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The Psychology of Colour

Colour Burst

What if there is more to colour than meets the eye...

How would you feel if you were able to tap into the subtle but phenominal power of colour to influence your emotions and behaviour?

Did you know that colour can:

  • Help you to experience healthier relationships
  • Get insight into yourself and others
  • Support your creativity
  • Help you to experience inner calm and confidence
  • Identify your strengths and talents
  • Support you to overcome emotional obstacles
  • Help you to achieve your goals

This 45 minute presentation will give you some insight in the psychology of colour is, how it has an effect on us and how colour is currently used in different areas. View Presentation

Why is Colour so powerful?

Colour is a fraction of light, which travels in waves, just like radio, television, microwaves and x-rays. Isaac Newton discovered this by using a prism. The only difference between all other waves and colour is that we can actually see the waves of colour. When seeing a colour, the light that enters our human eye will reach our hypothalamus, the brain’s brain, a small organ in our brain that governs our hormone and endocrine system. Our hypothalamus influences our metabolism, body temperature, autonomic nervous system, behaviour, sleeping patterns as well as our sexual and reproductive functions.

Colour is a frequency or so called energy and there are different methods that use colour to bring balance and wellbeing. For instance, blue light is used in hospitals for new-born babies with jaundice to break down the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

The Irlen Method is a research-based method that uses coloured overlays and filters to improve reading fluency, comprehension, attention and concentration to help those suffering from reading and learning problems, dyslexia, ADD/HD, autism, headaches, migraines etc.

Another example is the Bioptron Light Therapy System which is a non- pharmacological medical device. In over 15 years of clinical research worldwide, it has been shown to be supportive in conservative management of acute and chronic injuries as well as in post-operative wounds by using a patented light therapy medical device with a specific optical unit emitting light that is similar to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum produced naturally by the sun but with no UV radiation. The Bioptron Light Therapy System is also available with different coloured filters and each colour has a specific effect on our body.

The influence of colour on our behaviour was introduced into schools by Rudolf Steiner, also know as the Waldorf Education and recently Phillips has developed a light called schoolvision that allows the teacher to control the classroom atmosphere to create exactly the right ambience and mood. The first results form a study in Hamburg shows higher concentration levels; 45% fewer errors made, improved reading; 35% more words read and a 77% decrease in restlessness.

The psychology of colour is also used in marketing to influence buying behaviour and promote products and services with those colour choices that will emphasize the nature of the product/service. Marketing and advertising industries have recognized this for years. For example all fast-food restaurants will use some red in their logo because red stimulates the senses encouraging you to eat more and spend more money. Black is used to portray masculinity, strength and exclusivity and many after shave brands and gourmet products are displayed in black packaging. The latest in-colour in marketing is green, portraying an enviromentally friendly attitude as well as health and wellbeing and natural products.

How can you use Colour in a conscious, empowering way?

You can use colour:

  • in your environment
  • in your food
  • in your clothing
  • in your garden

If you are interested in learning more about the Psychology of Colour, then have a look at the Colour Comfort Method explained here.


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