The principles of feng shui and how they affect the mind

Feng shui originates from a Chinese psychological system of harmonizing oneself with their surrounding environment. Feng shui practitioners often view architecture as an “invisible force” that has the power to bind the universe, earth and humanity together, bringing harmony to a space. Originally, feng shui was used in Chinese culture to orient buildings such as tombs and homes.

Today, the western world adopted feng shui. As feng shui became more acceptable in western society, psychologists have began  studying the effects feng shui practiced at home can have on people and their overall mood and outlook on life.

In the principles of feng shui there are some key factors that are said to impact an individual’s mood. These factors are mostly found in living spaces. According to the philosophy behind feng shui, the color, arrangement and organization of one’s living space can have a direct impact on their day to day mood and outlook on life. Looking at these factors from a physiological standpoint, many of these variables are legitimate.

Color

Feng shui laws deem the color of one’s living space to have a direct impact on their mood. Multiple psychological studies have shown that color does have a noticeable effect on the human mind. It was found in a study done by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, that the mind often associates certain colors with certain emotions. According to feng shui beliefs each color can spark a different emotion in the human mind. A common example being blue, which is believed to evoke feelings such as peace, trust and confidence. By changing the color of a living space every day mood can be modified to one’s preference.

Arrangement

In the rule of feng shui the arrangement of objects can alter the ambiance of a space. Scientifically speaking all spaces have energy. Believers of feng shui agree that all spaces obtain energy but, by being selective with the placement of objects, such as furniture in a room, energy can remain flowing throughout the space. An example of the particular placement of objects is bed placement. According to feng shui principles beds should always be facing the entrance of a room.

Organization

In feng shui organization plays a key role. The organization of an individual’s living space is believed to have the power to increase or decrease stress and negativity. According to a study done by the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more depressed, fatigued, and had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than women who felt their homes were “restful” and “restorative”. This goes hand in hand with the ideas of feng shui. In feng shui one life can be distressed by simply living in a more simplistic and organized matter. By decluttering a living space one can feel relieved of stress.

Altering an individual’s living space can have an impactful effect on their mood and emotion. By making simple modifications to a living space people can live in a more peaceful and positive manner.