Color Psychology

Colors are powerful communication tools and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and cause physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain. However, most colors have different representations depending on one's personal experiences and one's culture. For example, the color white is used in many Western countries to represent purity and innocence, yet it is seen as a symbol of mourning in many Eastern countries. Certain colors even affect your emotions, as well as breathing. The color red, for example, stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. The color blue, however, does the opposite in that it relaxes one, slows one's breathing. The color white, as commonly used by doctors, also implies sterility. Color influences perceptions because each color creates a specific type of perceptual capacity or level of intelligence. Often your favorite color might tell you what your favorite mood is and certain colors make you feel a certain way. This is how ads in the markets take advantage of the way certain colors make you feel, and use certain colors to sell you a product. The color Red-Orange is said to be the most appealing color to someone who is shopping for something. Colors were often used in several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and the Chinese, to heal, through chromotherapy. Chromotherapy is referred to as light therapy or colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. In this treatment: 

Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.

Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.

Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.

Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.

Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.