In our daily life, we encounter many different colors - many of which ignite memories, feelings and thoughts. Red, for example, makes us think of passion and heat. Blue is calming and soothing. Though most people are not very well educated with the effects and influences of these colors to our lives, there is in fact a science to the use of colors.

The practice of using color as a therapy is called chromotherapy also known as colorology, and is a form of alternative medicine. People who practice chromotherapy claim that through the use of light and color, energy can be balanced. People who do not feel well due to a lack of energy can be revitalized with the use of color therapy.

Though some may think of chromotherapy as far-fetched and lacking any scientific basis, no one can argue the effect that colors can have on our moods. Colors appeal to emotions, and emotions affect our mental and physical health.

Everyone finds and feels delight from seeing vibrant colors. The phenomena of colors have often evoked the most poetic of minds and most artistic souls to create historical works of art. Philosophers have made it a point to study as to why colors affect humans so. Though inspiration is a key value of colors, it is not the only benefit of color.

There are numerous emotions that color can evoke - as many emotions as there are colors! Studies revealed that there are types of colors and hues which affect the stress rate of a person. Scientists and researchers are excited to find out more about the effects of color to the human brain, as they have managed to prove that colors do affect a person. The new discoveries of which colors are involved are both confusing and amazing. For example, studies show that mental patients whom are subjected to cool colors are relaxed and calm. Cheerful colors like lime green and yellow seem to evoke a positive attitude and mood, while increasing alertness. Dull colors have a negative effect on these mental patients, as they become gloomier when they are brought to a dull-colored environment or room.

There was also a study that made test subjects to sit under lamps with different shades of light - the patients exhibited different behavior patterns under each light. People who sat under reddish lights were more aggressive as compared to those who sat beneath the blue lights. Meanwhile, those who sat under orange and yellow hues seemed to become more violent. Brown lights elicited murky feelings from the subjects.

Colors can be very therapeutic when used alone, but chromotherapy can be used in conjunction with the other forms of alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy or hydrotherapy, for even better results. The easiest way to combine these two at home is during bathtime - decorate your bathroom and line your tub with flowers and colorful soaps - fill your tub with colored bath salts and essential oils and you will reap the rewards of this winning combination.