Sleep better with Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra by adjusting the orientation of your bed.
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, people immediately think of a comfortable mattress, soft and breathable bedding, blackout curtains, and a moderate room temperature. These are healthy habits that have been scientifically proven. However, if you take your rest time even more seriously, this article is for you! Have you heard of Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra? If this is the first time you’ve heard of them, you should know that Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice. It’s based on the flow of energy in daily life and in space to achieve balance. Vastu Shastra focuses on Indian principles of balance, based on the science of architecture. These two practices have different histories, but their principles are similar. According to them, interior design can be beneficial or, conversely, harmful to your health. Should you sleep with your head facing north? Or should you sleep with your head facing south? Find the answer in the following article!
The Best Bed Placement According to Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra
The two practices are based on two different philosophies. However, both agree on the influence of home design on how the body reacts to its surroundings. They also take into account the four directions while sleeping. These four directions are: sleeping with your head facing north, south, east, or west. They also consider the five main elements of nature: earth, fire, wind, space, and water.
Sleeping on a high-quality mattress—such as a Kipli natural latex mattress, for example—promotes restful sleep. But based on these two practices,what is the best way to position the bed for a good night’s sleep?
The Best Direction for Sleep According to Vastu Shastra
The philosophy of Vastu Shastra focuses primarily on the healthy use of space. It is the science of living in harmony through energy. Regarding the direction in which one sleeps, Vastu Shastra states that space interacts directly with the five primary elements of nature and that this affects the body’s overall well-being.
According to Vastu Shastra, the recommended sleeping position is to sleep with your head facing south. The reason is that the human head has a polar attraction. Therefore, it should be turned toward the south to attract opposite poles while you sleep.
You shouldn't sleep with your head facing north
Vastu Shastra is a concept based primarily on space and how it can affect health and well-being. Sleeping with your head facing north can cause nightmares and sleep disorders.
If, even so, you prefer to sleep with your head facing north, you should know that, according to this traditional technique, the energy of the spirit and the earth repel each other according to the laws of the universe. This is due to the concept of the Earth’s magnetic field and the northern and southern hemispheres. This magnetic repulsion affects blood circulation and increases stress. According to Vastu Shastra, after this unconscious struggle, you’ll wake up feeling tired because you won’t have had a restful sleep.
Furthermore, according to the principles of Vastu Shastra, sleeping with your head facing north has negative consequences. You may also experience emotional instability, weak willpower, and many other ailments. In addition to all this, there are spiritual reasons that confirm that sleeping with your head facing north remains an inadvisable sleeping position.
The Best Location for a Bedroom According to Vastu Shastra
Vastu Shastra places great emphasis on the location of the bedroom. Ideally, the bedroom should be located in the southwest part of the house. This area is associated with good health, longevity, and prosperity. The northwest is also a good location for a bedroom, especially for children or guests.
You should avoid placing bedrooms in the southeast or northeast corners. If there’s no other option, you can burn incense or use a room fragrance. In general, pleasant smells and scents are highly valued in Vastu culture, as they can improve your mood and calm your mind. Using scented candles or diffusers in the bedroom can add an extra touch of comfort. Especially if they are refreshing scents like jasmine or lavender.
You can also place a bowl of sea salt in the room to counteract its unfavorable location with more positive energy.
In the bedroom itself, placing the bed in the southwest corner is the best position for the body to absorb positive vibrations. It is also recommended to have a solid wood bed that is square or rectangular in shape.
It is essential to declutter the room and keep only items that have a positive impact. The room should mainly contain useful items and things that evoke fond memories. Keep in mind that closets should be placed in the southwest corner of the room, so that their doors open toward the east or south.
Are the principles of Vastu Shastra effective?
The benefits claimed by the sleeping positions outlined in Vastu Shastra have not yet been scientifically proven. However, some researchers point to the benefits of spatial principles for overall human health. Furthermore, practitioners of this philosophy recommend changing the orientation of one’s sleep area or bed before taking any other measures, such as rearranging furniture or taking medication.
How to Position Your Bed According to Feng Shui for Better Sleep
Like Vastu Shastra, Feng Shui focuses on creating a peaceful sanctuary so you can enjoy the best possible sleep and have a calm and productive day. This practice is more about the elements within this space and their effects on energy (called Chi) than about the orientation of your bed.
Certainly, Feng Shui focuses primarily on the flow of energy in your living space. The goal is to avoid blockages and maintain the right balance for a healthy and harmonious life. In this regard, Feng Shui recommends placing the bed away from windows and doors and avoiding clutter in the rooms.
Other Feng Shui principles include color schemes associated with different vital energies to help you get the energy you need to recharge while you sleep. We’ll explore this in more detail in the rest of the article.
What is the best Feng Shui orientation for a bed?
Traditional practitioners of Feng Shui, like those of Vastu Shastra, prefer that energy be directed toward the south. According to them, that is where the warm winds come from, which are considered rich in positive energy. Most advocates of this philosophy will advise you to place your bed away from doors and windows. This is to increase the flow of Chi while you sleep.
The Myth of Sleeping Facing North
Feng Shui experts and Vastu practitioners agree that sleeping with your head facing north is the worst direction for sleep. Practitioners of both philosophies wonder why sleeping with your head facing north is such a common practice in Western cultures— especially if you have blood-related or cardiovascular problems, such as anemia or high blood pressure.
In fact, when the body is in a horizontal position, your pulse slows down. This prevents too much blood from flowing to the head. If, on the other hand, you sleep with your head facing north, the magnetic pull of this position can counteract this effect, as it puts more pressure on the brain. If you are relatively elderly, your blood vessels are naturally more vulnerable. For this reason, Feng Shui warns that sleeping with your head facing north could be harmful to your health.
Therefore, this posture can not only disrupt your energy levels, but also increase the risk of bleeding and certain types of vascular and cerebral conditions.
So, what is the best orientation for a bed according to Feng Shui?
Choosing the perfect sleeping orientation isn't always easy: Should you sleep with your head facing north or south? Should you face west or east? These are common questions that many people ask themselves. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the way you sleep could affect every aspect of your life—your sense of well-being, emotional fulfillment, longevity, and more.
If you want to wake up with the highest possible energy levels, aided by the Earth's magnetic fields and the proper alignment of your living space, it's best to sleep with your head facing east or south. This could boost your energy levels, concentration, and mood.
According to some Feng Shui experts, sleeping with your head facing east is the best sleeping position. They say this direction promotes meditation and concentration. On the other hand, you should consider sleeping with your head facing south if your goal is to achieve happiness and emotional stability.
Therefore, choose the east if you're looking for better recovery, and choose the south if you prefer a deeper sleep. In addition, Feng Shui strongly advises against intermediate directions, as they are associated with energetic instability and can cause sleep disturbances.
Feng Shui and the Orientation of the Bed
According to the principles of Feng Shui, the most important factor for sleep is not the orientation of the bed you choose, but the layout of the entire space. When you sleep, you are in a passive state called "Yin. " According to the principles of Feng Shui, at this time you are more sensitive to the energies around you.
Therefore, the placement of the bed—and, consequently, the types of energy flowing through your space —affect the quality of your sleep. Here are some tips on how to position your bed to achieve good Feng Shui.
The bed's location in relation to the doors
In Feng Shui, the placement of the bed should follow the principle of the commanding position. It should be positioned so that, when you are lying down, you have a clear view of the entire room. The most important area to observe is the bedroom door. However, if you cannot place the bed in the commanding position, you should use a mirror to address the bed’s blind spot.
In addition to the dominant position, there are other guidelines to keep in mind. As a general rule, doors should not be allowed to open directly onto any part of the bed, for fear that they might cause pain to body parts exposed as the door opens.
Managing the space on both sides of the bed
For adults, it is best to leave empty space on the left and right sides of the bed. Feng Shui principles advise against placing the bed with one side against the wall. The purpose of these spaces is to allow for a balance between yin and yang, making the space more harmonious and healthy for everyone. If this isn’t possible, even a small gap between the side of the bed and the wall may suffice. You can also balance the space by placing a mirror on the wall next to the bed to bring more energy into the room.
We can add that nightstands with sharp edges should be avoided. According to Feng Shui experts, right angles direct negative energy directly toward the body, which can cause feelings of discomfort and restless sleep. If it’s too late to replace your nightstand, you can soften its corners by covering them with a flowing fabric or placing a real plant on top of it.
The placement of the bed in relation to the beams and drop ceilings
To ensure better energy flow, the area above the bed should be free of beams and drop ceilings. These can create unnecessary pressure that interferes with the fluid, harmonious energy flow sought in Feng Shui.
Unfortunately, in most homes, these architectural features are difficult to change. One way to address these spatial characteristics is to cover the top of the bed with fabric to conceal the structural function of the ceiling. If it is not a large beam, you can blend the element into the ceiling by painting it the same color as the ceiling so that these areas of the ceiling are less overwhelming.
Colors and Their Functions According to the Flow of Energy
Feng Shui believes in the power of colors to inspire balance. According to Vastu Shastra theories, colors have a significant impact on the energy of a space. Just like the orientation of the bed, the choice of colors can influence the health, prosperity, mood, and overall well-being of the person sleeping in the room.
How do you paint a bedroom according to Feng Shui?
In Feng Shui color symbolism, green represents the east and also wood. It is associated with family, health, and longevity. The west is represented by white, which is associated with metal and symbolizes creativity and fertility. Red, the color that symbolizes fire, represents the south and is beneficial for those who seek fame, glory, and a good reputation. As for the north, symbolized by blue or black, it is linked to one’s career and way of life.
For bedrooms, Feng Shui practitioners recommend warm, rich earth tones—such as rich brown, copper, coral, cream, peach, bronze, and cocoa—to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the room. Naturally soft colors, such as shades of sky blue, green, and lavender, give the room an atmosphere of calm and tranquility and promote healing energy.
Bright reds and oranges are generally associated with yang, which represents the masculine side of the energy equation, and are therefore very stimulating. Therefore, it’s advisable to limit these bold hues when it comes to sheets, pillows, and other bedding accessories. If pink and red don’t appeal to you, try variations such as burgundy, maroon, eggplant, or magenta.
What colors does Vastu Shastra recommend?
Given the role that the bedroom plays, it is best to keep the space light and airy with soothing, pleasant colors. Vastu Shastra emphasizes pink and pale shades of red. These colors represent warmth and love in Indian culture. According to Vastu, pink or light red are the ideal colors for a couple’s bedroom, as they strengthen the bond between partners and help keep conflicts at bay.
Orange tones are also highly valued in Vastu. This fiery color is highly recommended for active people, as it symbolizes ambition, health, and vitality. Painting the south wall of your room orange can motivate you to achieve your goals. It’s the best color for people seeking motivation or those who feel bad about themselves. However, this color is not recommended for people with a bad temper.
Colors such as brown, light brown, and other earth tones evoke stability and balance, which promote feelings of peace and contentment. Green is also highly recommended, as it evokes peace and relaxation. It’s a good color choice for a child’s room and for students, as it stimulates learning and knowledge. Other shades, such as purple and lavender, are known to have a positive impact on health, as they help calm the mind and ward off nightmares. In addition to making the room visually appealing, the color purple has, according to Vastu, healing properties.
If you don't like bright colors and prefer a more understated space, white is the best choice. This light shade is soothing and pristine, not only from an aesthetic standpoint but also from the perspective of Vastu Shastra, according to which white represents peace, freedom, and purity.
In general, shades such as ivory, off-white, and champagne are highly recommended for an open, bright, and peaceful space.
Ultimately, when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, avoiding distractions, setting up your bedroom, and making your bed properly may not be enough. For skeptics, you’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a try—and who knows, maybe it could revolutionize your well-being!
We hope you enjoyed this article.
Of course, the Kipli team.