Colour Psychology Therapy

Can Colour Impact Moods, Feelings and Behaviours? 

In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when pure white light is passed through a prism, it separates into colours. Newton also found that each colour is compromised of a single wavelength and cannot be separated any further into other colours.

Further experiments demonstrated that light could be combined to form other colours.

For example: Red colour mixed with yellow light creates an orange colour. A colour resulting from a mix of two other colours is known as a metamer. Some colours such a yellow and purple cancel with each other out when  mixed and result in a white light. These completing colours are known as complements. 

COLOUR PSYCOLOGY AS THERAPY

Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practised chromotherapy or using colours to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colorology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment.

In this treatment:

1) RED was used to stimulate the body and to increase circulation.

2) YELLOW was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the blood.

3) ORANGE was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy level.

4) BLUE was believed to soothe illness and treat pain.

5) INDIGO shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.