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Seeing red, tickled pink, feeling blue – have you noticed how often we use colour to describe our emotions? It turns out these aren’t just flowery descriptions either, because colour is reflective of and can manipulate our emotional state. Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of healing that has its origins in ancient Egypt. Today alternative health practitioners use colour as a healing tool to balance energy where it may be lacking in the body, whether physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. It seems our attraction to certain types of colours may be influenced by an imbalance in our body and can even highlight certain personality traits. Scientists who have studied light acknowledge that colours can bring about emotional responses. Dr Max Lûscher’s work inspired the creation of the Luscher’s Colour Test, a five-minute personality analysis, that’s based on decades of research by colour psychologists from around the world. Since the 1950’s the test has been given to hundreds of people worldwide, especially in parts of Europe, by psychologists, doctors, government agencies and universities to screen their candidates. Take the test yourself and you might be surprised to discover it’s quite accurate! To discover more on the magical world of colour get your hands on The Power of Colour and Colour Healing by Susan and Simon Lilly. It investigates the influence of colour on our lives, showing that through learning to understand the way we respond to colour we can use it to promote balance and well-being. You can pick up a copy for around $16 from Borders bookstores.

So, what do colours signify?

Red – energy, war, danger, strength, power, passion, desire and love.
Orange – joy, sunshine, enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement and stimulation.
Yellow – warm, cheerful, stimulating, mental alertness, muscle energy (one of the gym perhaps!) and attention getting.
Green – nature, growth, wealth, harmony, freshness, fertility, safety, endurance, lack of experience and is the most restful colour to the human eye.
Purple – the stability of blue with the excitement of red, royalty, power, nobility, luxury, ambition, wealth, extravagance, wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery and magic.
It seems there are various powers to be drawn from different colours, which makes me wonder if I need to wear a kaleidoscope of colours to ensure I’m getting the best out of myself every day!