What Is Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy, referred to as color therapy, uses the power of color light to influence mood and physical health. It is based on the idea that colors have frequencies and vibrations which can directly affect our body’s energy.

But what is it really and can it actually help?

Chromotherapy and Its Application in Saunas

When applied in infrared saunas, chromotherapy color therapy becomes a powerful tool for enhancing the overall experience and reaping the benefits of sauna color therapy. It can help relax the user with the proper hue selected or energize someone if used correctly in the morning.

Clearlight Chromotherapy Violet Color Light with Woman in Sauna

In the context of infrared saunas, it is typically integrated through the use of color light fixtures or light-emitting diode (LED) lights that can project in a wide range. These lights are placed in various places according to the brand you own. The one I personally use at home can be set to randomly rotate the hues which creates a therapeutic environment.

In fact brands such as Clearlight, Sunlighten and Vital Health consistently incorporate this light therapy. They are used in addition to the full spectrum infrared.

Let’s break down the basics of the therapy chromotherapy to understand how it works and why it might be something to add to your daily routine in or outside of a sauna.

Color Psychology

While the medical community is split on some applications of this, color psychology itself is very real. This is the study of how colors affect a person’s behavior, mood and perceptions.

The principle behind chromotherapy is simple: different colors have different wavelengths or frequency which can affect us in various ways. As an example, red is known to stimulate and invigorate. This an be great for energy but also can agitate a person who is already tense. On the other hand, blue and green can promote relaxation

In modern times, it is used in homes, wellness spas and medical facilities. It is often used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other depression disorders. Its appeal is that it is non-invasiveness and does not use any pharmaceuticals which makes it an attractive option for anyone wanting a more natural treatment method.

Unrelated to use in a sauna, some simple adjustments can be made that can have a positive effect.  Sometimes just changing the color of your environment can have an effect on your energy levels and mood. For instance, painting a room a soothing shade of lavender might help improve sleep quality, or using bright yellow accents in a workspace can enhance focus and creativity.

If you are looking to boost your energy, improve your sleep, or simply bring a little more visual variety into your life, exploring chromotherapy could open up a whole new world of wellness possibilities.

Types of Lighting in Chromotherapy Saunas

LED Lighting

Man and Woman in Clearlight Sauna with Chromotherapy Lights

LED lighting is the cornerstone of chromotherapy sauna lights, celebrated for its energy efficiency and diverse color spectrum. Users can switch between soothing blues and energizing vibrant reds. This allows the user to tailor the experience to suit their mood or specific health needs. This also enhances the therapeutic impact of each session.

LED lighting is commonly used because of its longevity and energy efficiency in chromotherapy applications. This is the type used in Clearlight including the first one I purchased from them over 10 years ago. This is already calculated into the Clearlight sauna pricing. LED provides efficient and precise controlled light exposure in various colors.

Halogen Lights

Less common than LEDs, halogen lights are sometimes used for their intense brightness and warmth. These complement the sauna’s heat, integrating thermal and chromatic therapy to boost the overall wellness experience.

Fiber Optic Lighting

Luxury saunas often feature fiber optic lighting. These create a mesmerizing effect on the infrared sauna’s ceiling, resembling a twinkling starlit sky.

This can not only compliment the ambiance but can also promote a deeper relaxation technique as if laying on the ground looking at a star filled sky. This is best experienced without any incandescent lighting to wash out the effect.

Full-Spectrum lighting

Original Sunlighten Chromotherapy with Remote for Sauna

Full-spectrum lighting mimics natural sunlight, which is particularly beneficial during the darker months and for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A Sunlighten infrared sauna uses LEDs and other forms to complete its full spectrum lighting. It simulates daylight on a sunny day, alleviating symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and maintaining a possible feeling of summer all year long.

In essence, chromotherapy sauna lights – from the precise application of LED, halogen, the interesting visual effects of fiber optics, to full-spectrum light – can play a beneficial role in lifting your mood.

Integrating chromotherapy into everyday life can be effortless, such as opting for garments or decor in hues that resonate with your current emotional or physical state.

Integrating Chromotherapy into Sauna Sessions

Combining chromotherapy with traditional sauna sessions can enhance both physical and mental health. This is the thought behind holistic wellness. Chromotherapy colors each emit unique wavelengths that provide specific benefits. Blue light reduces stress while red light boosts energy and circulation. As a sauna already targets these and other effects, the psychological effects can complement each other.

The dual action of heat and color relaxes the body and opens pores. Modern products equipped with user-friendly controls and control panels allow for easy switching between colors. Sunlighten is one brand that focuses on integrating technology such as this into their higher end units.

Understanding the distinct benefits of each chromotherapy color is helpful for enhancing your sauna experience.

You are not just adding something, but instead tailoring your wellness goals in your session protocols. Make every session your own.

The Benefits of Chromotherapy in Saunas

Chromotherapy Lights Ceiling Array in Clearlight Sauna

Physical benefits of chromotherapy in saunas

This therapy is believed to have various physical benefits, including improved circulation, pain management, and enhanced skin health. Although what is normally affected is mood disorder. The various colors can affect us differently and each person differently. Red, as an example, can improve energy while blue can be soothing and green for relaxing.

Mental and emotional benefits of chromotherapy in saunas

Where the therapy can often have profound effects is in the area of mental and emotional well-being. Colors have long been associated with influencing mood, emotion and reducing stress and can be used in psychotherapy. The warmer colors like orange and yellow are stated to be linked to feelings of happiness. Cooler tones like indigo and violet may promote a sense of tranquility.

Holistic wellness benefits of chromotherapy in saunas

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, some believe it to contribute to overall holistic wellness by aligning the body’s energy centers (chakras) and promoting a sense of balance within a person.

Case Studies On Effectiveness And User Feedback

Understanding Limitations and Criticisms

It is wise to approach this with a balanced perspective. Many promote it as a powerful healing source.  But the scientific evidence that supports chromotherapy is still developing. However, even as a complementary therapy, many find it a valuable addition to their health regimen.

Even if it simply makes us feel better at the time, it is beneficial.  We all know that sometimes what we are wearing, the sight of a flower or just viewing a colorful sunset or sunrise can elevate our mood.  Seeing a beautiful sunset does that for me.

While many anecdotal reports praise the effectiveness of chromotherapy, it’s important to approach it with an understanding of its limitations. Is color therapy effective for various health benefits in a variety of situations?

It is best to think of it as a complementary therapy and not its own standalone cure for anything.

Scientific Backing and Skepticism

However, there also exists a growing body of scientific evidence of its effectiveness and it is finding its way into evidence-based medicine. Hospitals use blue light for neonatal jaundice. Light therapy is used successfully for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as reported in medical journals.

Colorpuncture

You will find Colorpuncture if you read a list of forms of alternative medicine in addition to chiropractic, acupuncture and reflexology. Colorpuncture, also known as cromopuncture, or color light acupuncture is really a quasi-science based of theories and beliefs that color healing (light therapy) can be used at acupunturce points to heal. However, there is no actual evidence of meridians or scientific support for the effectiveness or colorpuncture.

This is related to Ayurveda, the Indian health care practices of acupuncture and yoga.

History and Future Use Of Chromotherapy?

Chromotherapy is based on the principle that different colors are associated with distinct frequencies which can have specific effects on the human body. By exposing yourself to particular colors wihtin the visible spectrum, it is believed that you can influence mood, energy levels, and even your physical health. The visible spectrum is basically the part of the overall electromagnetic spectrum that the eye can see.

History And Origins Of Chromotherapy

Is this practice new? The idea of chromotherapy can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. The sunlight was directed through colored glass and used for healing purposes.

However, it was not really made popular until Augustus Pleasonton, an American scientist, really made the concept popular in the 19th century. Pleasonton claimed that blue light, also known as high-energy visible light (HEV), and even violet could have significant health benefits. Understandably, his theories about the color wheel were met with a lot of skepticism by the scientific community at that time.

We find it to be very interesting that even today, blue is known to have effects on the body. It is recommended to block blue lights at night as they can affect your circadian rhythm. Seems Augustus Pleasonton was right after all.

The Future of Color Therapy

As technology advances and more research is done, we may be surprised at additional applications.  These could include additional uses in pain management and even mental disorders. However note that this is not intended to cure any disease and is not a medical treatment. But it can be used with no risk.

Advantages of Chromotherapy in Sauna Sessions

Integrating chromotherapy in fir infrared sauna sessions enhances the traditional benefits and also provides a comprehensive approach to wellness that nurtures both the mind and body. This combination can change each session into a holistic therapeutic experience.

Saunas are renowned for promoting relaxation techniques and reducing stress. By adding shades like blue and green, these effects are significantly heightened.

Try using green. Green light reminds us of nature and growth and hopefully provides a tranquil relaxing effect and can be used for meditation.

The heating effect of saunas also increases blood circulation, an advantage that is enhanced when combined with red and orange lights. Red light, combined with infrared radiation, supports the body’s natural healing processes by boosting circulation and energizing tissues.

Orange light refreshes the spirit and leaves users feeling invigorated after each session. This can help combat a feeling of tiredness that can sometimes accompany time in the high temperatures.

Chromotherapy is particularly beneficial in pain management. This is an essential feature for those utilizing saunas for muscle recovery. Infrared light, though not visible, is frequently used in saunas for its ability to deeply penetrate and alleviate muscle tension and discomfort. When used together with visible red light, the impact on muscle soreness and joint pain is notably enhanced.

Moreover, chromotherapy is instrumental in improving mental health. Specific choices effectively target conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder. This does not replace the need for sunlight for the hormone Vitamin D3. The eye also needs that. For instance, yellow light, known for its uplifting properties, combats the symptom or sign of depression by infusing the sauna environment with brightness and cheer.

Try using this in your next sessions. Experiment with what uplifts you the most. Sometimes even just the experimenting with this in a high temperature setting can be a pleasant mental exercise.