Color Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
Color therapy is a non-invasive complementary health treatment that uses colors and light to encourage positive mental and physical outcomes. Originating in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, this alternative approach has since been adopted by businesses, homes, hospitals, care homes, prisons – even saunas! All to promote healing and balance energy.
Acupuncture is a type of color therapy used for many conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety. According to ayurvedic theory, each color in the visual spectrum possesses healing powers which can positively influence someone’s chakras – energy centers in their body – through visual stimulation.
Some colors can be more stimulating and stimulate the brain, while others may calming and increase feelings of peace and serenity. Colors have also been known to affect appetite, motivation and sleep quality.
Red, for instance, can increase your heart rate and hunger pangs. Furthermore, this color has powerful antidepressant properties and may aid in better sleeping patterns.
Green is an earthy hue, often associated with grass and trees – you may find that adding plants or nature into your space helps reduce stress levels.
Yellow is another color that has the power to lift your spirits and boost happiness levels. It has also been known to enhance concentration while encouraging a feeling of well-being.
Orange is a warm and cheerful color that can boost your energy level and inspire positivity. It is believed to promote appetite as well as strengthen the body’s immune system.
Blue is a color that can be both calming and inspiring, yet it may also have sedative properties. This hue has often been employed in therapy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Purple is an effective color for relieving feelings of sadness and irritability. Additionally, this hue may shorten the time it takes for you to fall asleep.
Pink is an excellent color for relaxation and healing, often used in saunas to relax muscles.
It has also been believed to stimulate serotonin production in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness and wellbeing. A decrease in serotonin can be linked with feelings of hopelessness or sadness.
Color therapy can be done from home with colored glasses or apps that use color visualization. You could also paint a room in your house or office with an associated color for certain benefits. Finally, spend more time outside in natural sunlight or interact with blue-hued flowers and plants for added benefits.
