Color Therapy

Ayurveda uses lighting to treat mood disorders.

Ayurveda uses holistic methods to prevent and treat dosha imbalances, including those caused by stress. When chosen carefully and in keeping with a person’s dosha, colors can help harmonize emotions, promoting peace of mind.¹

In addition to the different psychological and physical effects of each color, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend using soft and not fluorescent lighting, and full-spectrum lights in the winter when there is less sunlight to counteract depression.¹ Manufacturers of full-spectrum lights generally describe them as clear white lights that match the color of sunlight at noon, when it is at its brightest. Although there are many unproven health claims linked to full-spectrum lights, some studies do support that they are perceived as brighter—probably because colors appear more saturated (similar to how they appear in daylight).^83-84

Each color has different attributes. As with everything Ayurvedic, a proper balance must be maintained—for example, while bright colors generally increase energy and stimulate emotion, too much of them can lead to burn-out and fatigue. Used wisely and without excess, color can have beneficial health effects:¹

Color	Benefits	Effect if Used Excessively
Black	Stimulates ability to resist negative emotions	Can increase fear and paranoia Increases all doshas when used excessively
Blue	Encourages independent thinking and spirituality Anti-tumor Can reduce fever Antibiotic Neutralizes anger Cools emotions Regulates sleep	Loss of compassion Sky-blue color can decrease vata Increases all doshas when used too much
Brown	Stabilizing	Coarseness of personality Loss of subtlety, refinement
Gold	Increases self-awareness and spirituality Stabilizing effect on the mind Strengthens cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine systems	Reduces vata and kapha Increases pitta
Green	Calming effect on mind and nerves Can reduce fever and headache Balances metabolism Stabilizes weight	Increases kapha
Grey	Promotes objectivity and neutrality Cools emotions	Depressing Loss of vitality
Orange	Increases energy and intelligence Can help with thyroid problems and menstrual cramps	Can aggravate sexual problems Reduces vata and kapha
Purple	Promotes confidence Reduces angina Eases joint stiffness	Suppressed and stagnant emotions
Red	Increases energy and warmth Strengthens cardiovascular system	Promotes objectivity and neutrality Cools emotions Reduces kapha Increases vata and pitta
Violet	Antibiotic Immune-boosting	Suppressed emotions
White	Reduces fevers Antibiotic Antiviral Pain relief Calming effect on heart, emotions, and nerves Promotes compassion and vitality Increases spirituality	Can cause lethargy Hypersensitivity Increases inhibitions Increases kapha Reduces vata and pitta
Yellow	Motivates Promotes clarity Improves communication Increases energy	Can cause hyperactivity Lack of focus and depth Reduces vata and kapha Increases pitta

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician. If you require any medical related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information at AyurvedicHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.

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