So what is color and lighting therapy? First and foremost, there are colors associated with every element in Feng Shui. All schools of Feng Shui apply applications to bring balance to the elements that exist within every unique environment. In every color there is a particular energy and life. Look around your environment there is color everywhere. Many people interpret life as much through color as they do shapes, smells, textures and sounds. Color research has been done by the Military and Harvard University to see how it positively or negatively affects people in an environment. The National Institute of Mental Health has done studies showing that our behavior, mental health, and general efficiency in life depends greatly on a color balance within our environments. When something goes wrong, or is out of balance a Holistic Interior Design Specialist or Feng Shui Expert can strengthen the environments energy through the proper use of color.
We all respond to colors on a non-conscious level. We all also have different neurological reactions to colors, which is why hiring and expert to help you bring the correct colors for you specifically in your space is so important.
Each color is connected to various areas of our body and will affect us all differently emotionally, physically, and mentally. They can be used as great tool within an environment to manipulate the way that we feel. If you are feeling overly stressed, color therapies can be used in your office or home as a stress management tool.
I have seen how clients in my Holistic Interior Design and Feng Shui practice can have not only positive but also adverse reactions to particular colors on an emotional level. This is why hiring a expert to balance your home’s colors specific to your unique responses and goals is so important. Specific color applications in the home or office can give you an extra boost, or be used to create set a more relax calming environment depending upon the specific goal.
Proper lighting in an environment is also import aspect. The yellow color from incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lights does not absorb into white paper, but bounces back creating glare and eyestrain. This does not occur in sunlight, nor under full spectrum lighting. The yellow color of most lighting irritates the nerve endings of your skin and keeps you in a constant state of low-grade stress. Full spectrum lighting does not have this effect. In addition, if your regular lights are fluorescent, they flicker 60 times per second. This flicker is just above your visual limit of 45 times per second. So while you don’t always notice it consciously, it is still acting as an irritation to your body. Using “electronic” ballasts can eliminate this flicker. These ballasts, in your light fixtures, boost the flicker rate up to 25,000 times per second.
Under natural light or full spectrum light, there is better visual acuity and increased production and accuracy. Students and office workers experience far less fatigue and chance of error. Absenteeism due to illness is decreased and people generally have more energy. When Data Control of Kansas City redesigned their facility using full spectrum light they experienced a savings of $235,000 annually from reduced computer errors by the employees who were entering the data.
It is important to consult with a professional concerning these applications as too much full spectrum lighting in or on long periods of time in wrong areas can disrupt a person’s natural circadian rhythm. It is all about the right balance, the end result is an environment that supports health, wellness and your long-term goals.
Here are some helpful suggestions given by Dr. Group.Dr. Group who states that “Dark blue has a calming effect on the body.” Consider wearing dark blue to lift you out of a stressful mood, or if you anticipate a stressful situation in your day ahead. Review Dr, Groups color list and suggestions below but it always important first and foremost to consider your own unique reactions to certain colors. Basically, if it doesn’t feel good don’t use that color as there maybe a emotionally set or neurological reason you don’t like certain color. This is why hiring a Holistic Interior Design professional who is specially trained in color and lighting therapy can help get you the best results.
Red: This color is not one to use for stress management. It is an exciting and stimulating color, usually associated with passion and vigor. You might want to use this color when you want to lift yourself out of an emotional slump.
Pink: This color is seen as soft, tranquil color. It’s peacefulness promotes balance of your energies.
Orange: Like red, orange does not exhibit the calming effect of color. Instead, orange is a stimulating and intense color. It can work to invigorate you when you are feeling low.
Yellow: Yellow is softer than red or orange and is seen as sunny and cheerful. It’s a great color to lift your spirits and when you live in a positive state you are well-equipped to combat stress
Green: Green restful and quiet color. It’s a soothing color that invites harmonious feelings that can diffuse anxiety
Blue: Blue is tranquil, peaceful, and calm. This color has a tremendous stress management quality to it, making us feel cool and calm.
Violet: Violet represents strength, peace and wisdom. It can give you feelings of inner peace when you wear it. Decorating with it can give your space a peaceful feeling, relieving stress internally and externally.
White: White is symbolic of clarity and freshness. It really needs to be a clean, bright white because once it gets dingy and dull, your emotions can mirror the dullness.
Black: This color can be overpowering at times, as it exudes a feeling of power and elegance. And it can also represent submission. It’s one that can impact your world either way so you need to be careful when decorating with or wearing black.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
SUSAN O. in LAS VEGAS, NV “I was truly impressed by the decorating expertise and advice so generously given by Rochiel. For a small fee, Rochiel came to my home and determined my personality type for decorating. She helped me to choose the best colors that would be cohesive for my entire space. I was later given a personalized report with photos and ideas for me to implement in my home that I have been able to refer to again and again. I would definitely recommend hiring Rochiel!”