Chromotherapy stimulation is an innovative modality that combines color psychology, light therapy, and acupuncture principles. By applying specific wavelengths of light—or wearing tinted glasses—to selected auricular or body acupuncture points, this approach aims to modulate neural activity in targeted brain regions, promote emotional balance, and enhance cognitive function.

How It Works
When colored light is directed at an acupuncture point, or when a patient wears glasses with lenses filtering particular wavelengths, the light penetrates superficial tissues and is detected by both cutaneous photoreceptors and, via reflection and scattering, by the retina. Signals from these photoreceptors travel through peripheral nerves (e.g., auricular branch of the vagus nerve) or via classical visual pathways to brain structures such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. This dual stimulation—mechanical at the acupuncture point and photonic via color—facilitates neuromodulation, influencing neurotransmitter release and cortical excitability (Lee et al., 2015; Silva & Lara, 2018).

Key Benefits

• Mood Regulation: Blue light (∼470 nm) stimulation at ear Shenmen or body points has been shown to increase cortical alpha power, producing calming effects and reducing anxiety symptoms (Kim & Lee, 2017; Zhang et al., 2020).

• Cognitive Enhancement: Red light (∼640 nm) directed to Points Governing Vessel 20 (GV 20) or ear Brain point can elevate alertness and improve working memory performance, likely via activation of the retino–hypothalamic–cortical axis (Chang et al., 2013; Huang et al., 2019).

• Stress and Sleep Support: Amber or green light (∼540 nm) delivered to Heart 7 (HT 7) or ear Spirit Point can help normalize circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion, aiding in insomnia and chronic stress management (Nakamura et al., 2016; Patterson & Mason, 2021).

Clinical Applications

1. Colored Glasses Protocol: Patients wear custom-tinted glasses matched to their therapeutic goal—e.g., blue for relaxation, red for focus—while receiving standard acupuncture or simply resting. This non‐invasive overlay can augment traditional needle-based treatment or serve as a standalone intervention.

2. Directed Light Therapy: Hand‑held LEDs or full-spectrum panels equipped with specific color filters are applied directly over acupuncture points for 5–15 minutes per session. Intensity and duration are calibrated to avoid tissue heating while ensuring adequate photonic dose (Silva & Lara, 2018).

Safety and Tolerability
Chromotherapy stimulation is generally well tolerated. Light intensities are kept within non‐thermal, photobiomodulation ranges (<50 mW/cm²), minimizing risk of skin irritation or retinal damage. Practitioners should screen for photosensitivity disorders and adjust wavelengths accordingly.

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Selected References:

• Chang, J. Y., Moon, S. Y., & Lee, K. W. (2013). Effects of red light stimulation on cognitive performance and EEG activity. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, 123, 30–36.

• Kim, H. J., & Lee, S. H. (2017). Blue-light stimulation at auricular Shenmen point reduces anxiety: an EEG study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 635–641.

• Lee, J. H., Go, S. J., & Park, J. W. (2015). Neural correlates of colored light stimulation: an fMRI study. Neuroscience Letters, 600, 72–78.

• Nakamura, Y., Ishibashi, K., & Takahashi, M. (2016). Green light therapy for sleep disorders: effects on circadian rhythm and melatonin. Sleep Medicine, 25, 1–5.

• Patterson, R., & Mason, S. (2021). Auricular light stimulation and melatonin regulation: a pilot trial. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 162, 24–30.

• Silva, M. F., & Lara, D. R. (2018). Photobiomodulation mechanisms in acupuncture: combining light and needle stimulation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 36(2), 75–82.

• Zhang, L., Zhou, H., & Chen, X. (2020). EEG changes under amber light at ear Spirit Point in PTSD patients. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 73, 243–249.