You may not know it, but the direction your bed faces, the subject of your picture frames, and the placement of items like mirrors can all be affecting your health and happiness within your home.
We’ve come to learn about the ways colour in the home can affect your mood, the part light plays in maintaining your body clock, and the effects hidden toxins can have on your health.
Today, we’re exploring the principles of Feng Shui and the ways the ancient practice can bring about a better sense of wellbeing in the place we call home.
“Literally translated, the words Feng Shui means ‘wind’ and ‘water’ and refer to an ancient Chinese science that is commonly associated with the fortuitous positioning and arrangement of homes,” says Master Janene Laird, principal consultant and founder of ShenChi-Feng Shui.
“Building a home that optimises the health, relationships and success of its occupants was and continues to be, highly prized.”
Feng Shui isn’t just about furniture, but also the internal arrangement and decorative elements of each room. Picture: Ross Campbell
How Feng Shui can positively impact your home
“Good Feng Shui is not about filling your home with symbolic objects that are supposed to bring good luck or protect against negative influences,” says Janene, adding: “It is about good home design, the arrangement of internal living spaces and integrating aesthetically pleasing decorative elements which promote harmony and a sense of wellbeing.”
Janene says the application of good Feng Shui principles in the home can positively affect almost all areas of your life, from your health and happiness to your financial position.
Sims Urban Oasis, Condo. Picture: iProperty
“A home that is able to receive and retain beneficial ch’i (energy) better supports the occupants so they are more likely to perform better, contributing to their wealth, happiness and ability to achieve their full potential,” she says.
The practice insists occupants are less likely to experience financial stresses, relationship problems or health issues when the energy is auspicious in frequented rooms.
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Feng Shui spotlight on the bedroom
We know the positive effects of good Feng Shui can have in the home, but it’s perhaps also important to acknowledge the effects ignoring these ideas can have on your day-to-day life.
Here, Janene shares the most common mistakes she sees her clients make in the bedroom, and reveals the impact this can have on key things like sleep.
1. Placing your bed head under a window
“Placing the head of your bed against a full-length window, rather than a solid wall, creates a lack of support and protection which can manifest as poor sleep, health issues and a decline in the performance of your daily tasks.”
2. Positioning the foot of the bed pointing towards the door
Janene says this is known as the ‘coffin position’, and “this is not considered to be good Feng Shui because the ch’i entering the room ‘crashes’ into the bed which can contribute to a restless night’s sleep.”
She suggests placing the head of the bed against the solid wall diagonal to the door.
3. Installing wardrobes with full-length mirrors
They’re practical come time to get dressed, but Janene says large mirrors reflecting the bed can hinder your slumber.
“While this is not strictly a Feng Shui taboo, it does often seem to disturb sleep. Therefore, a mirror is fine in a bedroom as long as you can’t see your reflection while lying down or sitting up in bed.”
Mirrors should be placed carefully in the bedroom. Picture: Ross Campbell
5 Feng Shui adjustments to make today
Below, Janene reveals her top five tips to promote good Feng Shui in the home. The best bit? You can make these adjustments on a weekend and start seeing the benefits immediately.
1. Maintain a tidy garden and entrance
You bet the high achiever had this guy first. Picture: Getty
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Janene says the front of your home should be a place for good energy to gather and must be kept clean, well-maintained and enticing throughout the seasons.
“This creates a gathering point for beneficial ch’i (energy) to settle and enter your home, bringing opportunities for prosperity with it.”
2. Fresh air must flow throughout the home
Open doors and windows and allow a breeze to circulate through your space. “This clears out any stagnant odours or negative energy that may be lingering.”
The Cascadia, Condo. Picture: iProperty
3. It’s the little things that count
“Attract good energy, known as Sheng Ch’i, into your home and lift your spirits with things such as healthy plants, fresh flowers, aromatherapy, incense and nice music.”
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4. Break up beelines
If your front door is directly in line with your back door, Janene says you can slow down the flow of ch’i with some well-placed furniture such as a sideboard in the hallway or sofa in the family room.
5. Shortest to tallest
“Substantial forms or structures such as a hill, tall trees, large fence or two-storey dwelling should be located at the rear of your home,” says Janene. “Not only does this provide you with support and protection, but it also helps to retain beneficial ch’i within your site.”
Article repurposed from How Feng Shui impacts your wellbeing at home by Katie Skelly. Author at realestate.com.au.
