ADHD Natural Treatment: Color Therapy

Of all the complementary ADHD natural treatments available today, color therapy (also known as chromotherapy) has to be the most interesting one. Early records show that the therapeutic power of color and light has been used since the beginning of civilization; traditional Chinese medicine links each organ to a specific color, while India’s ancient Ayurveda medicine associate colors with chakras, or specific body areas. Today, color therapy is used to treat sleep problems, alleviate psychological distress, or provide relief from ADHD symptoms.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, that colors and light have inherent positive and negative effects on certain parts of the body. Depending on the symptoms experienced, certain color combinations are applied to body parts to promote healing. Below are the colors often used to treat ADHD.

Orange: Pelvic area

Orange, the combination of red and yellow, is a warm, kind-hearted color. Since it resembles the rising sun, orange is thought to improve alertness and mood. This color is often used to treat depression, anemia, loss of appetite, and digestive disorders; however, too much may cause fatigue and confusion.

Yellow: Solar plexus

The brightest color of chromotherapy is used to boost the nervous system, assist the metabolism, and soothe glandular diseases. Those with primarily inattentive ADHD are not given this color, for an excess of yellow can aggravate poor concentration.

Green: Heart

Right in the center of the color spectrum is green, a color linked to harmony and nature. Green provides a positive, calming effect without causing sedation, and is thought to improve concentration. In addition, green is used to improve detoxification and reduce swelling.

Blue: throat

Blue is the color of peace and infinity, and is one of the most widely used on patients with ADHD. Blue places the mind in a state of calm and tranquility, relieving nervous tension, stress, migraines, and anxiety.

Indigo: Forehead

Indigo is associated with good perception and intuition. Chromotherapists use this to treat mild psychological symptoms because of its calming effect and meditative qualities.

Although there is no research on the effect of color therapy on ADHD symptoms, you might want to consider this information the next time you plan on renovating your home or adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls. If your child is constantly bouncing off the walls, evoke a sense of calm at home with oranges, blues, and violets. But if your ADHD child is on the lethargic, inattentive side, try lively colors like yellow.