Color therapy: the power of colors on mood and energy

Just as stones are credited with virtues, colors are credited with energy. Color therapy rests on this simple idea: each color vibrates in its own way and acts on our mood.

Definition, history, the energy of each color and simple habits to enjoy it at home: discover the surprising power of colors.

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What is color therapy?

A non-conventional well-being practice, color therapy uses colors, most often as colored light obtained through filters, to act on your state of mind. Each color emits its own wave, its own vibration: it is used to calm down, to energize or to regain inner balance.

The idea is not new. In the 11th century, the Persian scholar Avicenna already devoted pages to colors in his Canon of Medicine; in 1878, the American Edwin Babbitt published The Principles of Light and Color, which popularized colored light in the West.

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The energy of each color

Tradition attributes a particular energy to each color. Here are the main lines, to explore afterwards color by color:

⚠️ The virtues attributed to colors come from traditions and beliefs: they do not replace medical advice.

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Colors and chakras: the body's energy map

Color therapy meets the Indian tradition of the chakras: each of the seven energy centers vibrates with a color, from the red of the root chakra to the purple of the crown chakra. A color that particularly draws you in often points to the chakra to pay attention to.

To discover the color of each chakra and the meaning of each shade, see our guide to the meaning of colors.

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Which color should you choose for your need?

To choose, start from what you lack today rather than from your favorite color:

• In need of drive: red or orange
• In need of calm: blue or green
• In need of clarity: yellow
• In need of perspective: purple
• In need of renewal: white

And if a color bothers you, do not force it: it often means it does not match your moment.

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How to practice color therapy at home

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