Colour is more than something we see, it is something we feel. In Ayurveda and Yogic philosophy, colour is understood as a subtle force that influences our emotions, nervous system and energetic body. Each hue carries its own vibration, interacting with the mind, chakras and auric field to either restore harmony or create imbalance.
Learn how to embrace more of the colours that benefit you (and avoid those that don't) with this simple guide.
How Colour Influences Wellbeing in Ayurveda
In the same way it views diet and ritual, Ayurveda sees no single colour as universally healing. What soothes one person may overstimulate another. This is because our emotional and mental state is shaped by the gunas, three energetic qualities that govern movement, stillness and balance within the mind.
The Three Gunas and Colour Energy
Sattvic (balance, clarity, harmony)
Soft whites, golds, blues and violets promote calmness, clarity and peace. These colours are nourishing to the nervous system and support emotional equilibrium.
Rajasic (activity, stimulation, intensity)
Reds, oranges, yellows and purples stimulate movement, motivation and drive. In excess, they can lead to restlessness, irritation or overthinking.
Tamasic (heaviness, inertia, dullness)
Dark browns, blacks and greys encourage grounding but can also increase lethargy, emotional heaviness and stagnation when overused.
In general, static and soft colours support balance, while excessive rajasic tones may aggravate Vata and Pitta. Dark, heavy colours tend to increase Kapha and tamasic qualities.
Chromotherapy: Healing Through Colour
Chromotherapy, or colour therapy, uses colour as a healing modality to influence mood, energy and physiological response. The colours we surround ourselves with (in our homes, clothing and personal rituals) can significantly shape how we feel within a space.
When used intentionally, colour becomes a form of self-care, subtly guiding the nervous system toward balance and ease.
Choosing Colours for Your Dosha
Vata Dosha (Air & Ether)
Vata is light, cold, dry and mobile, closely linked to the nervous system.
Balancing colours: Warm oranges, golds and soft yellows help ground Vata energy and create a sense of stability and warmth.
Colours to limit: Blacks, greys and neon shades may aggravate anxiety, dryness and nervous tension.
Pitta Dosha (Fire & Water)
Pitta is hot, sharp and intense, governing metabolism and focus.
Balancing colours: Cooling blues, whites, silvers, soft pastels and gentle neutrals calm excess heat and soothe emotional intensity.
Colours to limit: Bright reds, oranges and yellows may increase irritability, impatience and internal heat.
Kapha Dosha (Earth & Water)
Kapha is cool, heavy, moist and grounding, associated with stability and structure.
Balancing colours: Bright, stimulating tones such as red, orange, yellow and contrasting colours help lift heaviness and encourage movement.
Colours to limit: Whites, silvers, pinks and deep dark shades may increase lethargy and emotional stagnation.
The Energetics of Individual Colours
Black
Cold, dry and heavy. Can aggravate all doshas if overused and carries a strongly tamasic quality, connecting to introspection but also emotional heaviness.
Blue
Cool and dry. Calming and sattvic, balancing for Pitta but potentially aggravating for Vata and Kapha when overused. Supports meditation and clarity.
Brown
Neutral and grounding. Balances all doshas in moderation but becomes tamasic and heavy in excess.
Gold
Warm and luminous. Increases ojas (vital essence), soothes the heart and balances Vata and Kapha. Deeply sattvic and harmonising.
Green
Moist and neutral. One of the most balancing colours for all doshas, supporting healing, regeneration and emotional steadiness.
Orange
Warm and energising. Stimulates creativity, vitality and joy. Balancing for Vata and Kapha, neutral for Pitta when used gently.
Red
Hot and stimulating. Strongly rajasic. Beneficial for Kapha in moderation but aggravating for Pitta. Softer reds and pinks are gentler for Vata.
Violet & Purple
A blend of cooling blue and warming red. Violet soothes Pitta, while warmer purples support Vata and Kapha depending on intensity.
White
Cool and calming. Sattvic and soothing for Pitta and Kapha, though excessive use may aggravate Vata’s cold and dry qualities.
Yellow
Warm and uplifting. Encourages joy and mental clarity. Balancing for Vata and Kapha, but overly stimulating for Pitta when used in excess.
Bringing Colour Into Daily Ritual
Whether through the spaces you inhabit, the clothing you wear or the rituals you practice, colour is a powerful yet often overlooked way to support wellbeing. When chosen in harmony with your dosha, colour becomes a quiet form of nourishment, helping to steady the mind, uplift the spirit and restore balance.
