| Alternative medicine | |
|---|---|
| Color light acupuncture | |
| Claims | Applying colored light to meridian points on the body, derived fromacupuncture, has beneficial health effects. |
| Related fields | Acupressure,Acupuncture,Biophotonics,Iridology,Kirlian photography |
| Year proposed | 1970s |
| Original proponents | Peter Mandel |
| See also | Chromotherapy |
Colorpuncture,cromopuncture, orcolor light acupuncture, is apseudoscientific[1]alternative medicine practice based on "mystical or supernatural" beliefs[2] which asserts that colored lights can be used to stimulateacupuncture points to promote healing and better health. It is a form ofchromotherapy or color therapy.[3] There is no knownanatomical orhistological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians,[4] and there is no scientific support for theefficacy of colorpuncture.[5][6]
Colorpuncture was developed in the 1980s by Germannaturopath and acupuncturist Peter Mandel, who named itesogetic colorpuncture. "Esogetic" is a term coined by Mandel to refer to the "merger of esoteric wisdom of life with the energetic principles of life's processes".[7]
Mandel citedFritz-Albert Popp, who claimed that the body's cells communicate with each other through a steady stream ofphotons. This is not a scientifically recognized method of cellcommunication. UsingKirlian photography, Mandel concluded that theacupuncture meridians absorb and disseminate colored light within the body.
Colorpuncture is based on the idea that illness and pain occur when an individual has strayed off his or her "life path". For example, a treatment might be intended to release an emotional blockage to heal a nervous system condition, allowing patients to devote themselves to their individual spiritual purpose.[8] Three of the six factors (calledmolecules) represent thesubtle energies: thechakras, theformative field, and theconverter model. The other three factors describe the physical reality: thebody systems, thecoordination system, and thetransmitter relays.[9]
Colorpuncture employs seven basic colors. In general, the warm colors - red, orange, and yellow - are believed to add energy, while the cool colors - green, blue, and violet - decrease energy. Mandel also claims that warm and cool colors, when used together, balanceyin and yang energy flows.[9][10]
A small handheld instrument resembling a torch (flashlight) with a colored quartz rod is used. The tip is placed directly onto acupoints or held a short distance above. Unlike acupuncture, the skin is not broken. Colorpuncture sessions last 10 to 90 minutes.[11] Colorpuncturists claim to diagnose through the use ofKirlian photography.[12][13]
Jack Raso writing in theSkeptical Inquirer included colorpuncture in a list of "mystical or supernaturalistic" therapies.[2]Harriet Hall points out there is no supporting research for colorpuncture and explains how color can be used for diagnosis rather than treatment.[14]
A review of research studies conducted in Europe to evaluate the efficacy of colorpuncture concluded that the approach lacked a research base to be considered anything but a pilot or preliminary research stage.[5]Quackwatch lists it as a questionable treatment, and research on colorpuncture has failed to demonstrate a consistent effect.[1]
The Spanish Government's health reference has ruled it a "pseudotherapy."[15]
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