by
Maria Teresa De Donato, PhD, RND, CNC, CMH, CHom
The
color we choose is not only a matter of personal and individual
preferences. The relation between colors and psyche, that is between
colors and our inner world where subjectivity and inscrutable
elements cannot be examined according to objective criteria, can be
summarized by Jung's statement “Colors are our subconscious' native
language.”
Physics
defines color a 'physiological impression produced in our eye by the
retina which, by means of a luminous sensation transmitted to the
brain, appears as color.' Colors originate through the decomposition
of light: a sun ray, going through a drop of water, appears to our
eyes as seven colors. This phenomenon can be easily seen after a
thunderstorm when the rainbow appears. The latter, in fact, isn't
but the result of many drops, all hanging in the air while being
crossed by sun rays.
Another
good example is that of the light which is decomposed by a prism and,
as a result, red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, indigo, and
violet appear. Hence, colors are not only chosen depending on the
way each of us perceives them and on our personal tastes, but they
also highly influence our psyche, mood and, consequently, our overall
state of health.
Yellow,
for instance, is the most cheerful color, dominant, and which more
than any other promotes action and stimulates positive thinking.
When used in living environments, especially inside ones, it brings
them to life, makes them appear brighter, more welcoming, hospitable
and cleaner.
The
color tones running from light to dark blue include a great variety
of shades whose effects and intensity highly differ from each other.
Usually, these colors, especially blue, have a relaxing effect on
nervous people, besides the ability to impact breathing and
facilitate serenity and introspection. The closer the blue to black,
the more it can lead to sadness; the lighter the blue and the closer
to white it becomes, the more it encourages rest and meditation.
Ideal environments in which blue should be used are a) the bedrooms
due to its relaxing effects; and b) the bathrooms where the light
blue well harmonizes with the water element. Its darker tones, to
the contrary, are well suited to the dining-room and kitchen. In the
latter case, blue can really excel when it is used in combination
with white porcelain tiles.
Green,
which is abundantly found in the landscapes, offers a sensation of
balance and harmony. Green as well is present in a great variety of
shades, each able to influence our psyche and mind at different
levels. Different civilizations attribute this color different
powers and effects and identify it, for instance, as a 'sacred' color
(Islam) or as symbol of the vital cycle of life and death (Ancient
Egyptians). Resulting from the combination of light blue and yellow,
green allows for a balance between cold and warm colors. However, we
need to pay attention that such an equilibrium does not end up giving
the feeling of immobility, which, by not stimulating passion or joy,
makes the environment sad and boring. To the contrary, the closer
green gets to yellow, the more it revives the atmosphere; while the
closer it gets to light blue, the more relaxing the environment
becomes. All those who suffer from melancholy are encouraged to make
a limited used of this color. Its use is also not recommended in the
environment where meals are served due to the potential of this color
to interfere with the digestion.
Red
is the color of passion par excellence and symbol of good luck
(China) and marriage (India). All over the world, therefore, red is
associate with courage and passion or with danger and anger. Despite
transmitting a sense of warmth and passion, however, red does not
promote strength and vital energy to the extent yellow does,
although, it is still considered a stimulant with the ability to
impact our breathing by accelerating it. Very passionate,
hot-tempered individuals, naturally inclined to experience strong
emotions should use this color moderately, limiting it only to
passageways and certainly avoiding it in their bedroom.
More
relaxing colors, suited to almost any kind of environment and design
due to their natural shades and tones are cream, brown, gray,
biscuit, as well as all those linked to wood, stones, and earth. The
tones from orange to terracotta, depending on their intensity, make
the environment warmer, stimulate, encourage digestion and accelerate
heart rate. Hence, they can promote either a sense of well-being or
of irritability.
Violet,
though being a color non commonly used, is well suited for both ultra
modern and classical environments. Since it results from the
combination of red and light blue, it can well counterbalance the
effects of very bright colors by giving the environment a more
relaxing appearance.
White,
that is, the disappearance of all colors, includes, all of them and
offers a great variety of possibilities making the living spaces
appear fresh and relaxing. Its use requires special attention,
however, due to the fact that it can make the environments look
either very elegant or, on the contrary, extremely trivial. When
correctly used, it is the color that can harmonize with all others
and with any kind of interior and exterior decorating style.
Black
must be used carefully and preferably in small amount since, though
it is elegant, it is also a sad color. However, it is extremely
useful to create contrasts.
Gray,
at last, is half way between white and black and is a color with no
vitality, completely immobile, although, as black, it can be used as
background for bright colors.
Disclaimer:
The information above is for educational purpose only and is not
intended as a medical advice.
To know more about my holistic health practice and my coaching activity, please feel free to visit also the following sites:
To know more about my holistic health practice and my coaching activity, please feel free to visit also the following sites:
