Support Well-being: Combined Effects of Color, Light, Sound, and Aroma

How have you handled the challenges of preparing for a test, a race, a promotion or a class reunion? Whether you are aspiring toward weight loss, improved fitness, increased mental acuity or greater emotional resilience, nearly every person has had the experience of pursuing a self-set goal. When we encounter perceived difficulties, instead of considering them to be obstacles to achieving our goals, we should see them as opportunities which can help test our nature, clarify our purpose and reveal to us what beliefs we hold about ourselves.n nMany motivational and inspirational authorities of today share the view that individual success is determined by one's ability to connect to particular positive emotional states. Successful accomplishment requires possession of a strong desire and an ability to hold focus. Executing tasks in a certain way and making daily decisions in alignment with a constructive desire will perpetuate movement towards success. All of these capabilities are dictated by the emotional state of the individual. The "emotional charge" provides the strength behind the "motor of action".nnOur emotional state can be profoundly affected by our environment. There is a greater opportunity now than ever before to harness the benefits of creating environments conducive to effecting and maintaining healthy emotional states. One simple and effective way to support our emotional health is through the combined use of color, light, sound and aroma.nn"The universe is filled with color."- Sir Isaac NewtonnnColor exists in the form of oscillating light waves which are visualized as colors of the light spectrum. The patterns and qualities of color have an undeniable effect on energy. The factual evidence described in Dr. Masaru Emoto's work, "The Message from Water", have helped us understand the dramatic impact that vibrational energy has upon the molecular structure of water. Given the human body is composed of 75% water, it is therefore easy to extrapolate from Dr. Emoto's work how the energetics of different color frequencies can significantly impact our physical well-being.n nSound is the result of movement of atoms and molecules within the air that vibrate the eardrum and travel through nerves cells to the brain. Nearly all the cranial nerves lead to the ear which explains why sounds can be so impacting and relaxing. Sound can change molecular structure and create form ¬– according to cymatic studies, it has been demonstrated that physical patterns are produced through the interaction of sound waves in various mediums like water. The higher the frequency, the more complex the shapes produced, with certain shapes having similarities to traditional mandala designs. These visual demonstrations of sound only add to the growing body of physical evidence of the potential effects of vibrational energy upon even our body’s very cellular structure. Listening to music for health, relaxation and meditation has been practiced for centuries. Through the use of music specifically engineered to help shift our energy and balance our brave wave patterns, the field of mind-body medicine is only now beginning to fully capitalize upon the benefits of sound upon our well-being.nnSmell is a potent stimulant to our central nervous system. As aroma is inhaled, the molecules of scent travel up the nose. Nasal sensory cells are stimulated and a signal is then sent to the olfactory center, located in the limbic system of the brain, for the interpretation of smell. The limbic portion of the brain is also the emotional control center of our nervous system ¬- the emotions of anxiety, depression, fear, anger and joy all originate from this portion of the brain. It directly activates the hormonal center of the brain, the hypothalamus, which releases chemical messengers that can affect everything from energy levels to sex drive. Because of the close association between olfactory function and the limbic system - smells can, thus, directly stimulate the brain to trigger beneficial physiological and mood changes.nnIt’s easier then you may think to take advantage of the effectiveness of blending these elements into your daily routine. Start experimenting with the combined power of color, light, sound and aroma – it can be as simple as wearing colors which invigorate you, while inhaling your favorite scent and listening to soothing music that relaxes your entire being - you may be surprised at how these simple actions together can help to improve how you feel! The greater the understanding we have of ourselves and our bodies, the easier it becomes to support our own health and well-being.