COLORS AND AYURVEDA

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COLORS AND AYURVEDA

 

 

 

 

Colors have a very definite subtle effect upon our well being.

They act particularly on our emotions and our spirit. Colors are energy

vibrating at different frequencies. These energies interact with our own

subtle energies, such as that of our auric field and chakras. In this way

they produce their effects. Some colors are harmonious for one person while

others are harmonious for another. Likewise some cause imbalance in some

and not in others. In general bright and clashing colors aggravate Pitta in

the mind. Neon and flashy colors are rajasic. Dark, dull colors are tamasic

and harmonious colors are sattvic. Soft soothing colors like pastels calm

Vata.

 

 

 

The following describes the general effects of color upon the

body and mind.

 

 

 

1. White: V+ P- K+ EX; White is both cool, moist and light. It can be

used to counter fevers and soothe the nerves. By soothing the nerves it

helps to relieve pain. It has a calming effect on the emotions and mental

processes, while also increasing perception. It is considered the most

spiritual of colors and as such is considered sattvic. Care must be used

with this color however because over use in those with a Kapha nature or

imbalance can lead to a lack of energy and loss of motivation. In those

with extreme vata imbalance it can contribute to hypersensitivity and

sterility.

 

 

 

2. Green: VK- P+ EX; Neutral in temperature it is quite moist. It

decreases nerve pain and fever, tonifies the liver and spleen and helps

regulate the weight. Mentally it is quite calming and harmonizing. It is

considered to be sattvic.

 

 

 

3. Blue: P+ VK+ EX; This color is cold and dry. Blue promotes

contemplation and meditation. Its cooling quality helps it counteract

fevers and infections. It's drying quality helps to relieve congestion and

reduces the size of tumors. It also improves the health of the eyes and

vision. A cooling color it helps cool the mind and Pitta rajasic emotions,

particularly anger. Blue is a sattvic color. Sky blue is the best.

 

 

 

4. Gold: VK- P=; This color is warm and neutral in moisture content.

It is a color, which brings strength to the immune and endocrine system. It

also increases Ojas, our internal strength, mental stability, and endurance;

emotionally it is harmonizing to the mind, increases consciousness, and

soothes the heart. Gold is a sattvic color.

 

 

 

5. Orange: VP- P=; This color is warm and dry. It is energizing and

increases illumination and intelligence. It is mostly a sattvic color.

 

 

 

6. Brown: VPK=; This is a stabilizing color. It is neutral in color

and moisture. It increases strength and ability for work. It helps a person

to ground. Long term use can make a person hard like soil. It is a tamasic

color however proper use counteracts conditions of excess lightness and

instability.

 

 

 

7. Yellow: VK- P+EX; This is a warm and moist color. It increases joy

and perception. It is a lively color creating activity. Excess use can

cause hyperactivity or superficiality. It is a rajasic color.

 

 

 

8. Red: VK- P+EX; This color is hot, dry and stimulating. It is an

aggressive color and as such is rajasic by nature. Mild reds are better for

increasing vitality and joy.

 

 

 

9. Black: VK+ P+EX; This is a cold, dark and heavy color. Its use can

connect us to the darker forces of our minds as well as darker energies. In

this way it is tamasic. It also separates us from the world around us.

Proper use however, as in the black and gold robes used by monks can be

deeply spiritual and sattvic. In this case, black is used to separate one

from the material world and ordinary desires.

 

 

 

10. Violet/Purple: P? V= K?; A mixture of blue and red, the effect of these

colors depends upon the primary color that is more dominant. The more red

the color is, the more stimulating and rajasic. The more blue it is, the

more cooling and sattvic.

 

 

 

Colors to pacify Vata: They should not be overly bright!

Gold, red, orange, yellow, white, light green and blue.

 

 

 

Colors to pacify Pitta: Pastels and water colors are best, as they are

milder!

 

White, green, blue, and violet.

 

 

 

Colors to pacify kapha: They should be bright and not overly deep or rich!

 

Red, orange yellow, green and gold.