Science takes a distinctive look at the millennia-old Feng Shui customs for decorating your home, for example. Many scientists classify them as pseudoscience because there is no scientific research behind the results or the claims do not meet scientific evidence and testing.
Let’s step over this and look at what this more than 4,000-year-old Chinese knowledge can mean for your bedroom. With the emphasis on “can,” because we are healthily critical. At the same time, we have an open mind and researched what Feng Shui experts say. We are happy to include these tips for you in this blog.
What is Feng Shui?
The origins of Feng Shui can be found in the Taoist belief in chi or life force. Chi consists of inseparable“Yin” and“Yang” elements that describe the life force that dwells in everything. Balance between Yin and Yang is an important goal when applying Feng Shui. So Feng Shui is a method of bringing harmony and balance to the arrangement of buildings and spaces to allow positive energy to flow better. In the Chinese language, these words mean “the way of wind and water.
Nearly half of all Chinese adults believe in Feng Shui, and a lot of people in the Western world are also interested in Feng Shui. For example, they apply Feng Shui to decorate their bedroom.
How should your bed stand according to Feng Shui?
Sleeping with your head facing east, where the sun rises, promotes concentration. If you seek more stability, you can also face your bed to the south.
Although some experts do not rule out north either, unless you respect the teachings of Vastu Shastra. Indeed, this one says it is best to sleep to the south. The polar attraction of the north would cause nightmares according to these recommendations. Before placing your bed in the correct position, go over the following basics.
Feng Shui tip #1 <- Bedroom space suitable?
Ask yourself if your bedroom is adequate to serve as a sleeping space as well. What about noise? Is there a lot of street noise? Is the ventilation of the room optimal? And does this space have enough natural light?
Feng Shui talks about avoiding heavy beams and sharp corners. They would impede the natural flow of energy and alter your sleep and sleep quality.
Specifically, this does mean a lot. A freestanding bedroom closet, open cabinets or a paravent are best avoided. Choose where you place furniture, don’t put it in the way of natural energy flows such as windows or doors. So it is best not to place your bed in a corner or next to a door. Not always easy!
Make it dark! Make sure you have a good blackout. Now, you don’t have to be an expert to do that, but it’s also important within Feng Shui. Alies Coster is a sleep expert and founded Sleep Training Netherlands. In February 2024, she collaborated on an article in the Dutch magazine Magriet about Feng Shui. She agrees that sleep hygiene is a universal theme that is really important whether or not you keep Feng Shui in mind.
Feng Shui tip #2 <- Create space!
Is your bedroom tidy? Clearing is the physical process that gets you started to harmonize the flow of energy. To keep the energy flowing properly, you sometimes face choices.
Do you have limited space and use a drawer under your bed, for example, to store things? According to Feng Shui customs, it is better not to do that and leave this space free.
A mirror gives the illusion of space. If it is placed correctly, energy flows are reflected and, according to Feng Shui experts, the effect can be doubled. Avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, though. So no, you better not hang it above your bed!
Leave enough space to the left and right of your bed to move around and get in and out of your bed.
Feng Shui tip #3 <- Focus!
A sleeping space is an oasis of peace and quiet so you can discharge and recharge for a new day. Focus on yourself and your partner, and avoid anything that can distract you such as books or TV. Work-related items such as a desk or a computer are also best avoided in the bedroom. Less is more!
Color, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, plays an important role in bringing focus to space. Natural tones promote relaxation. Think beige, blue or green tones. Busy wallpaper or many colors distract you and disrupt your energy.
Elements containing water are also to be avoided in an adult sleeping area. An aquarium or images that contain references to water are best avoided, according to Feng Shui experts. They would bring too much movement into a room of calm. Instead, focus on your relationship or yourself if you are single. Happy pictures together with your partner or of yourself bring happiness.
Bad vibes? According to Feng Shui, do NOT put the bed like this….
Of course, you read these recommendations with a grain of salt (we hope). But there are also no-go’s according to Feng Shui that it’s best not to do because they block energy flows or bring in negative energy.
Why is it best not to sleep with your feet to the door?
If your bed is in line with the door, and therefore you are lying with your feet towards it, you might feel unsafe. That insecurity leads to stress, and stress affects your sleep. You would also get too much energy at night, when you just want to unwind.
Feng Shui does point out that it is important that you can see the doorway. Let’s take a moment to estimate where your bed will be!
Why not place bed under window?
A wall provides protection, grounding and security. Preferably place your bed against a full wall. A window offers too little protection and safety. Therefore, it is not recommended to place your headboard or your bed under a window.
Frequently asked questions:
Why not sleep with your head to the north?
Feng Shui does not rule out this wind direction.
Vastu Shastra’s recommendations do.
Sleeping with your head facing polar north produces an energetic clash in your brain, which would cause you to sleep poorly.
In which direction should we not sleep?
Having your feet in line with the door is not recommended, also the west is hardly named.
Why bed not under window?
This gives too little security compared to a full wall, so to be avoided. On top of that, you can also get a stiff neck if your window is not fully closed.
How to put down bed – Conclusion
If you sleep restlessly and have therefore looked up this blog, then you have learned that Feng Shui is mostly about “less is more.
Include these logical elements: create a neat bedroom, free of stimuli, completely dark and best with as little ambient noise as possible. These are truly universal principles of sleep hygiene. Feng Shui’s guidelines are based on energy flows that should flow freely. Blocking them is bad. Safety is also an important pillar. It makes sense because when you sleep, you are relaxed and free of stress. Your personal sense of security plays an important role here!
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