January 25, 2008

Picture a perfect, clear summer day – a bright blue sky overhead; cool, green grass under your feet; a field of yellow sunflowers.  You can see it, can’t you?  The power of this imagery is not in the objects themselves, but in the vivid colors that we associate with them.  In fact, it is believed that the human eye can distinguish around 10 million colors.

Throughout the ages, color has taken on a much more important role than just as a representation of the world around us.  Ancient Egyptians introduced the idea that different colors could produce a healing effect on the body.  Their practitioners built solariums with tinted glass in the ceiling to allow multiple rays of color to shine on those who were gathered inside.  For centuries Indians have studied chakras as centers of energy within the body, and the influence that color has on those areas.

Modern color therapy emerged in the 19th century from the studies of Augustus Pleasanton, who used blue-tinted panels in his greenhouse to accelerate the growth and increase the size of grapes.  Dr. Edwin Babbitt soon followed with a book, “Principles of Light and Color,” that outlined the positive effect of color therapy regarding sleep disorders.  The greatest advancement came in 1940, when a Russian scientist named S.V. Krakov linked the different wavelengths of light to their effect on the nervous system.  

Since then, we have discovered the following corollaries between specific colors and the human body:

Violet –enlightenment, revelation – used to soothe organs (da Vinci believed meditation could be substantially enhanced by violet light)
Blue –communication, knowledge – used to eliminate toxins
Green – harmony, balance – used as a calming method (think of “green rooms” in TV production studios)
Red – energy, stimulation – used to increase circulation, blood pressure
Orange – pleasure, enthusiasm – used to boost immunity
Yellow – wisdom, clarity – used as a sensory stimulant

Even those who question the effectiveness of color therapy cannot refute the effect of light on the body and mind.  Sunlight has proven healing power, and ultraviolet light provides vitamin D for the prevention of osteoporosis.  The reverse of this is also true: the absence of light during the winter months causes Seasonal Affective Disorder in millions of Americans.

To harness the capability of color therapy, try Jason’s LED chromatherapy light kit in your bath.  This equipment provides an assortment of preprogrammed light shows that include color washes, cross fades, and fixed colors.   Jason offers red, blue, aqua, green, and violet lights that are included on forma™ and Designer Signature Edition baths.