Colorpuncture
Encyclopedia
Colorpuncture, or color light acupuncture, is an alternative medicine
practice asserting that colored lights can be used to stimulate acupuncture point
s to promote healing and better health. It is a form of color therapy. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Research on colorpuncture has failed to demonstrate a consistent effect; Quackwatch
considers it a questionable treatment with no demonstrated effectiveness.
Mandel cited Fritz-Albert Popp
, who claimed that the body's cells communicate with each other through a steady stream of photon
s. This is not a scientifically recognized method of cell communication
. Using Kirlian photography
, Mandel concluded that the acupuncture
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. Mandel's model is a holographic representation of how vital energy
is produced in the body. Three of the six factors (called molecules) represent the subtle energies: the chakra
s, the formative field, and the converter model. The other three factors describe the physical reality: the body systems, the coordination system, and the transmitter relays.
energy flows.
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. Colorpuncturists claim to diagnose through the use of Kirlian photography
.
included colorpuncture in a list of "mystical or supernaturalistic" therapies. 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. Quackwatch
lists it as a questionable treatment.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
practice asserting that colored lights can be used to stimulate acupuncture point
Acupuncture point
Acupuncture points are locations on the body that are the focus of acupuncture, acupressure, sonopuncture and laser acupuncture treatment. Several hundred acupuncture points are considered to be located along meridians...
s to promote healing and better health. It is a form of color therapy. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Research on colorpuncture has failed to demonstrate a consistent effect; Quackwatch
Quackwatch
Quackwatch is an American non-profit organization founded by Stephen Barrett with the stated aim being to "combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct" and with a primary focus on providing "quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere."...
considers it a questionable treatment with no demonstrated effectiveness.
Background
Colorpuncture was developed in the 1988s by German naturopath and acupuncturist Peter Mandel, who named it esogetic 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."Mandel cited Fritz-Albert Popp
Fritz-Albert Popp
- Biography :Fritz-Albert Popp is a German researcher in biophysics, particularly in biophotonics, a branch of quantum biology dealing with the analysis of single photons emitted from living organisms...
, who claimed that the body's cells communicate with each other through a steady stream of photon
Photon
In physics, a photon is an elementary particle, the quantum of the electromagnetic interaction and the basic unit of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It is also the force carrier for the electromagnetic force...
s. This is not a scientifically recognized method of cell communication
Cell signaling
Cell signaling is part of a complex system of communication that governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity as well as normal tissue...
. Using Kirlian photography
Kirlian photography
Kirlian photography refers to a form of photogram made with voltage. It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who in 1939 accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is connected to a source of voltage an image is produced on the photographic plate.Kirlian's work, from 1939 onward,...
, Mandel concluded that the acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of solid, generally thin needles in the body....
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. Mandel's model is a holographic representation of how vital energy
Vitalism
Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is#a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from biochemical reactions...
is produced in the body. Three of the six factors (called molecules) represent the subtle energies: the chakra
Chakra
Chakra is a concept originating in Hindu texts, featured in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning" .Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices...
s, the formative field, and the converter model. The other three factors describe the physical reality: the body systems, the coordination system, and the transmitter relays.
Treatment
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, balance yin and yangYin and yang
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang , which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only...
energy flows.
A small handheld instrument resembling a torch (flashlight
Flashlight
A flashlight is a hand-held electric-powered light source. Usually the light source is a small incandescent lightbulb or light-emitting diode...
) 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. Colorpuncturists claim to diagnose through the use of Kirlian photography
Kirlian photography
Kirlian photography refers to a form of photogram made with voltage. It is named after Semyon Kirlian, who in 1939 accidentally discovered that if an object on a photographic plate is connected to a source of voltage an image is produced on the photographic plate.Kirlian's work, from 1939 onward,...
.
Reception
Jack Raso writing in the Skeptical InquirerSkeptical Inquirer
The Skeptical Inquirer is a bimonthly American magazine published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry with the subtitle: The magazine for science and reason....
included colorpuncture in a list of "mystical or supernaturalistic" therapies. 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. Quackwatch
Quackwatch
Quackwatch is an American non-profit organization founded by Stephen Barrett with the stated aim being to "combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct" and with a primary focus on providing "quackery-related information that is difficult or impossible to get elsewhere."...
lists it as a questionable treatment.