Color

There is no doubt that our bodies are aroused and energized by some colours, or calmed and relaxed by others. Colours can be healing - and they can make you agitated or ill. The health of our internal organs, the circulation of the blood, the nervous, lymphatic, and endocrine systems, in truth all the workings of the body are constantly altered by the colours to which we expose ourselves. Mentally and emotionally colour works on a deep level, changing our mood and our sense of well-being, as well as others' perception of us.

But please don't imagine for one moment that humans are the only creatures on our planet who are affected by colour. In the animal and plant worlds colour can mean survival or extinction. Colour is used to attract, repel, camouflage, ward off danger, and send sexual signals. Colour is intrinsic to life, and it is important to our species as it is to the plant and animal kingdoms. We must become consciously aware of the language of colour for our own health, and happiness.

Nature has furnished us with colour to support not only the body, mind and emotions but also the spirit. It nourishes our whole system, supplying a vital energy that is an essential part of life. We respond to colour actively or passively in all that we do. Light waves affect us every minute of our lives and penetrate our energetic system whether we are awake or asleep, sighted or blind. Our growth, blood pressure, body temperature, muscular activity, sleep patterns and immune system are all affected by light rays. The coloured rays affect not only our physical bodies but our emotions, moods, mental faculties and our spiritual nature. We all have a intimate relationship with colour.

We often give ourselves an instinctive colour treatment by choosing jewellery, or clothes of a certain colour, or by surrounding ourselves with certain colours in our homes, offices and gardens. Most of our reactions are, however, unconscious and it is only when we start to use the qualities of colour in an informed way that we harness this wonderful vital force to improve the quality of our lives and our overall well-being.

Electromagnetic spectrum

The universe is a magnetic field of positive and negative charges, vibrating constantly to produce electromagnetic waves. Each of these has a different wavelength and speed of vibration: this forms the electromagnetic spectrum. We can see about 40 per cent of the colours contained in sunlight. So although white light looks colourless it is made up of assorted definite colour vibrations, which have not only wavelengths but also a "corpuscular structure." The radiant energy of pure sunlight is a vital component in nourishing our bodies, minds and spirits. Each colour vibration has its own quality.

As shown by Newton, white light is composed of all the colours of the rainbow intermingled. By passing a narrow beam of white light through a glass prism it can be spread out into a whole series of spectrum colours according to their wavelength. There are only six main colour names (or seven if one includes indigo). Red is the longest wavelength we can see and has the slowest frequency and vibration. Its energy is passionate, warm and stimulating. Violet has the shortest wavelength and the quickest vibration. It is calm, cool and purifying.

Beyond the visible spectrum

At either end of the visible spectrum of light are very many wavelengths we, as humans, can not see. Ultraviolet light is just beyond violet, and further beyond this are electromagnetic rays with increasing frequencies as the wavelengths get progressively shorter: these include X- rays and gamma rays.

At the other end, infrared light is found just beyond red light. Just as red has warming qualities although it gives off more concentrated heat (these qualities are utilized in infrared lamps), beyond this are electromagnetic rays with increasing wavelengths and decreasing frequencies: these include radio waves. The ancient Yogic mystics have long been able to see colours outside the 'normal' range, during meditation.

However not all the light impulses received through our physical eyes are used solely for the purpose of sight. Nervous impulses from the eyes travel not only to the visual cortex of the brain but also via the hypothalamus to the pituitary and pineal glands. We find, therefore , that many body functions are stimulated or retarded by light, and different colours of light have specific effects on the brain and central nervous system.

How are our bodies affected by colour?

The pituitary gland, known as the 'master gland' of the endocrine system, is first affected by coloured light. It produces substances that regulate the hormones produced by the endocrine glands. These hormones regulate our body functions, which include growth patterns, sleep, our temperature control, our sex drive, our energy levels, our metabolic rate, and appetite.

It has also been discovered that our pineal gland, located deep within our brain, is also sensitive to light. This gland is our internal body clock, producing a substance known as melatonin, which controls our sleep cycles and also inhibits sexual maturation. Daylight suppresses the production of melatonin, and at night the lack of sunlight increases its production. The quality and amount of the light reaching the pineal gland will also alter with the changing seasons.

Therefore the proportions of the colours within sunlight, according to the season cause our body functions, like those of plants and animals, to mimic the energy of the seasons. In summer we are full of energy and life and very active, whilst in the winter months we feel sluggish, depressed and inactive.

Colour affects us even when our eyes are closed. Light is required for our cells to function normally, and individual colours affect them by causing changes in growth and behaviour patterns. There is a lot of research in progress at the moment into S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder. You can even purchase SAD lamps that mimic the effects of sunlight on the human body. SAD is typically identified in certain individuals by their symptoms: feelings of deep depression (even feeling suicidal) but only in the autumn and winter months. This is due to the shorter daylight hours and lack of bright light. These individuals may also put on extra weight in winter and loose it in the summer months. Many SAD lamp users have found that they no longer feel depressed in winter or put on excess weight. I have tested several of these SAD lamps for myself and clients therefore I can personally attest to their effectiveness.

Here are a examples of how colour can affect you:-

Red: Increases physical energy and can be used if you are feeling tired.

Orange: Very motivating, balances body energy levels, increases vitality.

Pink: This is the colour of love, ideal for developing a loving attitude, for yourself and others. Also gives us emotional balance.

Yellow: A very good communication colour. Helps to stimulate conversation, prevents shyness and gives courage. Prevents mental confusion.

Green: This is a major balancing colour. Also an emotional soother. It reduces mental confusion. Will aid spiritual awareness.

Blue: Calms the mind. Helps you to think more clearly. The intellectual and mind colour. Will soothe your soul.

Violet: and Purple Sensitive, intuitive, spiritual colours. They will enhance receptivity and introspection of the one mind. These colours also secure you emotionally. They promote divine growth and awareness.

Brown: Basic security. Stability. Prevents fear and stress. Tunes you in to nature

Black: Protection, acting as a barrier. Prevents negativity from others influencing you.

White: Peace, purity, calming and soothing, healing.