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Colour
and Healing
Over the centuries, many cultures employed colour for its healing powers. Egyptians
designed chambers to produce a ray of prism light for healing the sick. In the Indian culture,
each colour is assigned to energy centres in the body. The field of chemotherapy uses colour
as a therapeutic tool for treatments. One of the first examples of colour application and
healing is the Paimio Sanatorium. It was built in the woods of Finland to help those suffering
from tuberculosis. The architect, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), devised a creative palette that
was proven to aid in the healing process.
There have been numerous studies published about colour in healthcare. The Coalition
for Health Environments Research conducted a study to determine what is really known
about colour influence. They concluded that the study of colour in healthcare settings is
challenging because it occurs in the context of meaningful settings and situations where
personal perception and judgment come into play. This is further influenced by physiology,
culture, time and location.
It is also important neither to separate the perception of colour and light, nor to oversimplify
the application of colour in specific healing environments. While scientists, designers and
healthcare professionals agree that colour can have an effect, it’s should not be viewed as
a simplistic remedy. There are many other factors that must be considered when selecting
healthcare colours such as the generational preferences and needs of the patient as well as
the psychological perception of the aging eye.
COLOUR AND HEALING
Article by Pallas Textile and KI Researchers