Color and Its Effect

Color has more influence over us than we might realize. Our moods and energy levels are affected by the different hues we perceive throughout the day. Interior designers, artists, and marketers, to name a few professions, know the importance of the psychology of color and seek hues to use in their work that evoke certain feelings in the observer. In Ayurveda, the Hindu system of traditional medicine, every color is thought to be associated with a certain chakra, or energy center. There are seven known chakras in the human body and each one of them aligns with one of the seven colors in the rainbow. Each chakra rules particular areas in the body, for example the sacral chakra oversees the proper functioning of urinary tract, kidneys and the reproductive organs and is ruled by the color orange. If any of sacral chakra systems are out-of-balance, introducing more orange into a person’s life is thought to heal and strengthen those systems. Let’s take a look at each of the basic colors and explore what influence it has over a person’s health, well-being, and mental state.

Red:

Red is the color of energy, excitement, stimulation and sexuality. If you want to make a statement, wear red!  It is linked to the first chakra which is located at the base of the spine. It rules the kidneys, spine, and sense of smell. A lot of red gets your heart beating fast and it can cause aggression, so it is not recommended to overuse it. Employed in small doses it can be very effective in getting a reaction from people.

Orange:

Orange is the color of happiness. People feel joyful around this hue and that is why it is used to alleviate depression and sadness. It is not considered a calming color, but one associated with ambition and a can-do attitude. If you need some motivation to get things done in your life, seek out orange. Orange rules the sacral chakra and has influence over the kidneys, urinary tract and sexual functions. 

Yellow:

Yellow, like orange, is a feel-good color. It is the color of the sun and usually invokes a positive attitude in those who observe it. It has some aggressive properties and may raise anger and hyperactivity if one is exposed too much to it. It is associated with the solar plexus chakra which rules the stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Measured exposure to this cheerful hue is known to balance out feelings of fear, lack of motivation, and apprehension.  It is also known to increase one’s metabolism.

Green:

Green is the color of calmness. In fact you might hear the term “hospital green” because many medical facilities use it to paint their walls to promote serenity in an otherwise fearful place. Green also brings to mind conservation and being friendly to the earth as well as images of lush forests and hearty plants.  Green belongs to the heart chakra and rules emotions, like love and trust. When there is an imbalance in your heart chakra, you might experience jealousy, mistrust and insecurity. Seeking out green things can help ameliorate those negative emotions.

Blue:

Blue, like green is a calming color. Having a little blue in your life will help you sleep better, alleviate your anxiety and help with headaches. Blue, because it rules your throat chakra, is connected to verbal communication. The majority of the population will report that its favorite color is blue. Blue helps with productivity and gives the sense of dependability and steadfastness. Be careful of too much blue, however, because it can have a somewhat of a cold and uncaring vibe.

Indigo:

Indigo, the color that sits between blue and violet on the color spectrum is the color of intuition. It rules the body’s sixth chakra; often called the third eye as it sites just above the center of the eyebrow in the middle of the forehead.  Exposure to indigo is thought to strengthen the immune system, alleviate skin problems and rid the body of toxins.

Violet:

Violet is the color of royalty. It suggests riches and wealth. Violet is housed in the seventh chakra which sits on the crown of the head. This chakra oversees the pituitary gland, the central nervous system, and the cerebral cortex.  Violet is thought to increase mental clarity and be good for problem solving. Too much violet can ring false and untrue, however, so like all colors, use with care.

Who knew color had such an effect on our daily lives? The next time you pick a color of paint for your walls or design a logo for your company, or decide what to wear that day, keep in mind the power that color has. Figure out what statement you’d like to impart and coordinate your color scheme accordingly. Also, be careful to not overdo any color.

Back to Health & Wellness

Please visit the Educational Corner for our collection of current and past educational articles. The archive includes five categories: Health & Wellness, Massage & Bodywork, Product, Home Massage and Business. From massage research, product spotlights and detailed techniques to DIY self-care and business tips, browse our varied list and learn more.

We offer monthly newsletters to our valued customers. Each issue features new products, exciting releases, the latest news, educational articles and special exclusive offers. It’s easy and FREE. Please sign up here.