The Benefits of Color Therapy

The Beginnings of Color Therapy

Although some forms of alternative healing may be throught of as quackery, I believe we have to keep an open mind because there is still alot about our world we don't understand. Color therapy is not new. In fact, both the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used color to treat people. The ancient Egyptians built temples in which sunlight would sign through different colored gemstomes to treat patients. Like the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks also used color to treat patients. In Greek temples, sunlight was broken into different colors to treat patients.

In more recent times, Edwin Babbit wrote a book called Principles of LIght and Color in 1878. Although it enraged physicians at the time, once again, color therapy is becoming more popular. In fact, modern research has found that color can positively affect the state of our mind and health.

Color Therapy Device

What is Color Therapy

Color therapy can be utilized in several ways. You can sit under a colored light or direct a colored light at a specific part of your body. You can wear colored eyeglasses. Whichever method you implement, it is believed color therapy frees blocked energy or restores the frequency vibration of energy in diseased or damaged tissues and organs. As the light enters our eyes, it can trigger hormones which influence our biochemical system. By restoring the proper vibration and frequency in the body, it can restore health. Consequently, color therapy does not cure or heal the body, rather it helps the body heal itself.

The Potential Benefits of Color Therapy

The following colors may provide these potential benefits:

Red

·                 May reduce chronic pain by lowering the frequency of wavelengths and causing them to be less excited.

·                 Reduces inflammation and swelling.

·                 Stimulates the automatic system, circulatory system, and liver

·                 Helps with female disorders

·                 Increases the strength of the heart

·                 Helps build the blood and draws poisons to the head to be eliminated

Orange

·                 Reduces menstrual cramps and relieves other types of cramping

·                 Increases oxygen by stimulating the lungs, respiratory system, and thyroid gland. May help with respiratory disorders

·                 Increases milk production in lactating females by stimulating the mammary glands

·                 Relieves hiccups and reduces flatulence

·                 Depresses the parathyroid gland

·                 Relieves hiccups and flatulence

·                 Treats skin conditions like boils, carbuncles, and abscesses

Yellow

·                 Helps with night blindness by filtering out blue light

·                 Increases appetite and digestion

·                 Stengthens the heart and nervous system

·                 Heals paralysis from strokes

·                 Heals sluggish organs

·                 Destroys body worms

·                 Improves rheumatoid arthritis and neuritis

Green

·                 Helps with overall healing

·                 Stimulates digestion and the brain

·                 Heals infections, sores, bruises, and cuts

·                 Breaks up mucous and phelgm

·                 When combined with turquoise, it's useful in the treatment of burns

Aqua

·                 Rebuilds skin when damaged

·                 Relieves skin irritation, inflammation, and itching

·                 Relieves pain from burns

·                 Reduces scarring

·                 Removes muscle toxins from fatigue and relieves aches and pains

·                 Improves vision and macular degeneration

·                 Relieves headaches

·                 Reduces fever

·                 Mild sedative

·                 May help with dyslexia

Blue

·                 Weight loss

·                 Acts as a bacteriocide

·                 Useful in the treatment of acne and other skin disorders

·                 Relieves skin irritation, itching, and inflammation

·                 Helps with sleep disorders

·                 Relief from burns and fevers

·                 Relaxes and calms muscles

·                 Rebuilds skin when damaged

·                 Shrinks tumors

·                 Rids of goiters and warts

·                 May help with dyslexia

Indigo

·                 Use for ear, nasal, sinus, eye, and throat problems

·                 Acts as an analgesic

·                 Reduces swelling and associated pain

·                 Strong sedative

·                 Alternative antibiotic

·                 Stops bleeding

·                 Acts as an astringent

Violet

·                 Immune system enhancer

·                 If used on throat, stimulates thyroid

·                 Relaxes and calms the nerves

·                 Stimulates hormonal activity

·                 Cardiac depressant

·                 Appetite depressant

·                 Relieves dysentary and diarrhea

·                 Promotes restful sleep

·                 Stimulates the spleen and builds white blood cells

Magneta

·                 Stimulates and build the heart

·                 Corrects blood pressure

·                 Normalizes veins, arteries, adrenal glands, and kidneys

·                 Strengthens reproductive organs

Pink

·                 Appetite suppressant

·                 Decreases stress and promotes relaxation

·                 Calms aggression

 As more research is done on color therapy and our understanding increases, the use of color therapy will probably increase. In fact, science already understand there is a connection between the amount of light we recieve and seasonal affective disorder or SADt is be. It is also being explored in other treatments like psoriasis and hyperbiliruminemia in newborns.

Meditation Room
This is where you will begin your journey into a new level of relaxation and awareness.

Each meditation serves a specific purpose, depending on what you want to achieve. Choose freely and feel free to perform more than one meditation.

Here are some hints to get you started:

1. Make sure you are in a quiet room with no distractions.
2. Allow some time for your meditation. These meditations last from 3 - 10 minutes. The duration of each meditation is listed below so you can plan your time accordingly.
3. As you listen to the words of the meditation, picture the images that are being described in your mind.
4. Be open to the meditation.

Relaxation Through Meditation...

My preference would be to call meditation relaxation – conscious relaxation, chosen relaxation. These are words that are more universally understood, more comfortable. Constantly working toward the goal of discovering my own ability to reach a state of serenity, I have learned to meditate.

Meditating is actually easier than you might imagine. Most of us have dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious relaxation. Maybe during an exercise class or to manage pain at the dentist or anxiety before a test. We start by paying attention to our breathing. The practical effort to focus completely on our breathing takes our minds away from the "mind clutter" that constantly tries to invade our mind and eliminate feelings that will lead to a time of calm. With repeated effort the goal of clearing your mind – to think of nothing, does occur and the process of meditation takes on its own energy. The result is, and I guarantee this, peace, serenity, calmness, eventually opening yourself to new insights.

Meditating for Life

Too much stress, stress reduction, chill out, let it go, detach – familiar phrases to all of us. Our world is fast, fun and exciting. It is also challenging, trying, demanding and frightening. These two sides of our lives produce stress, emotional reactions, anxiety, worry and anticipation. Our bodies and minds can tolerate only so much of any of these. After a while, each of us reaches a saturation point and the results become uncomfortable at best; for some it may be unbearable, even unendurable.

No magic pill is available to eliminate these feelings. The reality is, as the wise old man said, the answer is inside all of us. To manage these universal concerns we must go inside ourselves. Among the steps we can take is the learning and practicing of meditation.

What to Expect...

With time and faith in the commitment to practice frequently, (daily meditating is ideal), during your meditation time you may "leave the moment." A feeling of separation exists where the mind is clear, clean and blank. You will still hear sounds around you, but they will not interfere with your meditation.

Sometimes you may weep -- you may not even be aware of what is making you weep. It is your own emotions having a voice of their own. Sometimes you may feel a smile across your face -- that is contentment showing itself. Sometimes you may fall asleep and awaken truly refreshed.

There is no right or wrong behavior during your meditation. It is your time for you. Everyone deserves this kind of personal attention. This is a self-care activity; loving oneself! Teach it to your children instead of a time-out in their room or corner. Teach it to your friends, family, anyone who will listen. We can share this gift and get back as we give. We are all better because of each person who meditates. The peace and joy felt by those who meditate enters the world for all of us as positive energy. From it the world is a better place. Imagine if we all practiced meditation!

Self Healing
Energy and Meditation>>

Self healing energy is, to some, simply a buzzword. To them, it's a pseudo-science adopted by certain individuals to make money from other, more gullible individuals. Claims of instant cures of the physical and the spiritual self are made by self serving individuals. Yet, is this all there is to it? Is energy work a fraud, or is it actually a reality?

Many practitioners of meditation and eastern-based alternative medicine would argue in favor of energy work. They find it to be an effective means of helping the body heal itself. By tapping into the powers of the physical, emotional and spiritual body, it's possible to overcome issues of various diseases and illnesses. This includes those of the body and the mind.

Energy work frequently requires the instruction of an expert. In the case of certain health issues, a professional practitioner is the most common route to take. Yet, the initial energy work can be followed-up by the individual’s own personal practice. In this fashion, we can all help in the process of healing.

What is Self Healing?

Self healing energy occurs through the ability of the individual to tap into the inner resources found within us all. This may apply to different forms of alternative methods of physical or spiritual self healing. Among the more popular forms are:

• Reiki – the most common type of all
• Acupuncture/acupressure
• Qigong
• Pranic Healing
• Emotional Touch Therapy (ETT)
• Healing Touch Therapy (HTT)
• Polarity Healing

Yet, for many, the major way to accomplish this is through some form of energy healing meditation. This practice is part of several meditation practices.

Energy Healing and Meditation

The concept of energy work relies on the body’s innate self healing mechanism. It lies within us all, waiting for our realization of its power. One traditional way of awakening the energy to self heal is meditation. It doesn't matter what type of practice you follow – Zen, Tibetan or Sufi, meditation can produce results.

Research indicates that meditation helps decrease the level of stress on the body. It reduces anxiety levels. Meditation, in doing so, helps our immune systems by boosting the activity of our antibodies. These fight off invading diseases and other causes of health issues.

How Energy Healing and Meditation can Work Together

When we sit quietly in a meditative pose, we tune into our inner self. As we dismiss the world around us, mind and body become free of distractions. We are then free to let the energy flow throughout our being.

Sit quietly and visualize the energy flowing freely. Imagine it spreading throughout your entire body. Continue to see it enveloping you. Remain focused on these images for approximately 15 minutes. Slowly return to the earthly plain.

Set aside a time each day for this internal meditation. This will help ensure ongoing health. Your energy flow will continue unabated, flowing in the meridians and in balance.

Keep Energy Work Flowing>>

For self healing energy to continue to work effectively, it requires dedication to a practice. Maintain a disciplined approach to meditation. Make sure, to perform some form of self healing meditation daily, and even more as needed. If ever in doubt about the practice, talk to a seasoned practitioner. He or she'll be able to provide guidance on improving not only physical health, but also spiritual growth and development.

What is Alternative
Energy Healing?

Over the past decade, alternative energy healing has risen in popularity. Public opinion has turned in its favor as we all try to find natural ways to heal our bodies, minds and spirits. In an attempt to tap into our natural healing powers, we are turning to the healing energy that lies within us all.

Those who are moving towards such alternative medicine may accept certain essential alternative energy healing practices. In doing so, we begin to realize the body is more than a physical shell. We're proposing acceptance of an approach that perceives the body as a component in a holistic approach to self-healing. We're committing ourselves to seeing our bodies in a new light – one that accepts our innate ability to release subtle healing energy when necessary.

This is not to dismiss the doubts surrounding certain practices. It is also not trivializing mainstream or conventional medicine. What we propose when regarding energy work is that we all keep an open mind.

Homeopathy, for example, is accepted in several countries where once it was ignored. Nursing professionals and their organization recognize Healing Touch (HT) as being effective. Moreover, I suggest the two types of medical approaches should work together to ensure we live life as we should.

What is Energy Work?

Energy work, healing energy, energy therapy and energy medicine are all found under the title, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). It is a healthy choice with significant evidence of its benefits. Energy work is holistic in nature. This means it addresses the body as a whole. In examining a patient, the practitioner will look at all the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects that comprise it. This is typical of most forms of CAM.

The focal point of treatment is not a specific organ or body part. In alternative energy healing work, the major concern is energy. This energy, practitioners believe, comprises the make-up of the body. The Chi, or life force, determines whether the body remains healthy on all levels.

Who Does Energy Work ?

Someone trained in the particular technique of energy systems does the best energy work. A spiritual healer, a Reiki Master or an acupuncture or acupressure specialist is best qualified to treat a client in their form of energy medicine. Therefore, do not only select the most suitable form of energy work, but also someone who has been trained properly in the field. Beyond their knowledge and training, look expecially at their awareness and conduct !

There are several different types of energy work from which to choose. You may prefer Therapeutic Touch (TT). Someone else may like Qigong or Quantum Touch (QT).Spiritual Healing includes also energy work and more. There are also other forms. They include:

• Acupuncture/acupressure
• Yoga meditation
• Pranic Healing
• Meditation
• Restorative Touch
• Polarity Therapy
• Healing Touch
• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
• Energy Focused Bodywork

Do your research on both the practice and the practitioner before you decide which will suit your needs best.

How Does it Work ?

While practitioners may employ different approaches, the overall purpose is to balance the energy within the body. This energy goes by different names. It is our life-force energy, Chi (Qi), Bioenergy or Prana. This energy flows along channels or meridians - depending upon the system. In Reiki, there are seven energy centers, or Chakras.

The practitioner sees where the energy is blocked. He or she may perceive an imbalance. The next move is to remove the blockage and/or balance the energy. When the energy flows freely and is in balance with the body, the body will be healthy at all levels.

QT practitioners use breathing and self-awareness techniques to help the individual increase their amount of energy. A QT practitioner will then direct the energy to where it's most needed. In some practices, meditation is responsible for helping you unleash the life force. Other individuals rely on an energyhealing prayer to help them bring about the necessary change(s).

Energy Healing:>>>
What It Is and What It Does

Energy healing is energy medicine or energy therapy. It's an emerging form of complementary and alternative medicine. It's not a modern concept or approach. The origins are found throughout the ancient world. This form of healing is noted in Christianity, as well as other Western and Eastern religions.

Energy work was part of many early approaches to medicine. Early medical practitioners believed that when the energy within the body was out of balance, people became ill. In Asian countries, medical people felt the only way to a healthy body lay in correcting this imbalance. China and Japan, for example, developed a medical system based upon energy levels within the body.

Yet, the belief in the role of energy is not restricted to the physical. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have always perceived this energy (Chi), as having a holistic impact. In other words, the quality and amount of energy found circulating within your body affects your emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. It is not restricted to your physical health.

What is Energy Healing?>>

In its different forms, energy healing is defined as an aspect of alternative and complementary medicine.Energy medicine employs diverse methods to modify and manipulate the flow of energy within the body. The intent is to realign, replenish or stabilize the amount  and the quality of energy within the human body.

Types of Energy Healing>>

Today, we can draw upon the skill of various schools. The list has been expanding. Below, I've listed just some of the better-known schools or approaches:

• Reiki
• Qigong
• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
• Biofield energy
• Therapeutic Touch (TT)
• Spiritual Healing – generally secular or at least non-denominational
• Faith Healing – tends to be Christian-based
• Acupuncture/acupressure
• Yoga
• Sufi dancing
• Polarity Therapy
• Feldenkreis work
• Meditation – certain forms
• Visualization techniques
• Chakra balancing

Depending upon both the practitioner and the specific type of energy work, this type of healing can also be divided into methods. These include:

• Hands-on approach, e.g. acupuncture/acupressure and faith healing
• Hands-off method, e.g. Reiki, one such means of manipulating energy. The practitioner does not need to touch the client at all.

One more method of spiritual and physical healing is possible. This is the at-a-distance type. The client and the practitioner are not in the same place. They might never even meet.

How Does It Work?

Ted Andrews writes in The Healer’s Manual, “The human body is an energy system … imbalance on any level will ultimately manifest itself into the physical…”

Energy work is based on this. It also relies on the client belief in the ability of the practitioner to channel energy into him or her. TCM and other forms of physical, mental and spiritual healing hold that the practitioner is able to add or subtract energy in the body’s channels (meridians). In doing so, energy comes back into balance.

Energy in Balance

The use of energy to restore health – physical, mental and spiritual, is a component of alternative and complementary medicine. Practitioners can utilize many different approaches. Yet, the purpose is the same – to heal by channeling the energy from one individual into another. This will reduce or increase the levels within to achieve a balance.

Scientific research still questions the ability of energy work to heal. Nevertheless, some methods, such as Reiki and TT are accepted as viable in many modern medical practices.

What is Faith Healing?>>>

Every now and then, faith healing makes the headlines. The references may be to an organized religion’s belief in the concept. It might also indicate the success or failure of an individual to self heal using this method.

Healing through faith has become, over the past several decades, a controversial topic. It's not new. Some form of faith healing has been in existence in various religions for centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries however, several movements took shape. These included the Emmanuel movement, and the Peculiar People.

A better-known individual was Phineas Quimby (1802-1866). He explored a combination of magnetism and hypnotism to create a type of “natural healing.” He actually mentored Mary Baker Eddy, who became a founder of the first major movement of healing through faith. This was the Christian Scientists.

Another group with faith as a basis for healing is more recent. This is the work founded by Kenneth E. Hagin (1917-2003), a prominent Pentecostal preacher. His approach is responsible for the more modern approach to healing through one’s faith.

What is Healing through Faith?

The term has become synonymous with any non-medically based cure. The means can be psychic or supernatural. Spiritual therapy is also another form of healing through faith. In general, this form of self healing relies on a supernatural power. When it does so, it is often called divine healing.

What does It Involve? 

When considering this method, a believer can draw on a number of approaches. These include hands-on healing, or the laying on of hands, or distant healing. This can involve someone who may or may not be an ordained individual. This spiritual healer may believe some divine power is at work, or he or she may simply believe in the healing power of forgiveness and other such attributes.

Alternatively, the individual may draw upon the divine within. This is accomplished using prayers, rituals or even meditation. Some may go on a pilgrimage to a religious shrine or sacred place. This may include a visit to Lourdes in France, a holy man or a Tibetan monk.

If an individual relies on meditation, instead to, for example, help with inner child healing, the process involves seeking from within the power to heal. This may require the release of the body’s “qi” or “Chi.” During meditation, this self healing energy, once liberated, will help in the healing process.

Relying on Faith {{

No current scientific or medical evidence sustains the declarations made for faith healing. The only exception is meditation. Scientific research does indicate the positiveeffects of meditation. Simply put, while the process of healing through the divine may be questionable, the impact of meditation on health appears to have scientific support.