Colors comprise an essential element of our lives—everything we see in set colors that we label as the color of that object. For example, an apple is red, the sky is blue, crows are black, etc. However, it is scientifically proven that it is close to impossible for people to see the same colors in their exact form. One may see the color differently than the other person.
Various studies suggest that colors can determine or change someone’s mood. It has a bigger impact on people and can just look pleasing to the eye. A great example of this is how fast food companies in America often only use the colors red, orange and yellow as their brand logos and symbols. It is said that those colors make people hungry, and attract them to the restaurant.
So it is evident that colors do play a vital role in displaying and conveying emotions. Colors can also help manipulate them. This was noticed by a colonel during the American Civil War, Augustus Pleasonton. His discoveries were one of the first ones in the West that supported the concept of color therapy, which is also known as chromotherapy.
What is Chromotherapy?
Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that uses the visible spectrum of light and color to bring about beneficial changes in energy levels within the body. It is based on the belief that each color has its own specific vibration and frequency that can help to balance the body’s energy centers. By exposing the body to these frequencies, it is believed that chromotherapy can help to reduce stress, improve moods, and even enhance healing.
The colors used in chromotherapy are typically chosen based on their associated energies, such as green for healing or yellow for happiness. Chromotherapy can be used in many different ways, including exposure to colored light bulbs or through colored clothing or jewelry.
Color therapy was also prevailing in the Indian branch of medicine, Ayurveda. In this, there are said to be seven ‘Chakras’ in the body that are related to the seven colors in the light spectrum. When these chakras in the body are imbalanced or in fluctuate, it causes issues in the body like diseases and infections.
Chromotherapy works well in psychotherapy as people have certain associations and meanings related to certain colors that can trigger certain feelings and emotions in them. Over the years, with more research added to this technique of therapy, expanded into believing that color therapy could also help people with physical issues such as body aches, immunity issues, etc. These colors enforce a positive reaction in the body and mind.
Many researchers have also tried to connect the link between the positive effects of these colors to the foods that are consumed by a person. They link the color of the food with the effect that color causes on the person. There are certain practices where colors are also used to determine the general persona of someone. These are known as the auras of a person. Certain colors stand for certain personality traits and characteristics. Then, the combination of these colors, that is the combination of these personality traits and characteristics makes the aura of the person and the general personality of that person.
So, healing color is simply a color, or a blend of colors that help you solve your problem, and act as a psychological catalyst while treating physical issues of your body. Each color has a different healing power that is used to treat a different issue.
How colors can help in healing?
Colors have long been used to help in healing. The idea is that different colors can have different effects on the body and mind, depending on how they are used. For example, warm colors such as red and orange can stimulate the body’s energy and increase circulation, while cool colors like blue and green can help to reduce stress. In addition, certain colors can be associated with different emotions which can be beneficial for those suffering from depression or anxiety. Color therapy has also been used to improve sleep patterns, reduce pain, and alleviate symptoms of physical illnesses. By combining the right colors in a positive way, it is possible to create a calming environment that promotes relaxation and healing of both physical and psychological ailments.
How are healing colors related to chakras?
Healing colors are associated with the seven chakras, which are energy centers in the body. Each chakra is associated with a specific color and these colors are believed to have a balancing effect on the corresponding chakra and its related organs or functions. For example, red is associated with the root chakra and helps to bring balance to issues related to personal identity, family relationships, and our connection with the physical world. Similarly, the orange is connected to the sacral chakra, which governs creativity and sexuality. Colors such as yellow and green help to balance the solar plexus and heart chakras respectively, while blue and purple are often used for healing imbalances in the throat and third eye chakras. Ultimately, by using different colors to balance out our energy centers we can promote overall physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Birthstone colors
Sometimes, a color or two is associated with the month when we were born. These are known as the birthstone colors. The birthstone colors tend to identify our probable personalities according to our birth month. The birthstone stone colors in accordance with the respective months are as follows.
Here are some colors and the health issue and benefits that they are related to –
1. Red
Red is a primary color that is generally used as a symbol for hate, love, passion and several other things. But the color also symbolizes energy, courage, warmth, etc. It is the color of human blood as well. Since humans are warm-blooded animals, and red is the color that portrays warmth, red helps in healing through the process of working with the blood.
In Ayurveda, it is said that the red color, when seen takes energy from the earth and imbibes it into the person. In food, red-colored fruits and vegetables like watermelon, apples, beetroot, strawberries, etc. are said to be rich in calcium, vitamins A, C, and E, and other minerals. However, access to red is also not considered to be good as it increases anger and anxiety levels. Which is one of the reasons why it is said to be harmful to people that have blood pressure-related issues.
2. Orange
Orange is a color that is a little toned down to red. It is not as bright as red but bright enough to be an engaging color. It acts as more of a soothing agent as it is a warm color. But unlike red, these soothing effects are not very energetic, and instead calmer. Orange is used to symbolize the external nature and an individual’s relationship with it in Ayurveda. Orange foods like oranges and other citrus fruits are highly filled with Vitamin C and act as antioxidants. It is helpful for people with abdominal pains and cramps.
3. Yellow
Yellow is also a primary color that is extremely bright and vibrant and is used to cheer people up. It is the color of the sun, hence, it is said in Ayurveda that the color channels the Sun’s energy into you. Yellow fruits are mainly citrus, pineapples, apples, etc, that are packed with nutrition and flavour. The color brings about positive vibes and emotions within a person.
4. Green
Green is the color associated with nature and living and is believed to be one of the best colors for healing. It is a symbol of vegetation and greenery. It represents mother earth and prosperity, hence the color has more positive connotations to it. It helps the person think of positive things. The color is also associated with the heart in Ayurveda, and hence seeing that color has a good effect on heart health.
It is also related to healing and cleanliness. Green leafy vegetables are high in fiber and are often recommended by doctors to be a natural cleanser of the body. It takes out all of the accumulated body waste with it and refreshes the body from within.
5. Blue
Blue as we all know is the color of the sky and the sea. This color is soothing to look at as it is a cool color, and it pleases the eyes. We also associate the color with the waves of the ocean or the moving clouds of the sky and hence, it triggers a calming sensation in the mind. The color is associated with the throat according to Ayurveda. There are not many blue foods available apart from blueberries.
6. Violet
Violet is a blend of red and blue, two primary colors, and also two colors of opposite tones as red is warm and blue is a cool shade. Since it is a blend of colors, that forms a richer color, it represents the deepness of the soul and the depths of our personalities. Purple foods including yam, red cabbage, etc are highly nutritious and filled with carbs and fibre. This color helps with the treatment of headaches, sinus problems, migraines etc.
7. Purple
The color purple has long been associated with healing and spiritual growth. It is thought to promote emotional balance and calmness, allowing us to feel more relaxed and at ease. It is also believed to increase intuition and inspire creativity, helping us become more creative in our lives. Additionally, the color purple can help in physical healing due to its calming effect on the nervous system. It can reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, which can lead to improved overall health. Finally, purple helps boost positive energy and self-esteem, as it reminds us of our own inner strength and capability. All in all, the color purple can be a powerful tool for healing both mentally and physically.
8. White
White is often associated with purity, cleanliness and healing. The color white has many healing properties that can be beneficial to both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that white light can help reduce stress levels, improve moods, and even aid in the recovery process of certain diseases. For example, white light therapy has been used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, anxiety and other psychological issues. Additionally, white light can be used to promote healing from wounds or injuries. It helps increase the production of collagen which is necessary for healthy skin and cell regeneration. White light also increases circulation which helps reduce inflammation and pain levels associated with an injury or wound. In summary, white color helps in healing through its calming properties, ability to reduce stress levels and aid in wound healing.
9. Teal
Teal is an excellent color for healing. It is known to have calming and soothing effects on the body and mind. Teal has been used for centuries as a way to bring peace, balance and stability into one’s life. The color teal is associated with emotional healing, inner wisdom, and spiritual guidance. It can help to reduce stress levels, calm anxiety, prevents insomnia and promote relaxation. Teal can also be used in rituals of purification or cleansing because it symbolizes health, purity and serenity. Overall, incorporating teal into your life can be a great way to experience emotional healing while also increasing your sense of well-being.
Where and how to use healing color therapy?
People often use healing color therapy in conjunction with other holistic practices, such as meditation, yoga, and Reiki. Some popular ways to use healing color therapy include wearing certain colored clothing, surrounding yourself with specific colors in your home or workspace, or using colored light bulbs in lamps. You can also take part in guided visualizations or meditations where you focus on a particular color and allow it to bring balance and healing into your life. Healing color therapy can also be performed by a trained practitioner who will work with you to select specific colors that are best suited for your individual needs. The various ways in which healing color therapy is used are as follows.
Color breathing and meditation technique
Color breathing and meditation for healing is a powerful combination that can bring about profound transformation. Color breathing is a form of deep, conscious breathing that incorporates visualizing colors. This type of breathwork can help to open up blocked energy pathways, allowing for a greater flow of vital life force energy throughout the body. Meditation helps to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, allowing one to gain clarity and insight into their current situation. Together, color breathing and meditation can be used as a tool for self-healing, helping us to become more aware of our physical body, emotions, thoughts and feelings. Through this process, we are able to access deeper levels of understanding about ourselves and our lives which can lead to greater emotional balance and physical well-being.
In hospitals
Using healing colors in hospitals can be an effective way to promote a sense of calm and serenity for patients. The colors used should be soothing, such as blues and greens, which can help create a sense of relaxation and peace. For instance, blue is often associated with calmness, while green is often seen as a refreshing color that invokes feelings of harmony and balance. Additionally, warm tones such as yellow and orange can be used to bring cheerfulness into the room without being overly bright or overwhelming. Using these colors strategically throughout the hospital environment will create an atmosphere that encourages healing and positive energy in the space.
Conclusion
It is very likely that you may feel tired and irritated by seeing the same colors over and over in your day-to-day life, hence, it is important to not rule your life based on these colors. You could instead try to incorporate it bit by bit into smaller things and then move upwards from there depending on if you like it or not.
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