New colour to life

DO YOU wish to look at the world through rose-tinted spectacles? You can, with the help of colour therapy.

You can even soak yourself in a tub of coloured water and emerge rejuvenated. This may perhaps sound fanciful as one usually relates colours with one's wardrobe.

But, according to Leatrice Eiseman, colour psychologist and director of the Pantone Colour Institute in Carlstadt, New Jersey, U.S., this growing beauty trend is based on the ancient Eastern theories that attribute therapeutic properties to colours.

But even before the Egyptians discovered the healing powers of colours, Ayurvedic physicians in India were already administering colour therapy to their patients. With more and more people turning to alternative healing systems, the country is seeing a revival of several ancient healing systems.

Health-conscious Chennaiites too are increasingly veering away from allopathy to alternative cures.

Aromatherapy, for instance, made waves only recently in the city and now it is time to revive one's jaded body with a plunge into a tub of colour.

Colour therapists, for their part, feel that people who need to make adjustments in their attitudes or, are in need of psycho- therapy, can benefit from this therapy.

Maybe there's something more to that craze for colours people have, after all. There is nothing like wearing the right colour for it can lift your sagging spirit through the day.

The right colours do send the right vibrations.

Colour therapy, also known as chromatherapy, is based on the premise that certain colours have innate healing energies. The therapy uses the seven colours of the rainbow to establish equilibrium of mind and body. This equilibrium in itself is sufficient to make one experience a sense of well-being and good health.

"Coloured lights and other colours in our environment have been shown to enhance and change moods; we react physiologically to colours," says Eiseman, who is also the author of Colours for Your Every Mood (Capital Books).

Ayurvedic practitioners strongly believe that each of the seven colours of the spectrum is imbued with specific healing properties and the vibrations generated by each colour help to establish the balance that is so vital for the well-being of an individual. The colour spectrum consists of different wave lengths of light energy and frequencies. Their theory is that if the harmony of the five basic elements- water, earth, air, fire and ether (space) - present in the body is disturbed due to stress, unhealthy living habits and other external forces, it causes disease and distress.

This equilibrium can be restored to a great extent by the energy that is inherent in colours.

Violet, it is believed, promotes enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Holistic healthcare providers use this colour to soothe the organs of the body, relax muscles, and calm the nervous system.

Indigo is also said to have a soothing and sedative effect. It is believed to promote the power of intuition and may be useful in controlling bleeding and abscesses.

Blue enhances one's communicative abilities and knowledge. It eliminates toxins and is used to treat liver disorders and jaundice. Green is associated with equilibrium, perhaps because of its location in the middle of the spectrum.

Ayurvedic physicians use this colour to treat patients suffering from ulcers. It is said to have antiseptic, germicidal and antibacterial properties and is sometimes used by holistic colour therapists to treat bacterial infections.

Yellow is a sensory stimulant associated with wisdom and clarity. It is thought to have decongestant and antibacterial properties, and is useful in stimulating both the digestive and lymphatic systems.

Orange, it is believed, promotes pleasure, enthusiasm, and is a sexual stimulant. Ayurvedic practitioners believe it has antibacterial properties and could be useful in easing digestive system discomforts (e.g. flatulence, cramps).

The colour red promotes energy, power, and is generally stimulating. It is thought to improve circulation and stimulate red blood cell production.

The younger generation can now explore and enjoy the therapeutic effects of colour, feel the power of colour in them through colour meditation, a process by which one feels energised, revitalised and inspired. Meditating on a chosen colour even makes one feel happy.

So, all one has to do add a dash of the right colour to one's life to experience that top of the world feeling.

PADMAVATHI SRINIVASAN

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