Color Therapy: Using Red to Your Advantage

Using Red to Best Advantage

Red is a powerful color. Take the phrases, seeing red, for example, or red letter day. Both of these sayings imply emotional importance, or impact.

The color red has the same effect in our surroundings. In many cultures it is significant of power, and success. In China red is associated with luck and good fortune. In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck. Red amulets were worn by Native Americans to prolong life. In Singapore the color red symbolises joy. Belief in the protective power of the color red can be traced back to the ancient Chinese folklore. So, it seems that red has been a significant color in many cultures over thousands of years.

Wearing red promotes vitality, sexuality and alertness. Red can help to counteract impotence, low blood pressure, anaemia and lethargy.

However, too much red can have adverse effects. It can promote fever, emotion, aggression and even violence. People with high blood pressure should stay away from this color. Others should wear it in conjunction with other colors. A red shirt is a really strong, positive statement at work and red shoes for a woman shows confidence without being overbearing.

Basically, if you want to appear and feel powerful and strong, get out the red shirt, shoes, tie, or handbag, but be careful not to overdo it, or you might come across as being too intimidating.

Red in the bedroom is invigorating and energising but too much can be too intense and even stressful. In the lounge a touch of red can add that dynamic feel but avoid too much unless you want to feel uptight and stressed all the time.

The best place to use this vibrant color is in the workplace. Red carpets bring in money. Feng Shui experts recommend painting outside doors red to bring in wealth.

Go on, be daring, go red!