Color your way to a better health and mood

Green Light Your Happy Day

Color your way to a better health and mood

by Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D

From Positive Thinking.com

http://ptmag.com/viewmedia.asp?prmMID=850

Color is an incredibly important part of our lives. It surrounds us everywhere we go, and can affect our mood and health. People have been using color as part of medical, mental and spiritual therapies for centuries. Intuitively, we know color affects our moods. We use phrases full of color, like "feeling blue" "seeing red" or "green with envy." We use color in our homes and our clothes to show or modify our moods.

To fully understand color therapies, you must know the science behind it. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is energy that spreads out as it moves. The electromagnetic spectrum is named according to the radiation's wavelength (in nanometers). Visible light is simply EM radiation we can see. For humans, the seven colors of the rainbow—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet—span the 700-400 nm range, each with a shorter wavelength tha n the next. White light is actually a combination of all of the colors of the visible spectrum.

While there are different cultural values associated with colors (Example: Red is worn at Chinese weddings, while white is worn in American weddings.), there seems to be consistent effects associated with each color. Some colors nare known as warm tones (reds, oranges), while others are cool tones (blues and greens).

Red is the warmest color. It has been shown to increase heart rate, raise blood pressure and increase muscle strength. In western culture, it is associated with anger, strength, violence, passion and love. Orange is energizing. It is thought to be creative, fun and vibrant. Yellow is cheerful, happy and uplifting. In the cool tones, green is considered a color of life, growth, balance and health. Blue helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, and has a relaxing, tranquil effect. Pink is believed to have a calming affect and decrease muscle strength. It is associated with love and open-heartedness. In the west, purple represents royalty, wealth, spirituality and wisdom.

Decorating with colors
Think about how the color of a room can change your mood. You walk into a bright orange or red room and feel energized, while a blue or green room will feel more tranquil.

One study on the relationship between wall color and mood looked at the different effects of colors on prisoners. The researchers painted four wings of a prison four colors, and observed the reactions. They found the men in red and yellow wings to be more violent than those in blue- or green-walled wings. Other studies have shown that red increases strength and pink decreases strength, which is why you'll find some U.S. prisons with pink walls. Some are even using pink jumpsuits and shoes for the prisoners! (Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona) MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF, inmates wear all pink, even the towels and the walls are apinted pink)

Studies have also shown that very active children become calmer in blue rooms. Designers with a background in color psychology will avoid reds and oranges in certain areas (bedrooms, hospitals, prisons) because they are too stimulating. They may use these same colors in areas where they want energy: sports arenas, locker rooms and some living areas. Hospitals and bedrooms are often blue or green to bring a calm energy and sense of tranquility. Blues and purples are often used in spas to create a spiritual, relaxing space.

Wardrobe and colors
Think about the colors you wear. They will influence your mood as well as the mood of those around you. Plan accordingly for special meetings and events. If you are feeling uptight and nervous about a difficult meeting, you will want to wear blue or green for calmness. If you are feeling low-energy or need strength, wear red or orange. Remember, though, that red can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and may incite more energy or anger in others. A splash of yellow can help lift your spirits when you feel down. Because yellow may also be intellectually stimulating, wear it on a day you need extra brainpower. Purple is good to wear when you are seeking spiritual strength. By giving some thought to your color choice each morning, you can regulate your mood. 

Medical applications of color
Western medicine remains a bit skeptical about color therapy in general. But there is at least one well-established and common use of color therapy in western medicine: blue lights are used to treat infants with neonatal jaundice. The blue light helps reduce the bilirubin levels and ward off serious health complications.

There are some indications blue light may also be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, healing injured skin and preventing the formation of scar tissue. Other evidence suggests blue light can help with anxiety, eating disorders, addictions and depression, but more research is needed to prove these relationships.

According to the Women's Health Institute of Texas, red contact lenses are being used to treat migraines. The lenses are used to block out almost every visible wavelength but red. These contact lenses have been applied at the start of migraines with very promising results, with patients experiencing rapid pain relief. Some report complete remission of the migraine in a short time! Researchers claim the red contact lenses are more effective than red-tinted glasses, but until they become more widely available you might try ordering some red-tinted glasses to use at the start of your migraines (with permission from your doctor).

Energetic healing with color
In addition to mood and medicine, there are promising evidence and theories about color and our energy system. There 

practitioners (color therapists, massage therapists, energy workers) who use color therapy to assist with healing. Many of these professionals base their treatments on the idea that the body has seven major energy centers, called chakras. Chakras are known as whirling vortices of energy. While the chakra system comes from ancient Indian medical systems, there is modern research to support their existence.

The first chakra, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine and its color is red. It is associated with a sense of safety and security and connects us with the earth.

The second chakra is located at your reproductive organs and is orange. It is the center of creativity, sexuality and relationships.

The third chakra is located just above the belly button, and is yellow. It acts as the center of self-esteem and personal power.

The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, is green, and is our center of love and intimacy.

The fifth chakra, is located around the throat. Associated with the color blue, it is our communication center.

The brow chakra is indigo, and associated with intuition and imagination.

The last chakra, the crown chakra, is violet. It is the energy center that connects us with the energy of the divine or source.

Use visualization to help balance the chakras and enhance health and wellness. See each chakra filled with the appropriate color, and hold the intention to bring balance to the area. Work from the bottom up, and remember the colors by using the acronym ROY G. BIV.

Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Indigo. Violet. Repeat this imagery a couple of times each day for the best results.

Other methods of color therapy include the use of colored silk scarves placed on the body, chromotherapy bathtubs, colored glasses, colored lights and colored stones. Some massage therapists and energy medicine practitioners will use color therapy techniques. As more practitioners use color therapy and more research is conducted, color therapy will eventually become a mainstream treatment. Let the colors in your life boost your mood and health!

Kirsten Harrell, Psy.D. is a psychologist, consultant, coach, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. Dr. Harrell has combined her expertise in positive psychology, stress management, and mind-body therapies, to provide cutting edge services to individuals and businesses for over 15 years. In addition, she is a leading authority on the use of positive thinking to create health, happiness, and success. Dr. Harrell has taught graduate level courses at the University of Dayton and Wright State University. She is the President and co-founder of Popular Inspirations, Ltd. (www.ipopin.com) and co-creator of ipopins (the one minute affirmations).