Colors affect our moods, our ideas and thoughts and the entire
environment around us in general. "Green with envy", "Pink with
embarrassment", "Red with anger", "Feeling blue", "Purple with rage"
- We use color to express our emotions. Artists use colors to
express emotions of their caricatures. How often have we seen a
Minnie Mouse blush pink? The number of times Jerry has made Tom see
red is uncountable. Given that we use colors to express our
emotions, it is not too far fetched to believe that colors can
actually affect our moods. There is empirical evidence to indicate
that indeed, colors affect our moods.
Going one step further, colors can also be used to heal. Healing is
all about making one feel better - physically, emotionally and
spiritually. Since colors do affect our emotions they can be used to
heal as well.
Using colors to heal is not a new fangled theory cooked up by an
obscure occult. Indeed, there is evidence that indicates that the
ancient Egyptians immersed themselves in huge vats of colors to cure
various illnesses. Color therapy was very much in practice then. The
methods may have changed somewhat today, but the principle stays the
same.
Practicing color therapy or healing with colors requires a trained
individual. The therapist must know what colors are suitable for
what illnesses, the mixtures or proportions the colors are to be
mixed in, and how long the therapy can be continued without having
negative effects. Prolonged exposure to color therapy can have
negative side effects as well just like any other medicine.
Additionally, colors that work for one person may not work for
another. Color therapy is practiced in the following ways today:
Colored light bulbs or colored glasses can be used as part of
therapy. Sometimes, rooms with huge windows are given a particular
'color' by coloring the window panes. Individuals are made to sit
inside the 'color' rooms as part of therapy.
Some therapists ask individuals to visualize a color under
hypnosis.
xperts suggest that color therapy can work even by changing the
color of the clothes you wear, the food you eat and even your
surroundings.
Solarized water can be used as a healing tonic. In this method,
water is placed in a glass of the desired color. The glass is then
placed in the sun. The suns rays filter through the glass and
energize the water with the vibrations of the color.
Different colors have different purposes when used for healing.
Red Red is the color for vitality, energy, creativity and power.
People who favor the color red are likely to be attention getters.
They are quick to react and can be over emotional.
This color can be used to loosen up an individual. It helps reduce
stiffness and inhibitions. It stimulates the release of adrenalin
into the system and increases hemoglobin. It is thus a good color
for treating conditions like anemia and other blood related
problems. It can also help people who are feeling depressed and
lethargic. It is a good color to use in winter to give warmth.
However, an excess of red can be harmful. It can agitate and make an
individual aggressive. While it can excite sexual passion, too much
red can also lead to anger and violence. People with a heart
condition or a nervous disposition should keep away from red.
Orange This is an energizer too. When used moderately it has a
gentle warming effect. Orange is a good color for treating gall
stones, digestive ailments, chest and kidney diseases and arthritis.
It also helps to lift the spirit of people who feel they are hemmed
in, feel depressed or that their life has no purpose and direction.
Again, too much orange can lead to recklessness and agitation.
Yellow
People attracted to the color yellow generally have sunny
dispositions and are good communicators. They love to talk and be
social in general. People drawn to stronger shades of yellow tend to
be conceited or arrogant while those that find affinity with the
more pastel yellows may be timid.
Yellow is a great color for curing skin problems and digestive
ailments.
Over stimulation with yellow could result in exhaustion and
depression.
Blue
Is the color of truth, nobility and serenity. It has an
extremely soothing, calming and cooling effect. It's a great color
to combat summer heat.
Blue is a good color to calm people who are flustered or frightened.
It can also help keep nightmares at bay so may be a good color for
children. It helps to cool down a fever, heal burns and sooth an
aching throat. It is also recommended for people suffering from
shock, inflammation and nervous breakdowns.
However, people with bad circulation should keep away from blue.
Excessive blue can also have a sedative effect. It can make a person
passive and easily taken advantage of. It can also make you feel
chilled.
Indigo Is the color of the mysterious and profound. People drawn
to the color indigo usually look beneath the surface. They are drawn
to higher pursuits, maybe even the occult. Indigo stimulates the
intellect and gives an individual a sense of courage and authority.
Indigo is used to purify the blood. It is good for curing problems
related to the eyes, ear, and nose and for sinus. It can also help
relieve varicose veins, boils and ulcers and skin disorders.
However, excessive exposure to indigo can make you sleepy and give
you a headache.
Violet
The color of the creative. Legend has it that Da Vinci
meditated upon violet and Beethoven had violet curtains. It is also
the color of the shy.
Emotional agitation can be treated with violet. It can also help
compulsive eaters to calm down their compulsive eating and bingeing.
However, violet releases excessive energy which if not channeled
properly can make an individual feel quite ill. Highly unadvisable
for depressed individuals.
