Chromath?rapie

Related Terms

Acu-light, acu-light therapy, chromopressure, chromotherapy, color theory, colored filters, colored light therapy, colored overlays, colorpuncture, Dinshah Ghadiali, holographic memory resolution, light-color therapy, Luscher Color TestT, ocular light therapy, Peter Mandel's Esogetic Colorpuncture Therapy (ECT)T, photochromotherapy.
Not included in this review: Light therapy (phototherapy or conventional ultraviolet light phototherapy) is used to treat high bilirubin blood levels in infants and skin disorders such as acne or psoriasis. Light therapy is used to treat seasonal affective disorder.

Background

Color therapy uses colors for their proposed healing abilities to treat emotional and physical disturbances. Changing the colors of clothes or home or office d?cor or visualizing different colors may be recommended. Color therapy is based on the idea that different colors evoke different responses in people. For example, some colors are considered to be stimulating, whereas others may be soothing. Some color therapists assert that they can read and alter the colors of people's auras. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, different colors are associated with different chakras, or energy centers.
Color, light, or phototherapy using single or mixed colors, sometimes from a laser, may be shined on the whole body or on particular chakras. The Luscher Color TestT is said to indicate mood and personality. Silks colored with natural dyes, solarized water, color cards, or a light box or lamp with colored filters may be included as part of treatment. In addition, meditation and breathing exercises may be performed during color therapy.
Ocular light therapy, which projects light through colored filters and into the eyes, is sometimes used in people with psychological disorders. Colored light therapy, colorpuncture, and chromopressure are newer techniques.
Scientific evidence is lacking for color therapy. Although color therapy has been suggested for many conditions, and it has been used in some hospitals, its safety and effectiveness have not been thoroughly studied.

Theory

In the early 20th Century, Dinshah Ghadiali, MD, PhD, used a system of color therapy to irradiate acupuncture points with colored light. Some early research done in Russia indicates that light may be conducted within the body along the acupuncture meridians.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


In humans, color therapy has been studied as a possible way to lower blood pressure. Further research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

 C


In humans, color therapy has been studied as a possible way to lower blood pressure. Further research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

 C


Studies have tested the use of integrative therapies, including color therapy, during the neonatal period. Additional study is warranted.

 C


Studies have tested the use of integrative therapies, including color therapy, during the neonatal period. Additional study is warranted.

 C


Early research found that light-color stimulation improved cardiovascular symptoms in patients with glomerular nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research found that light-color stimulation improved cardiovascular symptoms in patients with glomerular nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney. More research is needed in this area.

 C


There is early research suggesting that color therapy may help relieve hand, elbow, or lower back pain. Further study is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

 C


There is early research suggesting that color therapy may help relieve hand, elbow, or lower back pain. Further study is needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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