What Is Chromotherapy Light Therapy?

If you’ve ever stepped into an infrared sauna and noticed the soft glow of colored lights, you may have wondered: Is this just for ambiance… or is it doing something?

Those colored lights are part of chromotherapy, also known as color light therapy. And while it absolutely creates a calming, spa-like vibe, chromotherapy is rooted in the idea that different wavelengths of visible light can influence the body and mind in meaningful ways.

At 3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio, we’re big believers in simple, feel-good wellness tools that support the bigger picture: stress relief, recovery, mood support, and helping you feel more like yourself again. Chromotherapy fits beautifully into that mission, especially when paired with an infrared sauna session.

Let’s break down what chromotherapy is, what the research and wellness world say about it, and how you can use it intentionally to match the way you want to feel.

What Is Chromotherapy?

Chromotherapy uses specific colors of visible light to support different wellness goals. Each color corresponds to a different wavelength, and those wavelengths interact with the body primarily through:

• The eyes (impacting the nervous system and brain signaling)
• The skin (light absorption and sensory response)
• The mind-body connection (mood, relaxation, emotional regulation)

It’s not a “one-size-fits-all cure,” and it isn’t meant to replace medical treatment. Think of it as a gentle, supportive tool that can help shift your state — similar to how music, sunlight, or nature can change how you feel in minutes.

Why Chromotherapy Pairs So Well With Infrared Sauna

Infrared sauna sessions already support the body in powerful ways by promoting:

• Deep relaxation
• Circulation support
• Muscle recovery
• Sweating and natural detox pathways
• Nervous system downshifting

Chromotherapy complements this because it helps create an environment where your system feels safe enough to actually receive the benefits.

In other words: if infrared sauna is the physical reset, chromotherapy can be the emotional and energetic “mood cue” that makes the experience even more grounding.

Together, they create a session that feels less like “pushing through a wellness routine” and more like a true reset.

The Meaning of Each Chromotherapy Color (And How to Choose Yours)

Different studios and systems may label colors a little differently, but the general associations stay consistent. Here’s a practical guide to each color and how clients often use it.

Red Light: Energy + Circulation

Red is often associated activating the circulatory and nervous systems.

You might choose red if you’re:

• Feeling sluggish or low-energy
• Looking for a post-workout boost
• Wanting a “power session” mindset

Orange Light: Confidence + Creativity

Orange is a mood-lifter. It’s often connected to joy, confidence, playfulness, and creativity. It’s a great choice when you want to leave your session feeling lighter. In addition to that, orange is also used to energize and eliminate localized fat and help address asthma and bronchitis.

You might choose orange if you’re:

• Feeling emotionally flat
• Burned out and craving a lift
• Wanting a happy, bright reset

Yellow Light: Mood + Mental Clarity

Yellow is often linked to optimism, clarity, and a refreshed mental state. It’s a favorite for people who want to feel more clear-headed and focused after their session. It also strengthens the body and acts on internal issues

You might choose yellow if you’re:

• Mentally foggy
• Overwhelmed or scattered
• Looking for a “reset my brain” kind of day

Green Light: Balance + Calm

Green is one of the most universally calming colors, often associated with balance, harmony, and restoration. It acts as a nerve relaxant and provides anti-infectious, anti-septic and regenerative stimulation

You might choose green if you’re:

• Feeling anxious or overstimulated
• Coming off a busy day
• Needing grounded, steady energy

Blue Light: Relaxation + Nervous System Support

Blue is often chosen for deep calm and relaxation. Many people find it especially supportive at the end of the day, or when sleep is a goal. Blue also stimulates muscle & skin cells, nerves, and the circulatory system, and lubricates joints, helps address infections, stress and nervous tension.

You might choose blue if you’re:

• Feeling wired but tired
• Struggling to unwind
• Wanting a deeply calming session

Purple / Violet Light: Intuition + Deep Reset

Purple is often associated with reflection, inner calm, and a more “spa-like” reset. It’s a popular choice when you want to feel mentally cleared and emotionally grounded. It relaxes the nerves & lymphatic system, and addresses inflammation and urinary illness.

You might choose purple if you’re:

• Feeling emotionally heavy
• Craving a deeper reset
• Wanting to pair sauna with breathwork or mindfulness

Pink Light: Comfort + Emotional Ease

Pink is often associated with softness, compassion, and emotional comfort. It activates and eliminates impurities from the blood stream and acts as a cleanser, strengthening the veins & arteries

You might choose pink if you’re:

• Feeling sensitive or drained
• Needing comfort and softness
• Wanting a gentle, “take care of me” session

How to Use Chromotherapy Intentionally (Instead of Randomly)

If you want to get the most out of chromotherapy, try choosing your color based on one simple question:

“How do I want to feel when I walk out?”

You can also switch colors mid-session — for example:

• Start with red for energy, end with blue to wind down.
• Start with green to settle, end with yellow to leave feeling refreshed.

What Does Science Say About Color Light Therapy?

Color and light have real, measurable effects on the body, especially through the nervous system.

Here’s what we know broadly:

• Light exposure influences circadian rhythm, sleep-wake cycles, and alertness.
• Different light wavelengths can affect mood and emotional state, partially through brain signaling and hormone regulation.
• The human body responds strongly to environmental cues, and color is a powerful cue.

That said, chromotherapy as a wellness practice includes both:

• Evidence-informed elements (light’s effect on mood and biology)
• Holistic traditions (energetic and emotional associations with color)

Our take? If it helps you feel calmer, more grounded, more energized, or more like yourself — and it supports your consistency with wellness, it’s doing something valuable.

What to Expect During a Chromotherapy Sauna Session at 3 Degrees

Chances are, you’ll notice two things quickly:

1. Your body relaxes faster when your environment feels soothing
2. The color becomes part of the ritual, like setting an intention without needing to overthink it

A chromotherapy-enhanced session can feel like:

• Less mental chatter
• A calmer transition back into your day
• A more “spa” and less “workout” experience

And honestly? Sometimes the biggest wellness win is giving your nervous system a consistent signal that it’s safe to slow down.

Try This Ritual for Your Next Session

If you want an easy way to turn your sauna time into a real reset, try this:

• Before you start: Choose a color based on how you want to feel
• First 2 minutes: Close your eyes, breathe slowly, relax your shoulders
• Middle of session: Ask yourself, “What do I need more of right now?”
• Last 2 minutes: Switch to a calming color (blue, green, or purple) and soften your breath

This can help keep your session from being just another checkbox and turns it into something your body actually looks forward to.

Ready to Experience Chromotherapy + Infrared Sauna?

Chromotherapy is included in every infrared sauna at 3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio, so you can choose the color that matches what you need that day, whether that’s calm, recovery, energy, or a mood reset. If you’re not sure where to start, just ask. We’re happy to recommend a color based on how you want to feel when you step out.

Your reset can be simple. Your self-care can be enjoyable. And your wellness routine can actually feel like a treat.

If you are curious how infrared sauna could fit into your wellness routine, 3Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio is here to support you. If you’re a new client you can schedule your session today for just $30!

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