Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to control the flow of qi, or chi, within the environment. Feng shui practitioners try to do so by altering objects and spaces to promote harmony and balance.

Some people may be interested in using feng shui within their bedrooms with the intention of improving their sense of relaxation.

However, there is limited evidence to suggest that feng shui can improve a person’s emotional well-being or that it is healthy in other ways.

This article discusses feng shui in more detail, including some of the scientific evidence for and against its effectiveness. It also explores how to use feng shui and what to avoid when planning bedroom layouts.

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Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice. It may be gaining popularity in other parts of the world, including China. The practice centers on using certain ancient Taoist principles to guide the arrangements of buildings, objects, and empty space within the environment.

Feng shui has its origins in the religion of Taoism, which is also known as Daoism. One important belief in Taoism is that a life force, or energy, called qi inhabits everything. Qi comprises yin and yang elements, which are opposing but inseparable forces.

Many Taoists believe that people can improve the flow of positive qi and prevent negative qi from entering a space using certain ancient practices. When people arrange their environment according to feng shui principles, they aim to create a flow of positive qi.

Feng shui practitioners believe that certain arrangements can promote balance and harmony within an environment. For instance, feng shui practitioners believe that people can alter the flow of qi in an environment by altering the water, wood, fire, earth, and metal within it.

There is very little scientific research concerning the efficacy of feng shui. However, a person may still enjoy the practice and improve their sense of well-being as a result. Some people believe that feng shui may lead to better luck, success, and health.

An older study evaluated the effect of feng shui on eight hotel foyers and entrances using 20 criteria. The managers of hotels in the study then commented on the success of their hotels.

The results indicated there was a correlation between the feng shui score and the perceived success of the hotel. In general, the managers of the hotels with “good” feng shui described their establishments as successful.

However, it is important to note that managers’ comments about the success of their hotels were subjective.

A 2021 study found that feng shui principles can improve a person’s sense of well-being and quality of sleep. However, the author published this study in an architecture and design journal, suggesting that the methodology does not meet modern medical research standards.

Further study into feng shui may be necessary as existing research is limited and open to researcher bias.

Existing evidence does not suggest that feng shui can help create a healthier bedroom. Additionally, further research into the psychological effects of the practice is necessary.

However, a person may wish to explore feng shui arrangements within their bedroom. Feng shui practitioners recommend the following tips:

  • Bedroom placement: Feng shui teaches that bedrooms will have a better flow of energy if they are at the end of a shorter hallway.
  • Bathroom: Feng shui practitioners believe that the best bedrooms do not directly open into a bathroom and that beds never share walls with a toilet.
  • Bedroom doors: Some feng shui practitioners claim that the best bedroom doors open away from staircases and face away from the corner edge of other rooms.
  • Illness: When someone who has been ill has stayed in a room, feng shui teaches to air, brighten, and freshly paint that room.

Feng shui practitioners also suggest a person:

  • never sleeps in a bed facing a mirror
  • never sleeps in a bed with the sharp edge of a corner pointed toward them
  • never sleeps with a water feature behind the bed
  • never sleeps underneath an exposed overhead beam

According to some feng shui practitioners, bedrooms should have carefully positioned doors, be well-placed within the home, and receive more care in certain situations.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that feng shui can create healthier bedrooms. Furthermore, existing research into the efficacy of feng shui is limited.

However, feng shui is a practice with ancient origins that some people enjoy. A person who is interested in feng shui may wish to speak to an experienced practitioner.