Architect and psychologist Karl Ryberg highlights the growing interest in the international research community regarding the correlation between light and the positive impact of colours on human beings, known as "photobiology."
After 25 years of research in applied optics, Karl Ryberg and his company Monocrom from Stockholm have launched the third generation of their unique projector system for monochromatic light treatments. This form of colour therapy is used to address various issues such as stress, depression, eating disorders, and fertility problems, as well as to enhance mental and physical capacity. In this interview, Karl Ryberg shares the background of his lifelong interest in visual perception and light treatments.
— Throughout my studies, I have delved into the effects of light and colours on human beings from an interdisciplinary perspective, he explains.
— I have studied architecture with a focus on light, colours, and ergonomics. My interest in visual perception led me to pursue a psychology degree. I have conducted research on light treatments with Mr. Beesley in England, and I have explored laser biology with Professor Karu in Russia. Over the past decade, I have dedicated my time to developing a unique spherical dome with monochromatic light that has a profound impact on people's vitality. Our clients experience significant improvements in their physical and emotional well-being, and there is a natural explanation for these positive effects, he adds.
Imbalance in our lighting conditions
In today's modern world, it seems like we are constantly suffering from a perpetual state of jetlag, says Karl Ryberg.
— We have disconnected ourselves from our natural circadian rhythms and no longer let the sun dictate our activities. The night is no longer truly dark, and a whopping 80% of our waking hours are spent in artificial light. This lifestyle has created a constant imbalance in our bodies when it comes to light. It's interesting to think that just 150 years ago, electric light became a part of our everyday lives. But if we look back even further, the first artificial light that humans learned to control was fire, around 1.5 million years ago. The flames provided warmth and protection, and people would gather around it. Throughout history, humans have always revered the sun, light, and fire, and have been fascinated by colours. Our reptilian brain still primarily responds to light and colours, and we still instinctively understand the nonverbal language of light, he says and adds that this is something he explains further in his research on the correlation between light and human well-being.
Upgrade through light
— Everything consists of energy waves – we are surrounded by electromagnetic waves, although most of them are invisible to the human eye. However, our response to light and colour is evident and indisputable. Humans are simply dependent on the balance between light and colours, which provide vital information to our cells and activate our molecular system. Light and colours influence 80% of brain functions, and a range of biological functions such as nerve activity, heart rate, and hormone production are directly influenced by light and colours, explains Karl Ryberg.
In 2002, research discovered the ganglion cells in the retina that send light impulses to the brain with the help of the substance melanopsin. This is one explanation for why the brain is so susceptible and light-sensitive, allowing for the enhancement of individuals through light therapy. In other words, light treatments manipulate our fundamental state of being.
Light as a field of research
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the impact of light on human well-being in the international research community. One notable example is the Professional Lighting Design Convention (PLDC), which held its second major conference in October 2009, focusing on topics such as lighting application case studies, research, daylight and sustainability, and professional practice issues.
It is important to note that many great philosophers and scientists throughout history, such as Newton, Goethe, and Einstein, have been fascinated by light and colours. In fact, in 1903, Danish physician Niels Ryberg Finsen became the first Dane to receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his research on the disease-preventive and healing effects of light. While the study of light and colours is not new, it has certainly experienced a renaissance in recent times, and this renewed interest is well-deserved, as explained by Klaus Ryberg.
A personalized treatment approach
With a speed of 300,000 km per hour, the waves emitted by colours are the fastest signals in nature. Our eyes register the colour red in 2/100 of a second and violet in 6/100 of a second. The brain reacts faster to longer wavelengths. Light and colour stimulate the brain and act as a positive manipulation of our fundamental state of being.
— Our treatment approach is based on individual needs and is designed with free manual control of colour selection. The client places their face in a spherical dome equipped with monochromatic light projectors that isolate sections of the colour spectrum in high resolution. Using a remote control, the client can choose their preferred wavelength of light. The interior Ganzfeld effect creates an infinite perception of proportions. The coloured light is diffused to create a completely homogeneous field. A sufficient amount of pure xenon light triggers reactions in the brain. The result is an enhancement of mental and physical capacity, explains Klaus Ryberg.
—We do not treat severely ill individuals, but we have achieved remarkable results in connection with depression, stress, fertility, eating disorders, blood circulation, vitamin D deficiency, and overall vitality. The treatment is precise, fast, and must be experienced firsthand to understand its impact - not just with the mind, but with the whole body, he concludes.
About Karl Ryberg
Karl Ryberg is a trained architect and psychologist with a specialization in the impact of light and colours on human beings. He is the founder of Monocrom, a company that develops, produces, and sells unique Monocrom domes for colour light treatments. Monocrom also provides training to licensees of their light therapy concept, which is represented in various countries such as the USA, England, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia, South Africa, Maldives, Malaysia, and Australia. Karl Ryberg conducts seminars and workshops at educational institutions, hospitals, and businesses, and has published books such as "Colors in Everyday Life and Therapy," "Living Colors," and "Light Therapy and Color Design."