WITH of without realizing it, we constantly use colours to describe ourselves: in the pink of health, purple with rage, feeling blue, seeing red or green with envy. According to colour therapy practitioners, there is a link between colours, emotions and healing properties. Here’s how you harness the power of colour:
Blue
The colour of sadness (feeling blue) yet a shade that cools, soothes and calms. It is the colour of wisdom and mental clarity. Blue's pacifying effect on the nervous system brings about relaxation and is ideal for curing sleep problems. Mediating on the colour blue is said to ward off nightmares. A blue bed sheet might do the trick for insomniacs but an overdose of this shade could lead to melancholy or inertia.
Orange
Orange is the colour of happiness and a zest for life. It frees the emotions, stimulates the mind and lifts the spirits. Like the citrus fruit that's chockfull of health benefits, the colour orange keeps you energized and ready to face life's challenges. An apple a day may keep the doctor away but an orange a day will keep depression away.
Red
Red is a favourite shade during Chinese New Year, not for its colour properties but because the Chinese character for red- hong is similar to that for prosperity. But red is a powerful colour. Business pow-wow, a red dress-shirt or jacket portrays authority, confidence and ambition. This colour is a favourite with those who enjoy attention. But too much red in our system can make us feel agitated and impatient as red is also the colour of anger. Used sporadically- a touch of lip-stick, a glint of nail colour, a shade of eye shadow- it can bring vitality to your day.
Green
Green represents growth, renewal and serenity. Think green carpets of grass, the first bud of a rose and Christmas trees. When you've been staring at the computer for too long, switching your focus to a patch of green can be relaxing for the eyes and soothing to the emotions. But the green of swaying palm trees can lull you a sense of lethargy as you settle in a state of complacency. If you're guilty of losing your sense of challenge, at a little red or orange to liven things up.
Yellow
Yellow, the colour of sunlight is the shade of happy, intellectual beings. Yellow- loving people are good at expressing their thoughts as yellow is associated with wisdom, understanding and clear thinking. While strong yellow shades are said to be favoured by those who are arrogant or conceited, timid beings are drawn to the opposite- pastel yellow shades.
Purple
Purple brings out our spiritual health and enhances our artistic talents and creativity. Harnizan Hamid, an aura soma (colour therapy) consultant, says that people who are drawn to the colour purple are inclined to do charity work. They tend to be kind, just and self sacrificing humanitarians. The herb lavender is commonly recommended as an antidote to sleeplessness as purple is a calming colour that balances the mind an acts as a sedative.
White
White represents goodness, purity and wedding dresses. Its soothing likeness brings peace, comfort and clarity. If you are dying for some time and space to reflect on what you want in life, white gives you the freedom and space of uncluttered openness. But too much of white can be a bad thing. Think cold and isolating hospitals.
Pink
Pink is associated with unselfish love. It soothes, calms and nurtures with its gentle warmth, all the attributes of a loving mother, which is why it is such as a feminine shade. This girly colour is believed to replace feelings of irritation and aggression with love and protection. So the next time you are drawn to fluffy pink pillows and candy pink cotton floss, it is just an expression of your sensitive nature.
Gold
Gold is the favourite colour of many women. It represents wealth, status, power and wisdom. The Midas touch is never lost on anyone and like yellow, gold is associated with the sun- mentally revitalizing, energizing and inspiring. Put a gold band on a woman’s finger and watch her face light up like the sun.
Black
Black is the colour of mystery, the infinite and some say evil. Although it is the opposite colour of pureness (white) and tends to bring darkness and gloom, black isn’t necessarily sinful. Black can cloak you in comfort and create a sleek and sophisticated look. But this dark shade can prevent us from growing and changing if we continuously use it to shield our weaknesses from the world.
Silver
Silver is the colour of bells and the moon. Yes, the moon isn’t yellow; it is silver as sung in the song, “By the light of the silvery moon…” And like the moon, silver is ever changing, mirroring the emotions of a person. Silver helps balance and harmonize your mind. While gold makes you jump for joy, silver keeps you rooted to the ground.
