Colour psychology refers to the usage of four base colours according to the European colour system. In addition to black and white as the neutral colours, the base colours also include the chromatic colours red, yellow, green, and blue. Red stimulates and increases appetite. Orange improves mood and possible thyroid function. Yellow increases concentration and possibly treats arthritis. Green is a calming color and promotes healthy metabolism. Everyone carries a colour or two splendidly.

Colors influence our emotions, mood, and behavior. It has been scientifically proved that different colors have psychological and physiological effects on people. Therefore, selecting the right colors in our house, office, school, playground, movie theatre, hospital environments have a significant impact on the experience of people. In a hospital setting the choice of colors can influence patients’ perception of their experience and their overall well-being. For example, some specific colors that can affect patients’ mental and emotional health.

Sky and ocean are blue colour. Technically, the short wavelengths that scatter across the sky relate to the colours blue and violet, making the real colour of the sky a bluish purple. However, the cone cells in our eyes which are photoreceptor cells that are in the retina of the eye which are responsible for color vision as well as eye color sensitivity that detect colour aren’t very sensitive to violet, so we see the sky as blue. Colors are the smiles of nature. 

Color is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.

Smokers and people with diabetes or heart disease have fewer blood vessels in their skin, and so skin would appear less rosy. The preference for more golden or ‘yellow-toned’ skin as healthier might be explained by the ‘carotenoid pigments’ that we get from the fruit and vegetables in our diet.

Do you know that subconsciously, colour affects all our senses and colours have an important effect on our appetite and the food we choose – they can make us feel hungry, sad, happy, relaxed, or energetic. 

Red fruits have several features: cherries are purifying and detoxifying, while the vitamin C contained in strawberries contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Red oranges are also part of this group. They help our body absorb the iron contained in the food we eat. Pomegranates, on the other hand, have strong natural antibacterial power. The watermelon not only a fresh summer fruit, but also a powerful fruit against tiredness thanks to its mineral salts. 

Psychologist Andrew J. Elliot tested to see if the color of a person’s clothing could make them appear more sexually appealing. He found heterosexual men and women dressed in red were significantly more likely to attract romantic attention than women dressed in any other color.

Among red vegetables we find tomatoes, helpful to keep the cholesterol on a low level, radishes that depurate and calm us, and red onions with antioxidant and diuretic functions. Red beet and chili pepper are respectively antioxidant and stimulate our metabolism. When eaten raw, tomatoes and peppers also contain vitamin C that contributes to the normal function of bones, cartilage, gums, skin, teeth, and immune system.

Yellow fruits and vegetables consist of apricots, whose vitamin A takes care of the growth of our bones, tangerines, rich in fibre and particularly helpful for the wellbeing of the bowel, and melons, full of beta-carotene and able to fight free radicals. We have peaches and bananas, both are sources of potassium, regulators of the arterial pressure and high in energy. The yellow-orange vegetables are all rich in vitamin A. Carrots are the one responsible for our eyes’ health while pumpkins preserve the integrity of skin and mucous membranes. Finally, thanks to both vitamin A and C peppers are a powerful antioxidant.

Green colored kiwis are full of vitamin C which are important for the correct function of the immune system, while grapes have an energetic effect due to the fructose and the glucose they contain. Green apple is a friend of our digestion process and thanks to its low calorie count it is a healthy snack. There are many more vegetables belonging to this group, such as broccoli and green salad, filled with antioxidants that help the circulatory system, as well as green leafy vegetables. They contain potassium and water but they both work together to promote diuresis. Equally important, green beans are rich in fibre and fight constipation, while spinach thanks to its folic acid helps us recharge our body.

Blue & purple fruits consist of plums, well known for their laxative effect due to their fibres, while black grape and raspberries are powerful antioxidants. Figs are highly recommended for people who are looking for an energy boost before their training because they contain high levels of sugar. Finally, we have currant and blueberry: the first one prevents capillary fragility while the second one takes care of both our circulatory system and eyes. Part of this vegetables group is the eggplant, full of water that helps cleanse our body, and the radicchio, rich in potassium and an ally of both the nervous and muscular system. The purple carrot is a low-calorie food and is an ideal mid-day snack.

Color can affect how memorable something is, guide attention, evoke emotions, and even influence motor function and performance. Keep in mind that these effects can differ between cultures and contexts. For example, according to Ford Data, France, and Italy Favour Cream Colours, Denmark Likes Black, Ireland opts for Silver. Blue is the most loved color by humans being preferred by more than 35% of world’s population. Love is symbolized by green in Japan, red and purple in China, Korea, Japan, and the USA. Unluckiness is symbolized by red in Republic of Chad, Nigeria, and Germany. Luckiness is symbolized by red in China, Denmark, and Argentina. The traditional bridal color is red in China and white in the USA.

The world around us is full of colours and although different people might prefer a certain hue of colour to others, we all agree that a world in black and white would not be as beautiful as one that offers an array of shades and tones.  

Navratri (Nine nights) is a festival to honour Goddess Durga in her nine forms. She personifies power and velour. She is the most powerful Hindu Deity; she is courageous and fought wars against all evils. She stands for the “righteousness” Durga is a matriarchal goddess figure. She bestows “shakti” to all her devotees. Today’s women need blessings of Maa Durga to play multiple roles and do multitasking. They have to fight against all odds to save their grace and dignity both.

The nine forms of Goddess are personified in nine colors. Goddess “Durga” or Goddess “Shakti” each day is dressed in one of those nine colours. She is creator of the universe; she has created it with colours of joy, romance, affection, happiness, intellect, energy, growth, harmony, imagination and velour. Goddess Durga wants her devotees to dress up in her favourite colors and enjoy the festivity.

13^th October: Yellow is the color of sunshine. This color stands for warmth while stirring cheerfulness. It stimulates the mind and mental makeup. It also represents muscle energy. In color heraldry, yellow indicates honour and loyalty. The color yellow evokes pleasant, cheerful feelings. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so it’s used to highlight the most important elements of design. This year Yellow color dress is to be worn on the first day of Navartri.

14^th October: The second day’s colour is Green. This colour denotes nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with prosperity – money. The Dollar colour is Green. This color has a natural healing power. It soothes the human mind. It can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance.

15^th October: The third day’s color is Gray.  It’s a cool, neutral, and balanced color. This color is devoid of any emotions. It represents a balanced, efficient and practical mind. We therefore see lots of top officials wearing a gray suit. The color gray is a timeless and realistic color; it represents mystery. Its lighter shades denote feminity.

16^th October: The fourth day’s color is Oragnge. This color combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropical mood. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces a refreshing effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance. Color orange has very high visibility.

17^th October: The fifth day’s color is White. This color is associated with light, goodness, virtue, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity. White is often associated with low weight, low-fat food, and dairy products.

18^th October: The sixth day’s color is Red. This is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. It is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.

19^th October: The seventh day’s colour is Blue. It is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Blue is considered favourable for the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquillity and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and sincerity. Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and stability therefore it is one of the most accepted corporate color.

20^th October: The eighth day’s color is Pink. This colour denotes universal love. Pink is a gentle color. When people fall in love, they usuallyselect pink color gifts. Lovers of beauty favour pink. A pink carnation flower or a pink rose signifies “I will never stop thinking about you”. Pink is a combination of red and white. The quality of energy in pink is determined by how much red is present. White is the color for fullness, while red helps you to achieve that potential. Pink combines these energies; a shade of deep pink, such as magenta is effective in neutralizing disorder and violence. Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance.

21^st October: The ninth day’s color is Purple. Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with sovereignty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and lavishness. It is also associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. It is the color of self actualization too. Light purple is an automatic choice for feminine designs and children are attracted to bright purple color.

HAPPY NAVARATRI TO ONE AND ALL!!! 

Chromotherapy is also called color therapy which is the use of color and light to gently bring about homeostasis. Examples of homeostasis include the regulation of temperature and the balance between acidity and alkalinity (pH). It is a process that maintains the stability of the human body’s internal environment in response to changes in external conditions. In this therapy color along with light is applied to specific areas and accupoints on the body. This is an alternative therapy which means any treatment that is not considered of as part of conventional medicine. Health professionals working in cancer care are becoming more aware of the alternative therapies.

Chromotherapy practitioners believe that color can be used to correct energy imbalances which are the cause of a disease. A chromotherapist applies specific colors or lights to specific points in the body called “chakras.” Different colors have different effects.

Color and light have been used for healing since the very beginning of recorded time. Ancient Egyptians had built solarium-type rooms with colored panes of glass. The sun would shine through the glass and flood the patient with color. They used color therapy to the fullest potential. And, it is said that many patients had cured because of the therapy.

Some practitioners use colored silk cloths which are placed on the body and then flooded with sunlight. Some practitioners use color infused water and color meditations to send healing rays to the person. Today, there are many therapists who use color and light in fascinating ways. Some therapists have a box with a mechanism that flickers light into the eyes. They report success in speeding the recovery of stroke victims and those persons who experience chronic depression.

Scientists, who have studied color and light extensively, recognize that colors bring about emotional reactions in individuals. Our reactions and attitudes to colors differ from person to person, which makes an interesting study in itself. Our attraction to certain colors may very well signal areas where the body energies are imbalanced. Understanding why certain colors effect us positively while others bring about negative feelings helps us a lot in our healing journeys. If you have observed some colors might motivate positive feeling while uplifting your mood while some might simply put you off. Wearing the wrong color can make you feel out of sorts with yourself. Colors are certain wavelengths of electro-magnetic energy – Chi energy seen through our eyes. The color we see is the part of the visible spectrum that is reflected back by a certain object.

Color therapy is often facilitated in the healing rooms of alternative health practitioners. It is classified as a vibrational healing modality. And, it is interesting to note that vibrational healing technique incorporates the use of chi energies within all living organisms such as plants, water, sunlight, and sound. Everything in the universal creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies that matches to sound, light and color. The existing electromagnetic field around every object is known as ‘Aura.’ The Chinese refer to this aura as ‘Chi.’ Color is simply a form of visible light, of electromagnetic energy. All the primary colors are reflected in the rainbow; they carry their own unique healing properties. The sun alone is a wonderful healer! Just imagine what life would be like without sunshine. It has been proven that lack of sunlight contributes to depression for some people.

Friends, color is one of the languages of the soul, look at any meditative paintings; they are beautifully colored. An infant also gets inspired looking at colorful objects. They influence our moods and emotions. They impact our sense of well-being and uneasiness both. Using and avoiding certain colors is a way of self-expression; it sheds light on our personality. Each individual carries certain shades of colors very well; we should spare some time and study which color makes us happy. Colors affect our sensitivities.  Light colors make a space look big; a high ceiling looks less high when painted in a dark color. Colors have a symbolic meaning which is immediately recognized by our sub consciousness. It is a universal fact that not all colors mean the same to all persons and all cultures. They influence the flow and amount of energy in our bodies; each chakra strengthens our body. I have written a lot about chakras on my blog. Please read to know more.

Before examining color and its healing capacity on a person, the cause must be known. True healing comes about when the cause of the condition or illness is addressed from the root. If healing goes no further than a mere relief or masking of the symptoms, then, eventually that which brought about the need for healing, in the first place will re-emerge and manifest it within the body in one or some another form. Please remember that body is an outward expression of that which is taking place within the mind, the soul – the subconscious. Thus, any healing technique which deals only with the physical body and the energy field of the individual tends to accomplish one thing; it simply boosts his energy. That energy boost in turn allows that person’s own internal healing mechanism to become mobilized into greater activity.

In color therapy when a person has too much of one color, which is also not good for the body, the patient is treated with opposite of the color to lessen the excess color effect. Using color as a tool to feel better is therefore a very effective way to improve our overall wellbeing. We choose foods for their colors; we wear certain colored clothes and jewelry; we buy interior décor, cutlery, bed sheets, furniture, our wall colors so much so even the tiles in the bathrooms and wash rooms for the colorfulness. Blue is relaxing, while white cleanses the mind and purifies the spirit. Red ignites spirits and green sooths the mind. These are just some of the examples on how you can use colors. Color therapy has no contraindications (In medicine, contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment) and it can safely be used on infants, children, older people, as well as on people suffering from serious illnesses or patients recovering from post-surgical trauma.

Red is called “The Great Energizer” and “The Father of Vitality.” Red is warm, vital, heating. It loosens, opens up clogs, releases stiffness and constrictions. Orange has a freeing action upon the body and mind, relieving repressions. Because orange is a blend of red and yellow. Yellow helps strengthen the nerves and the mind. It helps awaken mental inspiration and stimulates higher mentality. Thus, it is an excellent color for nervous or nerve-related conditions or ailments. Green is the universal healing color. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used green as the primary color of healing, as green is midway in the color spectrum; therefore, it contains both a physical nature and a spiritual nature, in equal balance and in equal harmony. Blue is cooling, electric, astringent. It helps bleeding, decreases fevers, and cures sore throats. Blue can have a sedative effect, as expressed in the remark of “feeling blue.” Indigo is a great purifier of the bloodstream and also benefits mental problems. It is a freeing and purifying agent. Indigo combines the deep blue of devotion with a trace of stabilizing and objective red. Indigo is cooling, electric, and astringent. Violet is truly the color of the divine Spirit. Violet works only on the levels of the Spirit. It is generally not used for physical conditions; however, some color experts believe that it does provide nourishment to the cells in the upper brain and does have a link with the crown chakra. And, last but the least, white is the perfect color, because it is all color, in perfect balance and harmony. It is the color of the awakened spirit; the light of perfection; the light of the divine and cosmic consciousness.