Color Therapy: Orange

For this months installment of color therapy, we will be talking about the color orange.  Orange is often associated with the fall season.  It is the color of changing leaves and pumpkins, but it can also be a very beneficial color to have around all the time.  Orange is a very uplifting color.  It can evoke feelings of joy and stimulate creativity.  There are also a number of health benefits associated with the color orange.

Like yellow, orange is considered a warm color.  Because of this fact, they share several of the same benefits and properties.  This isn't surprising, as orange is partly made up of the color yellow.  Despite the similarities, orange has many wonderful benefits all on it's own.  Let's take a look at a few of them.

---

Physical Effects

Orange is the color associated with the 2nd, or sacral chakra, and can have great benefit to the areas of the body associated with that chakra.  

Cramps and Spasms
Orange is the color that is used to ease spasms and cramps.  If you tend to experience spasms or cramps, try using an orange cloth laid over the are to relieve it.  Even better, try combining the color orange with hot and cold; hot for spasms, cold for cramps.  Menstrual cramps are actually classified as a type of spasm, so heat is best.  You can make a hot pack out of orange fabric and rice, or fill an orange sock with rice and tie it off.  Don't pack the rice in, it should have room to be smushed around.  Microwave the pillow or sock for about a minute to create a moist heat.  For cold therapy, try wrapping an ice pack in a piece of orange flannel or an orange washcloth.

Digestion
Like yellow, orange is the color that rules the digestive tract.  It is very beneficial for anyone who suffers from conditions affecting the spleen, stomach, pancreas, intestines, or any other problems with digestion.  It is especially helpful in helping to absorb nutrients from food, and can assist with metabolization of calcium.  If you tend to have digestive trouble, try decorating your dining area with warm colors, or get plates, cups, or napkins in yellow or orange.

Lungs
If you have trouble breathing, orange is a great color to have around.  It is said to help strengthen the lungs and improve breathing.

Breastfeeding
If you have low milk production, orange can help to stimulate the development of milk.  Try bringing orange into the areas where you tend to nurse or pump.  You can try draping with an orange blanket, or support with an orange covered pillow.

Emotional Effects

Depression
Orange, like yellow, is a great color for people who suffer from depression.  It is very uplifting and can invoke feelings of joy.  If you suffer from depression, or if you are just having a rough day, orange can be very beneficial for bringing your mood up and giving you a boost in energy.

Creativity
The sacral chakra and the color orange are probably best known for increasing creativity.  It can help to stimulate creative thinking and create enthusiasm.  While good for artists and musicians, it is also a wonderful color for anyone who needs to brainstorm or come up with creative ideas and solutions.  Try using orange in an office space to stimulate creative development, or a child's desk to encourage enthusiasm and creativity for school projects.

---

How to Use Orange

In addition to the great suggestions above, there are many ways you can use color therapy.  You can have colorful focal points using artwork, or home decor, you use it in your clothes, shoes, and jewelry, and many other ways.  Be creative!

Crystals
There are a lot of stones that are classified as red, yellow, or gold, but not many that are considered orange.  If you are interested in using crystals in your color therapy, it is a good idea to research individual crystals especially if there is one that seems to call to you.  Some orange crystals that you may look at include but are not limited to fire agate, amber, calcite, carnelian, orange jade, fire opal, rhodochrosite, orange-brown selenite, and sunstone.