra and sex organs. Red is effective in the treatment of the lungs, bones, heart, and muscles.
Red LEDs are often used in conjunction with Near infrared LEDs.
Red is associated with energy, vitality and an enthusiasm for life
Physical Effects
Wound healing
Burns: Speeds healing of severe burns
Skin rejuvenation: Helps with skin repair and the effects of aging. Boosts collagen formation to help smooth wrinkles
Prevents and reduces scar tissue
Increases the flow of blood and is useful for poor circulation
Regenerates the blood.
May help with anemia by building hemoglobin
Energizes and relieves congestion of the liver.
Stimulates acupuncture points.
Strengthens the flow of energy to the kidneys
Activates hormones—particularly pituitary hormones.
Red stimulates the pituitary starting a cascade effect to stimulate other glands and organs.
Stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.
Brain
Increases the production of mood elevating and pain reducing neurotransmitters (endorphins and enkephelins).
Relieves pain in bones and muscle contractures.
Stimulates sensory nerves so the senses of smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch are heightened.
Within Cells
Stimulates ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), our energy source for all body processes.
Increases RNA/DNA synthesis for cellular reproduction and the repair of damaged cells.
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Red: Stubbornness, quick temper, resentment, aggression.
Deficiency of Red: Fear, depression, inertia, lack of vitality.
In balance: Feelings of love and joy.
Specific Conditions
Anemia
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic coughs
Constipation
Eczema
Endocrine (glandular) dysfunction
Fatigue
Listlessness
Frostbite
Head congestion
Paralysis
Pneumonia
Wounds and inflammations that are not oozing
When to Avoid
With any condition that shouldn’t be stimulated
Experiencing anger or overly excited
Fever
Hypertension
Mental illness or more severe mental imbalances
Nerve inflammation (neuritis)
Wounds that are discharging pus
Orange
Orange is the colour of joy or happiness and encourages the warmth of the heart. It enhances both mental and physical energy. Orange is a mixture of red and yellow. It also stimulates creativity. This colour governs the Spleen chakra, which is also known as the Sacral chakra.
Orange is used to help balance problems with the kidneys, large and small intestines, the lower spine (back) and sacroiliac joints. There are two sacroiliac shock-absorbing joints between the spine and the pelvis. They absorb the weight of the upper body and transfer it to the lower body
Exposure to orange light for a brief period in the morning will help overcome feelings of lethargy.
Physical Effects
Relieves muscle spasms and cramps—including menstrual cramps
Strengthens the lungs
Strengthens the kidneys
Improves assimilation of food through effects on the spleen and pancreas
Relieves gas and soothes irritable bowels and the digestive tract
Relieves hiccups
Strengthens the immune system
Increases pulse rate but does not affect blood pressure
Stimulates appetite
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Nourishment from B-vitamins and several minerals—including calcium, copper and selenium—is a result of their orange color
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Orange: Confusion, lethargy, pessimism.
Deficiency of Orange: Stress, self-conflict, depression, loneliness, lethargy, fatigue.
In Balance: Feelings of courage, enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to be energetic.
Specific Conditions
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds
Depression
Fatigue
Gallstones
Gout
Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid)
Kidney ailments
Lactation (stimulation)
Menstrual difficulties
Respiratory diseases
When to Avoid
Easily excited
Experiencing any type of anxiety disorder
Yellow
Yellow is a hot colour symbolizing the sun. The sun, of course, encompasses all colours, but it is commonly associated with Yellow. Yellow has a bright and cheering effect. Yellow is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra so is beneficial in balancing the digestive system—the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and stomach.
As the “seat of the emotions” this chakra is also associated with the adrenal glands, nervous system, muscles and our personal power. Yellow also activates the lymphatic and immune systems.
Physical Effects
Rejuvenate skin: Builds collagen to increase elasticity. Used to reduce facial and neck wrinkles
Tones and builds the motor nerves to energize muscles
Helps mental concentration
Stimulates and helps cleanse with an eliminative action on the liver, intestines and the skin
Activates the lymphatic system
Promotes digestion
Stimulates the immune system
Fortifies the hormonal system
Helps expel parasites
Nourishment from vitamins A and C as well as several minerals—including magnesium, sodium, sulphur and molybdenum—is a result of their yellow colour
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Yellow: Lack of concentration, desire to be malicious or devious.
Deficiency of Yellow: Melancholy, mild depression, lack of motivation, poor self-esteem, fears, phobias.
In balance: Feelings of joy and happiness.
Yellow can be applied to stimulate left-brain activity. It is associated with an alert intellect.
Specific Conditions
Arthritis
Constipation
Diabetes
Digestive problems of all kinds except diarrhea
Dyslexia
Eczema
Fatigue and adrenal gland problems
Flatulence
Gallbladder conditions
Kidney problems
Liver conditions
Lymphatic congestion
Muscle atrophy
Pancreas imbalances
Paralysis—applied over the back of the head (occiput) and the base of the spine
Sciatic nerve pain
Thymus as stimulant for the immune system.
When to Avoid
Acute inflammation
Diarrhea
Fever
Heart palpitations
Neuralgia
Overexcited
Green
Green is the most common color in nature. It is called the master or balancing colour. Green is the combination of blue and yellow. It has a sedative and cooling effect.
Green governs the Heart chakra, the center of unselfish and unconditional love. It promotes feelings of contentment, relaxation and trust. Green is the color of growth, fertility, hope, youth, energy and new life. It influences the heart, breasts, lungs, upper back, and the endocrine and circulatory systems.
Green promotes feelings of contentment and tranquility
Physical Effects
A detoxifier—especially beneficial for all chronic conditions
A disinfectant or antiseptic—a germicidal and anti-bacterial effect
Stimulates the Pituitary, the master gland
Acts upon the sympathetic nervous system to relieve stress in the blood vessels
Helps dissolve blood clots
Builds muscles, bones and other tissues
A tonic to the body
An aphrodisiac and sexual tonic
Strengthens the immune system
In plants, green chlorophyll is key to the process of converting light from the sun into chemical energy for our benefit
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Green: Envy, jealousy, insecurity, lack of motivation.
Deficiency of Green: Introversion, irritability, exhaustion, compulsive behavior, fears, phobias, panic disorders.
In balance: Feelings of contentment and tranquility.
Specific Conditions
Anxiety
Asthma
Colds
Colic
Eczema
Hay fever
Heart conditions
Hemorrhoids
High blood pressure
Insomnia
Laryngitis
Liver ailments
Whooping cough
Tumors or growths (both benign and malignant)
Ulcers
When to Avoid
No conditions that we are aware of.
Blue
Blue is a cold colour and as a result can be used in all conditions involving heat in the body. It has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Blue is specific to the Throat chakra so is useful to help with imbalances in the thyroid and parathyroid glands, tension in the neck and shoulder areas, and problems with teeth, and gums.
Physical Effects
Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Blue light has been used as an option for those who cannot tolerate prescription antibiotics.
Burns: Speeds healing of burns and has a cooling and soothing effect
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Increases metabolism and builds vitality
Promotes growth
A tonic effect on blood
Calms nerves
Astringent effect. As an astringent, blue shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Resets the biological clock when applied behind the knees. This application may be helpful whenever the body needs to adjust to different time zones or for shift work
Contracts arteries, veins and capillaries so can increase blood pressure
Blue is the colour of the sky so it has great influence to adjust our circadian rhythms for work and rest patterns
In nature, oxygen—a vital element in our air and water—is blue
Energy
Dr Oz suggested on his popular television show and on his website: “To help boost your morning energy level, try Blue Light Therapy. Frequently offered in spas, blue light therapy can recharge your battery even if you have not gotten a good night’s sleep. The blue light wavelength actually helps to set circadian rhythms and boost energy.”
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Blue: Doubt, apathy, and melancholy.
Deficiency of Blue: Sense of rigidity or feelings of being victimized.
In balance: Naturally affectionate, relaxed, calm, intuitive, and able to express feelings and thoughts honestly and harmoniously.
Blue is used to help strengthen will power and to increase the ability to make decisions.
Specific Conditions
Acne and blemishes including skin eruptions from chicken pox and measles
Baldness
Burns
Colic
Diarrhea and dysentery
Fever
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hormonal imbalances: impotence and menopause
Hyperactivity in children
Hysteria
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice
Laryngitis
Pain
Sciatica
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Senses
smell and taste issues
Sore throat
Swollen glands
Thyroid disorders: goiter and hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid)
TMJ
Ulcers
Warts
Yeast/fungus
Weight loss—blue is an appetite suppressant.
When to Avoid
Over exposure to the eyes
Do not use if predisposed to macular degeneration
Experiencing cold symptoms
High Blood Pressure
Indigo
Indigo is a cold colour and as a result can be used in all conditions involving heat in the body. It has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Indigo is specific to the Brow chakra so is useful to help with imbalances in the pineal and the pituitary glands, sinuses, the eyes, ears and nose as well as with learning disabilities.
Physical Effects
Blood purifier
Anti-bacterial effect
Helps with various skin conditions
Assists with healing of boils and skin ulcers
Calms the nervous system
Reduces swelling from wounds
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Astringent effect. As an astringent, Indigo shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Indigo enhances intuition, strengthens imagination and courage.
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Indigo: Inconsiderate, arrogant, intolerant.
Deficiency of Indigo: Succumb to fears and addictions, avoids conflict.
In balance: Intuitive, calm, understanding, sense of responsibility, sense of justice, willing to be of service.
Indigo enhances intuition, strengthens imagination and courage. Indigo may enhance practicality and dream activity.
Specific Conditions
Ear, eye and nose conditions
Hearing
Hemorrhages
Insomnia
Learning disorders
Sinus problems
Skin conditions
Varicose veins
When to Avoid
Over exposure to the eyes
Do not use if predisposed to macular degeneration
Experiencing cold symptoms
High Blood Pressure
Violet
Violet is a cooler colour so has a soothing and calming effect. Violet is specific to the Crown chakra so is useful to help with imbalances in the pineal and the pituitary glands, helps soothe the nervous system and mental functions.
Physical Effects
Supports and calms central nervous system
Possibly improve memory
Helps correct muscular and skeletal imbalances
Helps with environmental sensitivities
Helps overcome sleep disorders
Depresses appetite
Anti-bacterial effect
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Astringent effect. As an astringent, Violet shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Violet enhances a sense of self as a spiritual being with feelings of compassion and creativity.
Mental/Emotional
Excess of Violet: Too much of a dreamer, impractical, bored, arrogant, moody, secretive, vain.
Deficiency of Violet: Sense of isolation or aloneness, loss of meaning, disinterest in spiritual exploration, lack focus, worry, depression, close-minded.
In balance: Sense of self as a spiritual being, sense of unity, able to see the bigger picture, feelings of compassion and empathy, creative, a visionary.
Violet promotes feeling of oneness with the universe and connection with our Higher Self.
Specific Conditions
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Headaches
Emotional exhaustion
Fainting
Insomnia
Mental disorders
Learning disorders
Muscular system, balance and co-ordination
Scalp conditions
Sensitivity to light, sound and the environment
When to Avoid
Over exposure to the eyes
Do not use if predisposed to macular degeneration
Experiencing cold symptoms
High Blood Pressure
Color Combinations
Acne – Red and Blue
Alternating Red and Blue light has been used to clear severe cases of acne. Blue light attacks the acne bacteria and the Red light stimulates collagen and elastin in the skin.
Glands and Hormones – Orange and Blue
Alternating Orange and Blue light has been used to balance the endocrine system.
All Conditions – Green
Green is often used prior to the application of other colours. For more effective results, use green before applying another colour.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse