Shining the Light on Color Light Therapy:What You need to Know
Color Light Therapy, also called chromotherapy, is a method of treatment that uses the visible spectrum (colors) of electromagnetic radiation to cure diseases. It is gaining in popularity due to the advent of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). NASA’s medical research using Red and Near Infrared LEDs, has expanded the awareness, and use of, color therapy for healing. The application of specific colors as a therapy has been proven over centuries to have powerful healing effects. Natural light is composed of all the colors. As imbalances occur in our bodies, our cells develop the need for exposure to specific colors through light, to help regain balanced function.
The human body, according to the doctrine of chromotherapy, is basically composed of colors. The body is stimulated by colors and colors are responsible for the correct working of various systems that function in the body. All organs and limbs have their own distinct color. Color can assist with emotional releases and is very useful in relieving stress and anxiety.
There are 7 Colors in the Color Chart. Each different color has it’s own specific benefits.
Below are the 7 Colors on the Therapy Chart and what they are used for:
- Near Infrared
- Red – Activates and Revitalizes
- Orange – Restores and Animates
- Yellow – Fortifies and Brightens
- Green – Balances and Relaxes
- Blue – Soothes and Calms
- Indigo – Purifies and Focuses
- Violet – Inspires and Supports
- Color Combinations and What They are used for
Near Infrared Light Therapy – 700nm-1mm
The healing effects of Near Infrared light only became known with the release of the LED technology. As it is invisible to the human eye, there was no way to gauge the effects infrared light had on the body.
NIR LEDs are often used in conjunction with Red LEDs.
Benefits of Near Infrared Light Therapy
Wound Healing
Speeds healing of:
Burns and severe burns
Muscle and tendon sprains
Circulation is improved
Eases pain for many conditions
Helps with skin repair and the effects of aging
Boosts collagen formation to help smooth wrinkles
Accelerated relief from severe food allergy symptoms
Boosts enzyme activity to stimulate metabolism
Within the Cells:
Stimulates mitochondrial function to boost ATP (our energy source for all body processes)
Increases DNA synthesis for cellular reproduction and to repair damaged cells
Conditions Used For:
Allergies
Arthritic pain and mobility / management
Burns
Diabetic Neuropathy
Eye Injuries
Skin repair and rejuvenation
Sprains
Wounds
Red Light Therapy - 620-750nm
Red is a hot color and has a stimulating effect, both physically and mentally. It is associated with power, energy and vitality. Red is essential for physical and emotional transformation. Red light restores depleted energy and nourishes adrenal functions. It helps combat laziness and lethargy.
Red is most effectively used where there is a lack of energy, vitality or where there is congestion. It is effective in the treatment of lung, bone, heart and muscle conditions. Red light therapy stimulates circulation as well as the muscular and cardiovascular systems.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Wound Healing
Burns: Speeds healing of burns
Helps repair skin and the effects of aging.
Boosts collagen formation to help smooth wrinkles
Prevents and reduces scar tissue
Increases blood flow and helps poor circulation
Regenerates the blood
Helps 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. Red stimulates the pituitary starting a cascading effect to stimulate other organs and glands.
Stimulates the production of adrenal hormones
Brain: Increases the production of endorphins and enkephelins (mood elevating and pain reducing neurotransmitters)
Relieves pain in bone and muscle
Stimulates sensory nerves, which heightens the senses of smell, sight, taste, touch and hearing.
Within the cells, it stimulates ATP, our energy source.
Increases RNA/DNA synthesis for cellular reproduction and to repair damaged cells.
Conditions Used For:
Anemia
Asthma
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Chronic Coughs
Constipation
Eczema
Glandular dysfunction
Fatigue
Listlessness
Frostbite
Head congestion
Paralysis
Pneumonia
Wounds and inflammation
When to Avoid
Orange Light Therapy – 590-620nm
Orange is the color of joy and happiness. It enhances both mental and physical energy. Orange is a warm color that is used to help balance problems with the kidneys, the large and small intestines, the lower spine and sacroiliac joints. The two sacroiliac joints absorb the weight of the upper body and transfer it to the lower body. Orange is used to relieve nervous tension, arthritis, fear and loss of appetite when related to depression.
Exposure to orange light for a brief period in the morning will help overcome feelings of lethargy.
Benefits of Orange Light Therapy
Relieves muscle cramps and spasms – including menstrual
Strengthens the lungs
Strengthens the kidneys
Improves assimilation of food through the effects on the spleen and pancreas
Relieves gas and soothes irritable bowel and the digestive tract
Relieves hiccups
Strengthens the immune system
Increases pulse rate, without affecting blood pressure
Stimulates appetite
Stimulate thyroid gland
Conditions Used For:
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds
Depression
Fatigue
Gallstones
Gout
Under active thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
Kidney conditions
Lactation (stimulation)
Menstrual issues
Respiratory diseases
When to Avoid
If you are experiencing any type of anxiety disorder or are feeling easily excited
Yellow Light Therapy – 570-590nm
Yellow is a hot color symbolizing the sun. Yellow has a bright and cheerful effect. It is associated with the Solar Plexus, thus being beneficial in balancing the digestive system – the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and stomach.
Yellow is also associated with the adrenal glands, nervous system and muscles. It activates the lymphatic and immune systems. It is used to heal arthritis and stimulate eye and ear functions. It can also be used to strengthen the nervous system and assist metabolism.
Benefits of Yellow Light Therapy
Rejuvenate the skin: Builds collagen to increase elasticity. Used to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging
Builds and Tones the motor nerves to energize muscles
Helps with mental concentration
Stimulates and helps cleanse the liver, intestines and the skin
Activates the lymphatic system
Promotes digestion
Stimulates the immune system
Fortifies the hormonal system
Helps expel parasites
Conditions Used For:
Arthritis
Constipation
Diabetes
Digestive problems
Dyslexia
Eczema
Fatigue
Adrenal gland problems
Flatulence
Gallbladder conditions
Kidney problems
Liver conditions
Lymphatic congestion
Muscle atrophy
Pancreas imbalances
Paralysis
Sciatic nerve pain
When to Avoid:
When acute inflammation is present
Diarrhea
Fever
Heart palpitations
Neuralgia
Overexcited
Green Light Therapy – 495-570nm
Green is called the master. It is a balancing color, which has a sedating and cooling effect, green helps reduce the swelling and inflammation of joints and tissues as well as calm the body. It helps create oxygen and purify the blood. Green influences the heart, breasts, lungs, upper back, and the endocrine (chemical messenger) and circulatory systems. Green-argon lasers are often used for delicate diabetic eye surgery, because the green light tends to affect only blood vessels leaving other sensitive portions of the eye undamaged.
Benefits of Green Light Therapy
A detoxifier – especially beneficial for chronic conditions
A disinfectant or antiseptic – has a germicidal and anti-bacterial effect
Stimulates the pituitary gland
Helps the sympathetic nervous system, relieve stress in the blood vessels
Helps dissolve blood clots
Builds muscle, bones and other tissues
A tonic for the body
An aphrodisiac and sexual tonic
Strengthens the immune system
Conditions Used For:
Anxiety
Asthma
Colds
Colic
Eczema
Hay Fever
Heart Conditions
Hemorrhoids
High blood pressure
Insomnia
Laryngitis
Liver conditions
Whooping cough
Tumors and growths (benign and malignant)
Ulcers
Blue Light Therapy – 450-495nm
Blue is a cold color and has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Blue light therapy is used to help boost morning energy levels. The blue light wavelengths help to set circadian rhythms and boost energy levels.
Blue is specific to the throat and helps with imbalances in the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It also helps with neck and shoulder tension as well as problems with the teeth and gums.
Sky Blue is used for Bronchial and Lung issues. Sky blue is a cool, calming color that facilitates the breaking down of emotional barriers. It aids in sleep and relaxation, soothes skin irritations and relieves itching and pain.
Benefits of Blue Light Therapy
Blue has Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Blue light has been used as an option for those who cannot tolerate prescription antibiotics.
It is used for burns. Blue light speeds healing of burns and has a cooling and soothing effect.
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Increases metabolism and builds vitality
Promotes growth
Has a tonic effect on blood
Calms nerves
Astringent effect. With astringent properties, blue shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Resets the biological clock when applied behind the knees. Blue light application is helpful whenever the body needs to adjust to different time zones or for shift work.
Conditions Used For:
Acne and blemishes, including skin eruptions from measles and chickenpox
Baldness
Burns
Colic
Diarrhea and dysentery
Fever
Headaches and migraines
Heart palpitations
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhage
Herpes
Hormonal imbalances, including menopause and impotence
Hyperactivity in children
Hysteria
Insomnia
Itching
Jaundice
Laryngitis
Pain
Sciatica
Senses – smell and taste issues
Swollen glands
Throat conditions and sore throat
Thyroid disorders
Ulcers
Warts
Yeast and fungus problems
Weight loss – blue is an appetite suppressant.
When To Avoid:
Do not use if predisposed to macular degeneration
Experiencing cold symptoms
High Blood Pressure
Indigo Light Therapy – 420-450nm
Indigo is a cold color that is used in all conditions involving heat in the body. Peaceful and calming, it has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Indigo is used for restlessness and pain. It helps to calm skin eruptions as well as aiding in the treatment of bacterial infections. Indigo is beneficial for issues with imbalances in the pineal and the pituitary glands, sinuses, the eyes, ears and nose as well as with learning disabilities.
Benefits of Indigo Light Therapy
Blood purifier
Anti-bacterial effect
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Helps with various skin conditions
Speeds healing, of boils and skin ulcers
Calms the nervous system
Reduces swelling of wounds
Astringent effect. As with blue, Indigo shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Conditions Used For:
Ear, Eye and Nose conditions
Hearing
Hemorrhages
Insomnia
Learning disorders
Sinus problems
Skin conditions
Varicose veins
When To Avoid:
Over exposure to the eyes
If predisposed to macular degeneration
Experiencing cold symptoms
High blood pressure
Violet Light Therapy – 380-450nm
Violet is a cooling color. It has a soothing and calming effect. Violet helps with imbalances in the pineal and pituitary glands. It also helps soothe the nervous system and mental functions.
Benefits of Violet Light Therapy
Supports and calms the central nervous system
Helps improve memory
Helps correct muscular and skeletal imbalances
Assists with environmental sensitivities
Helps overcome sleep disorders
Depresses appetite
Anti-bacterial effect
Anti-inflammatory qualities
Violet has an Astringent effect. It shrinks tissues and dries up secretions
Conditions Used For:
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Headaches
Emotional exhaustion
Fainting
Insomnia
Mental disorders
Learning disorders
Muscular system, balance and co-ordination
Scalp conditions
Sensitivity to light, sound and 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 and What They are used for:
Red and Blue Light – Acne
Alternating Red and Blue light is used to clear severe cases of acne and skin welts. The Blue light attacks the bacteria causing acne, whilst the Red light stimulates collagen and elastin to renew the skin.
Red and Amber – Rosacea
If you have burning, itching, acne, rosacea or broken capillaries, always start with a Red light. For Redness or broken capillaries, start with a combination of Red and Amber light. For Rosacea, this is the one condition where you do not start with a green or blue light. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition and Red light is what treats that. Blue light treats bacteria, however Rosacea is not caused by bacteria.
Orange and Blue Light – Glands and Hormones
Alternating Orange and Blue light is used to balance the endocrine (chemical messenger) system.
Green – All Conditions
Green is often used prior to the application of other colors for more effective results. The only condition Green and Blue are not recommended to start with, is Rosacea. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition which is best treated with Red Light Therapy.
