Chromotherapy: benefits, danger, recognized in France?

Chromotherapy or chromatherapy is an alternative therapy based on the study andapplying color properties or colored light. The color is used to transmit messages. Blue to relax, green for nature… It’s a unconventional method of care who is not not recognized in France. On the other hand, it is recognized by the WHO, which has included it in the list of the main alternative or complementary therapies since 1976. Chromotherapy should not be used to treat serious or emergency illnesses in place of recognized conventional treatments.

Definition: what is chromotherapy?

The chromotherapy or chromotherapy literally means “heal with colors“. She used “the properties of white lighte” from 2500 to 10,000 lux, “added colors whose vibratory potential makes it possible toharmonize vital energy, soothe certain body pains or emotional disorders of the mind, to treat certain pathologies by using an appropriate color” describes practitioner Paula Vieira Eskinazi. From a physical point of view, a color is a light wave of a certain frequency, which transmits different information to our body and “biophysicists have discovered that cells communicate with each other with colors“. In addition to these physical characteristics, colors also have a influence on our emotions, by their symbolism or by association of our spirit with something personal. Chromotherapy “uses the seven colors of the rainbow, plus four complementary ones : light turquoise, purple, light green and pink“explains the specialist. Chromotherapy considers that “cool colors like blue and purple are calming and slightly sedating.“The ranges of green brings rest, peace, renewal and hope. Warm colors like red and orange stimulate communication, intellect, courage, security and optimism.

What are the benefits attributed to chromotherapy?

“Chromotherapy leads to certain physiological effects and is sometimes used in practice in the field of health (treatment of prenatal jaundice with blue lightthe red color is used in the treatment of eczema, burns, etc.). Beyond the physiological aspectscolor has a psychological dimension ; it is at the same time linked to education, experience, culture, memory” can we read in a documentary analysis published by the High Authority of Health, relating to the quality of life in nursing homes. Chromotherapy is a centuries-old therapy that can be accompanied, according to the therapist, byacupuncture for a “more effective integrative approach”, explains Paula Vieira Eskinazi. Among the fields of application attributed to chromotherapy:

• The pain and inflammation management (use of cool colors soothing burning sensations associated with rheumatism, fungal infections, urinary tract infections, torticollis, gingivitis)
• The managing dental anxiety in children.
• Mental health : depression, melancholy, anxiety, stressbipolar disorders, phobias, panic disorders: “Chromotherapy restores mental vitality and clarity.” She uses “them warm colors (orange for example) to stimulate optimism” and the feeling of security, or the ranges of green to bring calm and hope.
• The chronic joint disorders : “the use of cold colors makes it possible to dispel painful warm-ups caused by osteoarthritis and arthritise”.
• The headache : blue and green would soothe recurrent migraines and headaches.
• The digestive disorders : bloating, aerophagia, dyspepsia. The green colors would help with cleansing and detoxification, combined with the “mixed” colors, from purple to red, with the protective properties of the digestive mucous membranes.
• The skin problems: eczema, psoriasis.
• The sleeping troubles.

What efficiency?

Chromotherapy, as used in practitioners’ offices, is confined to an external projection, on the body. The mechanisms of action of chromotherapy “are being discovered through recent advances in photobiology, photochemistry and phototherapy“, specifies a 2019 study. Chromotherapy is recognized by the WHO and included in the list of the main alternative or complementary therapies since 1976. It is officially recognized in the United States but not in France. The chromotherapy does not replace any drug treatment, surgical intervention or psychotherapy, but can be associated with it. She should not be used to treat serious or emergency illnesses in place of recognized conventional treatments.

“A first session of chromotherapy begins with an anamnesis that allows the practitioner to gather physical and emotional clues in order to establish their diagnosissays Paula Vieira Eskinazi. Then I look at the tongue, the fingers, the feet, the face, because often the body expresses “evil”. The care protocol will be based on all of these data and individualized“. One or more colors will then be projected using colored LEDs on a specific area of ​​the body, “in the lung area for example in case of depression, anxiety“, or on the “injured” area, or on the whole body and in front of the eyes. The person can be seated or lying down. If necessary, “I combine acupuncture by irradiating the acupuncture point with colored light. Chromapuncture is a rare practice, but increases the effectiveness of chromotherapy tenfold” in certain cases, specifies Paula Vieira Eskinazi. This technique was specified by “Peter Mandel, a German naturopath who uses the body’s meridians as “channels of light transmission” to carry the resonance of the color to the organs or organ systems concerned”.

How many chromotherapy sessions to do?

“The number of sessions depends on the pathologies of the person. The average is three sessions minimum and between 6 to 8 sessions“ to get a result, says the expert. “Sessions can be spaced from one week to 15 days apart. The more colors projected during a session, the more time between sessions is spaced out to allow the person to absorb its effects.“.

Are there any dangers with chromotherapy?

“There are contraindications, such as asthma, wearing a cardiac device (Pacemaker). Or in the case of stents, we do not carry out a protocol on the hormonal system” says the practitioner.

How much does a chromotherapy session cost?

“The prices of the sessions vary from one practitioner to another, from one region to another and the duration of the session. On average it takes 70 to 90 euros for a session of 1h15 to 1h30 which includes diagnosis.” The sessions are not reimbursedexcept in the context of support by a physiotherapist who applies this method and has made it part of his care protocol.

Who to consult for chromotherapy?

There exists a list of therapists trained in chromotherapy on the internet according to the method of Dr Agrapart and “a list of qualified chromopuncture therapists, on the esogetic medicine website” emphasizes the expert. Some physiotherapists use chromotherapy in their practice in addition to other treatments.

Are chromotherapy lamps effective?

“The lamps sold on the market to carry out chromotherapy at home are often not not potent enough to produce a beneficial effect, such as the lamps used by practitioners can do. They can just bring well-being by projecting blue for example to fall asleep, but will have no effect on diseases “ says the practitioner. In addition, it is advisable to be accompanied to choose colors adapted to your needs.

Thanks to Paula Vieira Eskinazi, practitioner in chromotherapy, chromopuncture and integral psychology.

*Source: “The mechanical bases of chromotherapy: current knowledge and perspectives”, Samina T. youssouf Azeemi, August 2019, PubMed.