The wise men of ancient India spent entire lifetimes studying the interaction between people and their environments, both natural and man-made. Over the centuries, their observations evolved into a set of principles by which people could develop their health and well-being by aligning themselves and their living space with the powers of nature. This ancient perception is being adapted to enhance modern life.

The principals of the ancient science known as Vastu Shastra. “Vastu means building, and shastra means science”. We may compare living by the Vastu principles to swimming with the stream instead of against it. He says buildings designed according these principles — similar to the concepts in Chinese feng shui — capture nature’s most positive influences.

“The most important Vastu principals are that you design in accord with nature, the forces of nature”. “There are these two forces of nature that really persuade us from the time we were born. They distress every cell in our body. That’s the positive solar energy that comes from the East. And the positive magnetic power that comes from the North.”

In a rectangular or square shape, that energy interacts with the five basic elements — earth, water, fire, air and space — in perfect balance. “When they are in balance, our accomplishments are supported, our health is supported, our relationships and our careers are supported”. “When a structure has missing corners or is an odd shape, energy gets stuck when it moves through that environment and creates stress. And stress is really what is keeping us from using our full capability for us to be very productive.”

The incorrect placement of furniture creates unnecessary stress in an background that should be restful and inviting. Some best recommends are placing light furniture in the north and east parts of a room or building, and heavy pieces in the south and west In addition to moving pieces just a little bit away from the walls facilitates energy flow. One piece of advice some often gives them clients is to avoid placing their beds with the headboards to the north.

“Positive magnetic energy comes from the north and our bodies are like a magnet”. “The positive polarity is in the head. And when you sleep with your head to the north, it is like bringing two positive ends of magnets together. They keep away each other. This disturbs your sleep. By sleeping with your head not to the north, whether south or west or east, you can improve your sleep and your health. South is actually the most favorable, because when you sleep, the whole cycle of the forces of nature work through the body to promote deep healing and deep rest.”

There are some recommendations of relocation of the furniture not only in a home but in a office as well. Some crystals, mirrors and colors also contribute to the well-being of a building and its occupants. “Colors have a real impact on us, our emotions, our physical body”. “The placement of colors in the different parts of the house for different functions have a very strong effect on your ability to get a deep rest in the bedroom where you sleep. In the kitchen, you want a different color that stimulates your hunger.”