Use Color Therapy to Help Alleviate Nausea and Vomiting

Using Color to Help Alleviate Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling nauseous or vomiting can be miserable experiences. While there are medications that can help, some people prefer to try natural remedies first. One non-drug method for dealing with nausea involves using colors strategically.

Certain colors are thought to have calming or soothing effects on the body and mind. By surrounding yourself with the right hues, you may be able to minimize feelings of nausea.

Read on to learn more about how to use color to combat nausea and vomiting.

What Causes Nausea and Vomiting

Before learning how to curb nausea with color, it helps to understand what causes that queasy feeling in the first place. Nausea and vomiting can arise due to a number of factors, including:

• Morning sickness during pregnancy
• Motion sickness from traveling by car, boat, plane, etc.
• Migraines or headaches
• Food poisoning
• Stomach flu
• Food allergies
• Overeating
• Dehydration
• Anxiety or emotional stress
• Medication side effects
• Chemotherapy
• Gallbladder disease
• Concussions
• Electrolyte imbalances

Nausea is controlled by both the brain and nervous system. When something triggers the vomiting reflex, signals are sent via nerves to the brain stem. This initiates nausea and causes abdominal muscles to contract to expel stomach contents up and out.

How Color Can Help

Using different colors is thought to help alleviate nausea in a few key ways:

• Distraction - Having a colorful visual focus can divert the mind from feelings of nausea.
• Calming effect - Cooler, softer hues can have a psychologically calming and relaxing effect.
• Associations - We associate certain colors with things like freshness, tranquility and stability.

While more research is still needed, there is some evidence that color therapy could be beneficial for controlling nausea. One 2017 study found that patients who received blue light during chemotherapy reported less nausea and vomiting than those exposed to red light. The researchers theorize the cool blue hues had a soothing neurological effect.

Best Colors for Nausea

So which colors seem most effective when you're feeling queasy? Here are some of the top choices:

1. Green

Green is a cool, calming shade strongly associated with nature, freshness and renewal. The color resonates with the heart chakra, promoting emotional balance and stability. Looking at green hues can have a stabilizing effect when experiencing nausea.

Try surrounding yourself with green plants, imagery or fabrics when you're not feeling well. You can also visualize traveling through a lush green forest or meadow in your mind.

2. Blue

Like green, blue is psychologically linked to feelings of calmness and serenity. It slows the pulse rate and lowers blood pressure, making it physiologically relaxing as well. Lighter blues tend to be more soothing than dark shades.

Use cool tones of blue when fighting nausea. Look at pictures of blue skies or ocean waves, or wear lighter blue clothing and accessories. Just avoid vivid bright blues which can overstimulate.

3. Pink

Pink is intrinsically tied to self-love, care and acceptance. Its gentle energy brings feelings of warmth and nurturing - perfect when you're under the weather. Soft pink hues are especially therapeutic.

Wrap yourself in a pink blanket or look at pink flowers blooming when queasiness strikes. Pink quartz crystals can also help emit soothing vibrations.

4. Yellow

Cheerful, uplifting yellow infuses you with positivity and optimism. It boosts mood and confidence - ideal when you're feeling gross and defeated by nausea. Lighter yellows like lemon promote clarity and fresh beginnings.

Surround yourself with sunflowers, yellow dishes or other vibrant yellow items. Apply yellow essential oils like grapefruit or lemon to pulse points.

5. Orange

Known for boosting energy and vitality, vibrant orange can give you a mental pick-me-up when nausea has you down. It helps release inhibitions and enhances motivation. Orange promotes social interaction and connection with others.

Display bright orange flowers, pillows or blankets nearby for an infusion of optimism and joy. Orange essential oils like sweet orange or tangerine can also help lift your mood.

6. Purple

Purple embodies imagination, creativity and spirituality. It has a mystical quality that can transport you. Lighter lavenders and lilacs have gently uplifting and rejuvenating vibrations. Darker eggplants and plums feel more calming and grounding.

View purple images and decor when you're feeling ill or simply visualize yourself bathed in soothing lavender light. The vibrations of amethyst crystals may also help ease nausea.

More Tips for Using Color Therapy

Here are some other tips for effectively using color to combat nausea and vomiting:

• Choose lighter, softer shades rather than vivid brights for best effects.
• Cooler hues like blues, greens and purples tend to be more relaxing than warm shades.
• Pastel versions of colors have gentle, comforting vibrations.
• Alternate between lighter and darker shades for contrast.
• Layer different colored objects, fabrics, images for added impact.
• Change up the colors regularly to prevent sensory overload.
• Visualize traveling through colorful scenery in your mind's eye.
• Use colored lamps or light bulbs to bathe a room in custom hues.

See what colors resonate most strongly with you. The impacts can be subtle but cumulative. When used regularly, color therapy may help significantly reduce feelings of nausea.

When to Seek Medical Help

While using color and other home remedies may help soothe mild cases of nausea, it's important to recognize when professional medical treatment is needed. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Blood in vomit
• Signs of dehydration - dizziness, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, lack of urination
• Fever over 101 F
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe pain or abdominal swelling
• Inability to keep liquids down for over 24 hours
• Nausea or vomiting lasting more than 2 days

Seek emergency help immediately if vomiting is accompanied by:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Blood in stool or urine
• Sudden, severe pain or pressure in the head
• Vision changes, numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking
• Seizures

For pregnant women, call your OBGYN anytime you experience severe vomiting, faintness, fever, abdominal pain or other troubling symptoms.

Though color therapy has its benefits, it should not replace necessary medical interventions when facing serious nausea, dehydration or underlying conditions.

Using Color to Combat Nausea - The Takeaway

If you frequently suffer from nausea and vomiting, strategically using color could help provide some relief when anti-nausea medications aren't desired. Green, blue, purple, pink, yellow and orange hues tend to have the most therapeutic effects.

Expose yourself to these colors through clothing, blankets, decor items, imagery, visualization exercises and more when feeling queasy. The psychological and physical effects can be soothing. Just be sure to also seek proper medical treatment when signs of serious illness arise.

With some thoughtful use of color and good medical care as needed, you can minimize the disruption nausea and vomiting bring to your life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.