by Dolores Moore

Created on: October 27, 2009

Though many doctors are unlikely to recommend the use of colours as medically beneficial, the majority do accept that the psychological effects of colour can help in some cases. For example, ultraviolet (UV) light can lift the mood of those suffering from depression. Colour therapists believe that different shades and tints of colour can help to heal and that they can be used to improve physical, as well as emotional and spiritual well being.

The theory has gained some credence with New Age believers in many parts of the world. How colour can affect our moods comes from the concept that the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, in the sun's rays, forms visible white light. Because this travels in waves, the brain sees these different wavelengths as colours. These colours also vibrate, and as cells in the body vibrate, the colours line up together from the waves of light, thus helping to balance body and mind.

Though little real evidence exists for this "vibrational healing" capacity, there was a great deal of research carried out during the 20th century, on how colours can and do affect our moods. A professor at the University of Edmonton, Harry Wohlfarth, in 1984 found from his research that yellow and red are stimulating, while blue and black were found to be calming. Even earlier tests, in the 1940s, found that yellow, red or orange in classroom situations, increased student IQ, and in 1973, yellow was found to increase the learning ability of children.

Certainly, colours do affect our moods. We all have favorite colours, that make us feel good if surrounded by them or wearing them. It is difficult to feel down or lethargic when wearing a golden yellow shirt or dress. Colour analysts will take a person's natural colouring and help them pick a palette of shades and tones of clothing and make up that will enhance this. By wearing colours that flatter, then looks, mood and confidence are increased. What colours you wear can also have a great impact on your interactions with others, simply because they affect your mood and this shows in your behavior and approach in positive ways.

For a burst of energy and an assertive approach, red is good. But the negative side is that it can project too much authority and deter people from opening up to you. Pink is a more gentle colour that offers a mood of accessibility, so a touch of pink will make you feel softer and more feminine. Blue will give your mood a feeling of calmness and order, while dependable green, if you feel tired or stressed, will lift your mood, relaxing and balancing you.

Even dark colours can have good affects on our moods, though black really needs to be disarmed with a more vibrant accessory, like a lemon yellow shirt or scarf. Yellow is a favorite of mine, in all its shades and hues; it really does make me feel cheerful, especially on a dark, dreary day. Brown is good too, though not a personal choice for me; it is earthy and warm, giving and open, and can make people feel more gregarious and outgoing. If you can take it, purple will make you feel in a more intuitive mood, and be able to project sensitivity, individuality and confidence.

So it is definitely true to say, whether you believe in the theory of colour therapy or not, colour really does affect our moods. How it does this, only the individual can tell. There is little doubt though, that if your clothes and surroundings make you feel positive, then that will be reflected in your mood and relations with others, which is a real positive.

Learn more about this author, Dolores Moore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.