• 1. Color Therapy For Vata
• 2. Healing Colors For Pitta
• 3. Color Treatment For Kapha

Do you think colors can heal? To the surprise of many, the answer is a resounding yes. Color therapy has been used with much success in Ayurveda. The science is simple – colors have a significant impact on brain activity and hormone production. They can have different effects on different kinds of people – colors can warm or cool, excite or soothe, cheer up or depress, promote spiritual thoughts or materialism and so on.

Color Treatment In Ayurveda: How Does It Work?

In Ayurveda, there are three doshas or mind-body types, namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these mind-body types is dominated by two elements, and therefore has its own strengths and weaknesses. Colors, also having their own properties, can be used to promote the strengths and tackle the specific weaknesses that each dosha has. In short, they bring balance in the doshas.

We are all attracted to or put off by certain colors. And often, our favourite colors change as our lives go by. Well, this has a lot to do with the elements that make us up – fire, wind, water, ether, and air – each of which can be increased or decreased by color. We may not realise it, but we are always seeking some kind of comfort and balance from the colors we surround ourselves with.

Color therapy in Ayurveda involves understanding which colors support your mind-body type. You can then use color treatment to balance your dosha – thus promoting a healthy body and mind. You can incorporate these colors into your clothes, jewellery, home, and even food. Even visualising certain colors can help you evoke specific qualities and feelings.

Colors And The Doshas

1. Color Therapy For Vata

Ether and air govern Vata. It is cold, fast-moving, irregular, and light-weight. Folks with Vata dosha suffer from bouts of fatigue, nervousness, constipation, and coldness in the body. They easily feel ungrounded and weak.

What To Favour:

• Pastel, warm, neutral, and earthy shades are healing colors for Vata.
• Green, brown, rust, earthy red, white, beige, warm pink, purple, and golden are best.
• Favour natural colors that calm and ground your mind.

What To Avoid:

• Bright and stimulating colors like fiery red or neons
• Avoid cooling colors since they aggravate Vata.

2. Healing Colors For Pitta

Although Pitta is governed by fire as well as water, its prime qualities are hot – burning hot. Pitta properties are penetrating, sharp, light, and oily. Pitta folks suffer from excess heat, acidity, agitation, and related bodily ailments like inflammation and burning.

What To Favour:

• Soft and cool colors work well to balance Pitta.
• Favour white, blue, silver, green, cool maroon, indigo, cool pink, beige, and purple.
• Colors that make you feel cool, relaxed, and harmonised are good.

What To Avoid:

• Heaty and vibrant colors like red and orange are Pitta-aggravating.
• Avoid neon colors too, since they can agitate the mind.

3. Color Treatment For Kapha

Earth and water dominate Kapha. Of all the doshas, Kapha is the calmest – its qualities are cold, stable, slow, heavy, and soft. Kapha folks easily become lazy, overweight, depressed, and lack energy. They need stimulation and warmth.

What To Favour:

• Vibrant, warm, and strong colors are excellent for Kapha.
• Bright red, orange, yellow, gold, neons, bright purple, and emrald green work well.
• Choose shades that uplift your body, mind, and soul.

What To Avoid:

• Stay away from greys and black.
• Cool and pastel shades are too sedating for you.

Have you experienced the effects of healing colors?