Feng Shui Tips For Creating Optimum Health

Part One – The Bedroom

Discoveries in neuroscience over the past several years have shown us that “the way we are” is not always fixed as we had previously thought. We now know that our brain is capable of amazing plasticity, which is influenced by both our environment and the activities we engage in. This is good news since Feng Shui enhancements can influence how we think and feel–and ultimately change many of our “fixed” ways of being.

25 years ago, when I first began studying Feng Shui, I was surprised to learn that instead of working on myself through different therapies and teachings, I could make changes in my environment and shift many issues that had seemed permanent.

The Autumn period that we’re currently in is influenced by the Metal element. Metal is malleable and easily shaped when Fire is applied. This is a good time to apply the Fire element to break up and move stuck energy in targeted areas of your home or other spaces related to issues that you’re currently working on. For example, you can add candles, the color red, and triangular shapes to related areas of your home’s Bagua. If you question how much Fire to use, remember a little fire goes a long way.

You can also bring it forth personally and more generally in your life through the colors and styles you wear and even through your actions. In fact, an excellent way to generate your own Fire is to start moving. Yes, I mean dance, walk, play, or even clean your house.

Below are a few tips for using Feng Shui to create optimum health. Of course, these suggestions are meant to be used in conjunction with appropriate medical advise.

This article is focused on the bedroom. Next month I’ll cover tips targeted toward specific health issues.

Part One – The Bedroom

The Feng Shui view of the bedroom is that it should be used only for rest, relaxation, and romance. Nothing else!

• Your bed represents self-nurturing and the foundation of your life and is directly connected to your health and vitality. If it is too hard, life can be hard. If it is too soft, you may not have enough support for achieving your dreams.

• Place your bed in the command position. This location gives you a broad view of the room and you are able to see the door without being directly in front of it. Not being able to see the door is associated with anxiety and fear—often so subtle that you don’t notice it.

• Choose restful colors for your bedroom such as light blues and greens. Skin tone colors that blend with your own also work. Avoid hot colors such as yellows, oranges and reds. If you suffer from depression and your bedroom is painted blue, consider changing the color to a soft green. The addition of more lighting may also help. If your bedroom is located above the garage, this can also contribute to depression; so, if possible, move to another room. Since color has a profound effect on well-being, make sure that both you and your partner love the colors you choose and that they are in harmony with your personal coloring.

• Your headboard should be solid. Headboards with gaps–especially slats–are less stable and can contribute to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Along the same lines, your bed should be placed against the wall.

• Remove all storage from under your bed. If you must store anything, put only bedding and other items related to sleep here.

• Bedroom doors that stick or creak can block restful sleep and contriubte to joint problems.

• Mirrors should be used sparingly in the bedroom. They scatter energy and can disturb sleep.

• Avoid placing items such as computers, exercise equipment, and TVs in your bedroom. Your subconscious will travel to the activities represented by these items and sabotage restful sleep. If, due to space limitations, some of these things must be in your bedroom, limit their effect by covering or screening them off at night.

• Protect yourself from sleeping in ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMFs). by removing electrical items around your bed. They can affect your sleep and trigger immune system problems, If possible, unplug anything that is within four feet of your bed. Since metal conducts electricity, it’s best to avoid beds with metal springs and those that are electrically powered—unless you unplug them at night.

• Turn off your cell phone. Cell phones radiate microwaves and have been associated with many health issues including weakened cell membranes, lower sperm production, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

• Repair electrical problems and anything broken in your bedroom (and elsewhere). They can effect your nervous system, your ability to stay focused, and cause increased anxiety, impatience, and fatigue.

• Anything that you dislike or that holds bad memories can zap your energy, so remove them.

Finally, think of your bedroom as a sanctuary and do everything possible to turn it into a nurturing space that will contribute to your well-being.

May your dreams be healthy & sweet!

Suzanne