The seven rainbow colours are much more than visually appealing; they possess significant scientific, medical, and psychological importance. These colours appear in the natural world and also resonate within our bodies through the chakra system.
For more information on Chakras click on the link below and look at my various other posts.
Chakra Awareness – discovering you are more than your physical body!
Chakra Wisdom
In nature, these colours are prominently seen in fruits, vegetables, flowers, animals, and various landscapes. Each colour of the rainbow provides distinct health benefits, and collectively these colours form white light and sunlight. Thus, the diverse benefits associated with each colour are delivered to us by Nature, primarily from the Sun, foods, and the environment.
Let us journey through the rainbow to uncover the meanings behind each colour and how they can enhance our well-being.
LET’S NOT FORGET THAT THE SUN PROVIDES ALL THESE COLOURS!
Red: Energy and Vitality (Base Chakra)
The colour red is associated with energy, passion, and life. Psychologically, it may stir the senses, quicken the heartbeat, increase motivation, and evoke feelings of excitement and intensity. Scientifically, red light has also been proven to stimulate the production of adrenaline, enhance energy levels and alertness and therefore improve physical alertness. In medical treatments, red light therapy promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation.
Foods coloured red include tomatoes, strawberries, and cherries, all of which contain lycopene and anthocyanins. These are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support the cardiovascular system. Beets, a reddish vegetable, are also a source of nitrates. Nitrates can enhance blood flow and lower blood pressure.
In architecture and business decor, red is used in restaurants and retail to stimulate appetite and encourage impulsive buying, creating urgency and excitement.
Orange: Creativity and Immunity (Sacral Chakra)
Orange is a warm and inviting colour that is associated with creativity and emotional balance. Orange is the colour of warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity. It has been shown to lift mood and increase happiness.
Psychologists find that orange can enhance social interaction and lift moods. In light therapy, orange is used to combat feelings of fatigue and depression. Orange light therapy is used in the medical field as a treatment for SAD (seasonally acquired depression) simply by just mimicking natural sunlight.
On a physiological level, orange foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and oranges contain high amounts of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A will help maintain good vision, improve immune function, and maintain healthy skin. The peels of citrus fruits contain considerable amounts of vitamin C, which enhances the immune response by protecting the body against infections.
Business’s use orange in areas where creativity or collaboration is to be developed, to stimulate innovation and create a friendly energetic atmosphere.
Yellow: Optimism and Digestion (Solar-Plexus Chakra)
Yellow is the colour of sunshine and is normally related to joy, optimism, and clarity of thought. Yellow light may activate one’s brain and enhance one’s concentration and cognitive activities. Psychologically, yellow heightens confidence and inspires a positive attitude.
Yellow light and surroundings can stimulate the brain and enhance focus, reducing anxiety. In chromotherapy, yellow aids digestion and boosts confidence.
Yellow foods include bananas, pineapples, and corn-all powerhouses of nutrition. Bananas contain potassium, a mineral that keeps muscles and the heart healthy. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which can aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Corn is a source of lutein, a carotenoid that enables good eyesight.
In design, yellow is used in cafes and co-working spaces to promote cheerfulness and intellectual engagement; it often results in individuals feeling energized and positive.
Green symbolizes growth, balance, and rejuvenation. (Heart Chakra)
As the colour of nature, it promotes harmony and relaxation. Green light therapy helps reduce stress and has been shown to alleviate migraine and chronic pain in some people. It has a soothing effect on the mind. Green is the middle of the visible colour spectrum and as such it can enhance our energy if it is too low or calm our energy if it is too high. Being in Nature is a great ‘balancer.’
Green vegetables are packed with chlorophyll, essential for detoxification and healing. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provide folate and magnesium, crucial for bone health, reducing inflammation, and cellular repair. Avocados, high in healthy fats, also nourish the brain.
Green is often used in architecture in spas, wellness centers, and offices to create a peaceful atmosphere and bring a person closer to feeling ‘in nature’ for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Blue: Calmness and Cognition (Throat Chakra)
Blue is linked to tranquillity, trust, and stability. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote calmness. Exposure to blue light enhances alertness and cognitive performance, though excessive screen time may disrupt sleep. Psychologically, blue induces tranquillity and reduces anxiety.
Blue foods are equally beneficial. Blueberries are packed with anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that improve brain health, enhance memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and support cardiovascular health. Blue corn and blue potatoes, rich in fibre, aid digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Blue can be used in corporate offices and financial institutions to instil confidence, professionalism, and dependability in business to help create a sense of stability. Blue lighting in some cases also enhances productivity and focus.
Indigo: Intuition and Detoxification (Third-Eye Chakra)
Indigo has a soothing effect on the nervous system; hence, it is used in meditation and mindfulness practices. In colour treatment, it has been believed that indigo light increases the activity of the pineal gland and can lead to improved sleep.
Indigo-spectrum foods, such as blackberries and plums, are rich in antioxidants that detoxify the body and protect cells from oxidative damage. These fruits also support brain health, boost immunity, and enhance skin elasticity.
Indigo is used in interior design for meditation rooms, art galleries, and upscale retail spaces to create a sense of sophistication and contemplation.
Violet: Spirituality and Anti-Aging (Crown Chakra)
Violet is often linked to spirituality and imagination. It is known for creating a calm and peaceful environment, which can aid in stimulating creativity. Violet light therapy is used to reduce emotional stress and enhance clarity of thought. Violet combines the stability of blue and the energy of red, representing luxury, creativity, and wisdom.
It is used in violet light therapy to reduce inflammation and bacteria that cause acne and improve skin health. On the psychological level, violet can be a creative stimulant and may evoke mystery.
Violet foods such as eggplants, grapes, and purple sweet potatoes provide various nutrients. They contain anthocyanins, which may help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and slow aging. Purple cabbage is high in vitamin C and fibre, which support immune function and digestive health. These foods also contribute to cardiovascular health and circulation.
Violet is used in commercial settings in luxury hotels, high-class salons, and boutiques to convey elegance, creativity, and exclusivity.
The Benefits of Rainbow Colours in Your Diet and Life
The rainbow colours have many scientific, medical, emotional, and psychological benefits. To improve health and well-being, individuals can consume a wide variety of colourful foods and expose themselves to the various colours found in nature and sunlight. (Sunlight contains all these colours!)
Including a variety of colours with your food intake helps ensure you obtain a range of nutrients and health benefits. A colourful plate not only looks appealing but also represents a balance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can contribute to good health and potentially enhance overall wellbeing and lead to a more vibrant lifestyle.
Facebook Link below:
https://www.facebook.com/chakrawisdom
References:
Red: Energy and Vitality
- Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2012). Color-in-context theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 45, 61-125.
- Giovannucci, E. (1999). Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: Review of the epidemiologic literature. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91(4), 317–331.
Orange: Creativity and Immunity
- Lamme, V. A. (2010). How creativity is influenced by our environments. Journal of Psychological Research.
- Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2013). Vitamin A: Biomarkers of nutrition for development. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98(2), 655S-661S.
Yellow: Optimism and Digestion
- Kaya, N., & Epps, H. H. (2004). Relationship between colour and emotion: A study of college students. College Student Journal, 38(3), 396.
- Bromelain benefits and digestion. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2015.
Green: Balance and Healing
- Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421.
- Emerging benefits of chlorophyll. Nutrition Research, 2020.
Blue: Calmness and Cognition
- Mehta, R., & Zhu, R. (2009). Blue or red? Exploring the effect of color on cognitive task performances. Science, 323(5918), 1226–1229.
- Joseph, J. A., Shukitt-Hale, B., & Casadesus, G. (2005). Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: Beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds. The Journal of Neuroscience Research, 74(3), 438-442.
Indigo: Intuition and Detoxification
- Color psychology in meditation. Journal of Mind-Body Interventions, 2018.
- Wu, T., Gao, X., Chen, M., & Van Dam, R. M. (2009). Long-term effectiveness of diet-based antioxidants on oxidative stress markers. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 20(5), 375-384.
Violet (Purple): Spirituality and Anti-Aging
- Anthocyanin-rich foods and inflammation reduction. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2017.
- Color and luxury branding: Influence on perception. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2012.
General
- Weller, C. (2017). The psychology of colour: How hues affect our emotions and behaviors. Business Insider.
- Slavin, J. L., & Lloyd, B. (2012). Health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Advances in Nutrition, 3(4), 506–516.
