In this study, conducted by Sanja Radeljak, Tija Zarković-Palijan, Dražen Kovačević, and Marina Kovač, the authors explore the potential therapeutic effects of chromotherapy, or color therapy, on human health, particularly focusing on its impact on neurohormonal pathways, specifically melatonin and serotonin. The research highlights the relationship between colored light and the regulation of the circadian rhythm, or biological clock, in the human body. This biological rhythm, controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain, plays a vital role in synchronizing bodily functions with the environment. Disruptions to this rhythm are linked to various psychiatric disorders, including sleep disturbances, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are associated with imbalances in melatonin and serotonin. The study suggests that chromotherapy, by using specific colors, could help regulate these neurohormonal pathways, potentially offering a complementary treatment for conditions related to circadian rhythm disruptions.
The research proposes that chromotherapy, by activating or inhibiting certain physiological and biochemical processes in the brain, could aid in restoring balance to melatonin and serotonin levels, thereby improving symptoms of psychiatric disorders tied to these neurohormonal imbalances. The authors emphasize the need for further investigation into the use of chromotherapy as an adjunctive treatment in psychiatry, especially for disorders like depression and anxiety, where melatonin and serotonin disturbances are common. This approach could provide an innovative, non-invasive option for improving general well-being, offering a promising avenue for future research into light-based therapies for mental health.
