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Ayurveda

Treatments: Chromatherapy

Light waves of varying colors affect each dosha differently, sometimes intently and sometimes subtly. Depending on the imbalance experienced by the individual, an Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend increasing full spectrum sunlight or being surrounding by various colors. These colors can be provided by clothing, colored lights, chromatherapy baths (baths which integrate lights of various colors ), the color of foods, and items in the general surroundings. Solarized water , visualization, and oils of specific colors are very simple yet effective self-application methods of using Ayurvedic chromatherapy.

Ayurveda recognizes that without proper exposure to sunlight, many forms of life on earth would cease to exist. Reduced sunlight can also cause disorders such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a condition experienced by some people during the winter time when light levels are low. Sunlight produces hormonesChemicals produced by various glands in the body that affect the function of body organs and tissues and neurotransmittersChemicals in the brain (e.g. serotonin and norepinephrine) that transmit between nerve cells to, from, and within the brain and other body tissues that affect our mood and well being. Seratonin is one of these hormones, which, at low levels, is thought to be a major factor in depression (a key indicator for Medical Doctors in prescribing anti-depressants). Studies have shown that bright light significantly increases serotonin levels, while dark or cloudy days caused serotonin to fall. Doctors recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of sunlight exposure each day. Light boxes are used to apply full spectrum light and have proven to be very effective in SAD and depression therapy (source: "The Lancet," October, 1998). Individuals often respond to light therapy much quicker than to medication. In a review of SAD therapy, the Archives of General Psychiatry in October, 1998 reported that “light therapy is easy to administer in outpatient settings, lacks major side effects, and, importantly, is cost-effective.”

For more information, please visit our Chromatherapy section.

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