Colored Light Therapy for Anxiety

At the atomic level, we are beings of sound and light.

Electrons whir around the nuclei of atoms, emitting frequency in the form of movement (vibration) and photons (light). Ideally, these frequencies flow in synergy with each other, creating a harmonious biorhythm that helps us feel calm and safe.

However, outside stimuli—such as sensory overload or a poor interaction with another person—can upset this vibration and cause disharmony, which in turn makes us feel on edge, jittery, and anxious.

Fortunately, outside stimuli can also help us regain a harmonic vibration. Wavelengths of light, for example, have the ability to affect our physiology. We can see this in the way sunlight prompts our bodies to produce vitamin D, while studies have shown that red light therapy can help heal wounds faster, boost immunity, and alleviate pain.

Other colors of the visible light spectrum also have a beneficial effect on the body, namely reducing anxiety and improving mood by stimulating certain brain functions. Explore colored light therapy to treat anxiety and restore your good vibes.

Light Therapy: Colors for the Blues

Green

In addition to its soothing psychological connection with nature, bathing in green light may help us to produce a hormone called melanopsin, which helps regulate our circadian rhythms.

Green wavelengths may also help reduce pain, making it a good choice both for resetting your sleep patterns and treating things like sore muscles, headaches, and joint pain that could prevent you from getting enough rest.

Pink

Anyone who’s experienced anxiety knows that it often comes with the side effect of having a shorter temper and an increased tendency toward aggressive behavior. That’s because those experiencing anxiety don’t feel safe and are trying to protect themselves by ushering others away.

The color pink and pink wavelengths of light are often used to help reduce feelings of anger and aggression. This cozy-rosy hue doesn’t stimulate the brain as much as other colors might, reducing tension and feelings of being overstimulated.

Pink light may also help regulate blood circulation and rid the body of toxins!

Blue

Though we’ve all been bombarded by the dangers of blue light emanating from our device screens—an extremely bright bluish-white meant to keep us alert and focused—the right blue wavelengths of light can help our bodies produce calming hormones.

Darker blues promote feelings of relaxation and safety, while also promoting creativity. If you’re trying to relax with a creative project after a long, stressful day, this blue is your go-to hue.

Purple

A combination of blue and red, purple light reportedly has some benefits of both of its constituent colors. Purple wavelengths also particularly stimulate the eyes and nervous system, reducing stressful emotions and promoting calm in the mind.

Purple is also an ethereal color largely associated with magick and the cosmos. This psychological association can help us shed racing thoughts by placing us in a more meditative mindset.

3 Ways to Try Colored Light Therapy

1. Find a spa offering light therapy. When perusing light therapy offerings, make sure the spa in question offers it in a comfortable, enclosed space that can be totally saturated with the color. Most sessions will cost between $25 and $90, depending on where you live, how long the session is, and whether it’s combined with other treatments.

2. Colored light therapy at home. If you want to indulge in light therapy daily, you may want to invest in colored lightbulbs for your home. Look for high-quality bulbs with very rich color on the glass.

Once you’ve got your bulbs, place the light in a room that can be fully saturated by the color, just as it would be in a spa. Bathrooms and bedrooms both work well and allow you to combine light therapy with a soothing bath or nap.

3. Collect colorful crystals. Crystals are an amazing way to blend light therapy with spiritual healing practices. Not only do you get the benefits from the crystals’ colors, but the crystals themselves also vibrate at different frequencies according to their growth pattern. This allows you to zero in on the kind of healing you need.

[Read: “Caring for Your Crystals.”]

For instance, if you have trouble speaking up for yourself or staving off panic attacks, sodalite may help. Its blue color will help you stay alert but relaxed, while the crystal’s properties support your confidence and mental acuity.

If your anxiety tends toward shortening your temper, rhodochrosite may be a good choice. Not only will the deep pinks provide you with a bit of color therapy, but the crystal’s structure also allows it to vibrate at a frequency that supports the emotions and promotes creativity and a positive outlook.

For more on treating myriad forms of anxiety, visit our Anxiety Collection.