The power of color can be a wonder–colors evoke emotional, behavioral and physical responses that are studied in the science of color psychology. Combine a little color science with your soak and you can create a therapeutic color bath that boosts the curative powers of the tub. According to Blissful Bathtime: Therapies for Rejuvenating Mind and Body (Storey Publishing, 2002) by Margo Valentine Lazzara, even today the ancient Indian system of solar-ray healing still recommends therapeutic color baths. To make your own, purchase a colored light bulb in the shade you need to evoke a particular mood. Insert the colored bulb into your bathroom fixture and light it for use during your bath.

Lazzara recommends using natural, vegetable-based food coloring in your bathwater. Several drops added to the bath won’t affect your skin and will tint the water a gentle hue. A handful of fresh flowers provides you with a color energy bath. Let the blossoms float around on the surface of the water so they can visually stimulate you, rather than tying them in a bag.

The author also notes that candles are many people’s favorite bath accessory. They are soothing and beautiful, and the flickering candlelight can bring a sense of peace and serenity to the room. Choose candles in colors that promote the mood you desire.

Each color has its own frequency and wavelength. The longest wavelength and the shortest frequency belong to red, and magenta has the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency. When you work with color, your body becomes sensitive to it and grows more open to meditation and healing. In order for you to appreciate the power of color, you must know each color’s particular attributes.

RED increases vitality and energy. This color is traditionally considered the seat of life-force energy; it is invigorating, vital, and activating.

ORANGE is cheerful, working as an anti-depressant and creating a happy environment. Use orange when you need to facilitate the process of letting go. Orange can relax the mind and body and loosen areas of stress.

YELLOW has a detaching quality, creating a lack of involvement. It is uplifting, but a large amount of the hue induces nervousness and tension and can be disorienting or perplexing. Yellow has been known to distort perspective.

GREEN can cause hyperactivity without scattering your energy. It promotes sound judgment, stability, and physical equilibrium.

TURQUOISE is soothing, inviting interest and easing tension. This color helps to release anxiety while providing support. Turquoise is refreshing and stimulating.

BLUE is a relaxing color. It invites communication, meditation, and balance by calming the body and mind. Because blue creates softness, it is best used in stress-related areas such as the office.

VIOLET promotes self-confidence and love and concern for others. Use violet in meditation and prayer, or whenever you need to concentrate, It is the center of self-respect and pride and expresses individuality. Inner balance, silence, and relaxation are all aided by violet. A mind-balancing color, it helps you unburden and protect yourself. But violet is also an aphrodisiac and is widely used to promote festivity.

MAGENTA helps to raise energy levels. This color is impervious and forceful and is used to stimulate and inspire. Magenta brings self-respect, dignity, and composure by aiding and promoting concentration. It is also the color of spiritual love.