“Of all God’s gifts to the sighted man, color is holiest, the most divine, the most solemn.” John Ruskin
Color Therapy
Color therapy or chromotherapy is a type of holistic healing that uses the visible spectrum of light and color to improve mood disorders or physical ailments. Each color in the spectrum falls into a specific frequency and vibration which some believe can be used to restore balance within our bodies.
Chromotherapy has been around for thousands of years, with Egypt, Greece, China and India among the first countries to have explored color and its healing capabilities.
Today, there is a limited database of scientific evidence to support or validate the effectiveness of this age-old treatment. In the recent decade however, people have shown a growing interest for alternative or complementary therapies, which may prompt more extensive research in the future.
While others remain sceptical about using color for healing or therapy, there is universal recognition that colors have an important role in human life and an undeniable ability to influence our mood and emotions.
The subjective nature of color perception means that we all respond to colors differently. This is why it is important to identify the colors that inspire calm, creativity, peace and vitality within you. Look at a color at a time and briefly note down how each one makes you feel.
Those close to me will know of my fondness for neutrals and white – my home interior, car, clothes. For me, white symbolizes light, space, cleanliness, inspiration and hope. Colors speak volumes and what we seldom say about who we are can be beautifully captured and reflected in the colors we choose to paint our lives’ canvas with.
On days when I wake up in need of a mood boost, I look through my closet to find a beautiful coloured garment. Adding a pop of color to my outfit instantly lifts my spirits. I adore buying flowers for my home. Waking up each morning to the vibrant colors of a bouquet makes me appreciate the simple miracles of life and further heightens my feelings of gratitude. My menu becomes brighter and better too! I find that staring at a gorgeously colorful, healthy plate of food (sweet or savoury), improves my mood immensely; red peppers, beetroot, kale, avocado, mangos, pineapple, raspberries, kiwis. The more colour you can pack into your diet, the greater the boost – visually and nutritionally!
Check out creativemarket.com for info about science-based color meaning.
Light Therapy
It’s no mystery that the sun and its source of light (or lack of) can have a profound effect on us all. Exposure to the sun’s natural light stimulates the production of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for the body. A healthy combination of vitamin D in dietary form and from sunlight is important. However, always remember the health risks of sun exposure and be sure to take necessary precautions such as using sunscreen.
A 2019 longitudinal study in the UK found that out of 11 million adult patients tested in primary health care settings from 2005-2015, one third were vitamin D deficient. A study conducted by Vitall in 2021 confirmed that the most likely deficiency in the UK is vitamin D particularly in males.
Phototherapy (or light therapy) is a treatment that provides patients with exposure to an artificial light source. The studies conducted thus far regarding this form of therapy have reported that exposure to controlled light durations improved Mood Depressive Disorder (MDD) and reduced symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Studies also confirm that phototherapy can help the body make vitamin D, but people who undergo the treatment are also at risk of developing skin cancer.
Sun symbolism in ancient times
The ancient Egyptian people honoured Ra, God of the Sun, one of the oldest deities of their civilisation. Their society understood that the sun was a source of life, energy, light and warmth, which unsurprisingly meant that the cult of Ra had immense power and influence. The Greeks honoured Helios, who was similar to Ra in many aspects. Helios is described in the Homeric poems as the god who sees and hears every thing and in Homer’s Odyssey, as a god “who gives joy to mortals.” The cult of Helios was celebrated each year with a ritual that involved a golden horse-drawn chariot being pulled to the end of a cliff and into the sea. Primary areas of worship for the god Helios were believed to have been on the island of Rhodes and in the city of Korinthos (Corinth). The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge 33 meter-high bronze statue of the God Helios. The incredible work of art attracted visitors far and wide and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Recommended Activities:
If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut, a few mood-boosting activities will help. Perhaps walls in a room at home could do with a splash of paint? Using colors that elicit happiness and tranquillity will enhance your daily life. If painting walls is not an option, try to incorporate color with standalone furniture pieces: colored cushions, a bright ottoman or artwork can really elevate your living space without the need for a grand-scale overhaul.
Get creative with cooking and incorporate more colorful fruits and veggies into your diet. They say we eat with our eyes first, so stimulate your senses by preparing meals packed with nutrition, texture and color.
Plan an outdoor activity in the daytime like tennis, walking, cycling or yoga. Really savour the moments you spend outside in the natural light. Boosting physical activity and reconnecting with nature can ease stress and increase overall happiness.
