Orient Your Bed North-South For Better Sleep

The direction in which we sleep may have an impact on our health, according to traditions such as Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra. It is widely believed that sleeping with your head pointing north is harmful to your health. This belief is based on the idea that the Earth's magnetic field, which extends from north to south, will cause the positive poles of the Earth and your body (your head) to repel each other, leading to sleep disorders, nightmares, and health issues. In Hindu tradition, the north is also associated with death, as it is believed to be the route the soul takes when leaving the body. As such, sleeping with your head facing north is considered impure and is advised against. On the other hand, sleeping towards the south is considered beneficial as it creates a harmonious energy exchange with the Earth, promoting health, happiness, and deep sleep.

The Hindu belief is that the north is the route the soul takes to exit the body, so sleeping in that direction is impure

In Hinduism, the north is considered the route the soul takes to exit the body. This is why, in Hindu custom, a corpse is laid with its head pointing north until cremation.

According to Hindu belief, sleeping with your head pointing north is undesirable because it goes against the Earth's magnetic field. The human body is thought to be like a magnetic pole, with the top of the head positively charged and the bottom of the feet negatively charged. When you sleep with your head to the north, the positive poles repel each other, creating a subconscious conflict that can cause you to wake up feeling exhausted. This magnetic phenomenon is also thought to affect the circulation of blood, causing stress, illness, and disturbance of the mind.

Vastu Shastra, the traditional Hindu "science of architecture", teaches that sleeping with your head pointing north may result in misery, frustration, crankiness, lack of emotional stability, diminished willpower, and physical ailments. Ayurvedic physician Robert E. Svoboda says:

> Sleeping with your head into the north draws energy out of the body, disturbing body-mind-spirit integration.

Japanese tradition also considers sleeping with your head to the north to be a "bad omen" because the direction is reminiscent of death.

However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific research on the effects of sleep direction. While some studies have found that sleeping in the north-south position improves sleep quality and lowers blood pressure, others have shown that it has no effect on sleep quality.

The direction you sleep in can affect your blood pressure

According to the ancient Hindu architectural tradition of Vastu Shastra, the direction in which you sleep can have a significant impact on your health, including your blood pressure. Vastu Shastra seeks to balance the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and create a harmonious living environment.

The Earth's Magnetic Field

The Earth's core contains iron and spins at a high speed, generating a magnetic field that extends from north to south. This magnetic field plays a crucial role in understanding the potential effects of sleep direction. The human body is believed to have its own magnetic properties, with the head being positively charged and the feet negatively charged.

North vs. South

When you sleep with your head facing north, it is thought that the positive poles of the Earth and your body repel each other, leading to an "internal struggle." This conflict is believed to cause sleep disorders, nightmares, and increased blood pressure. Additionally, the magnetic pull of the north direction attracts iron in the blood, which can accumulate in the brain and lead to headaches.

On the other hand, sleeping with your head facing south is considered optimal. This arrangement creates a harmonious exchange of energy, promoting health, happiness, and deep sleep. It aligns with the Earth's electromagnetic field, reducing the risk of high blood pressure.

Scientific Research

While the traditions of Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui strongly advise against sleeping in the north direction, scientific research on this topic is limited. Some studies have found that animals tend to align their bodies in a north-south direction when resting, supporting the idea that humans may also have an internal magnetic compass. However, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking sleep direction to blood pressure changes.

Other Directions

According to Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, sleeping with your head facing east is ideal for students and scholars as it boosts memory and concentration. Sleeping west is considered mixed, with some sources suggesting it is ideal for success-driven individuals, while others claim it leads to neutral or unsettling dreams.

While the traditional beliefs surrounding sleep direction are intriguing, more scientific research is needed to confirm these effects, particularly regarding blood pressure changes. However, if you're looking for a good night's rest and improved overall health, it might be worth experimenting with different sleep directions to see what works best for you.

Sleeping facing north can cause nightmares and sleep disorders

The key to understanding this is magnetism. The Earth has a magnetic field that goes from north to south. When you sleep facing north, you make the positive pole of the Earth coincide with the positive pole of your body, which is located in your head. This creates a repelling force, causing an "internal struggle" between your body and the planet. This can lead to nightmares and sleep disorders, and you may wake up feeling tired.

Some people also claim that this polarity can affect blood circulation and raise cholesterol. The magnetic pull of the north attracts iron, which gets accumulated in the brain, leading to headaches.

In addition, the Hindu tradition believes that when the soul dies, it leaves the body and travels north. Therefore, sleeping in that direction is considered impure and is reserved only for lucid dreaming and astral travel.

According to Vastu Shastra, sleeping with your head towards the north can have disastrous consequences. It draws energy out of the body, disrupting mind-body integration and leading to potential major sickness and sleep deprivation.

So, if you've been experiencing sleep issues, it might be worth trying to change your sleeping direction!

Feng shui promotes positive energy in the bedroom

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that aims to create balance and harmony in living spaces by optimising the flow of chi, or energy. By arranging the bedroom according to feng shui principles, one can promote health, wealth, and happiness. Here are some ways in which feng shui promotes positive energy in the bedroom:

Bedroom Layout and Furniture Placement

According to feng shui, the bedroom is the most important room in the house. The bed should be positioned centrally in the room, against a wall but not pushed up against it, allowing energy to flow around it. This is known as the "commanding position" in feng shui. The bed should also be placed diagonally from the door so that it is in your sight line but not directly in front of it. This arrangement is believed to promote a sense of safety and security. Additionally, equal space should be left on either side of the bed to create balance and symmetry.

Sleeping Position and Direction

Feng shui principles suggest that sleeping with your head pointing southward is ideal. This aligns with traditional Chinese practices influenced by the southern winds and the belief that it aligns your body with the earth's electromagnetic field. Sleeping in this direction is said to improve sleep quality and promote health and prosperity.

Clutter and Electronics

Feng shui promotes a clutter-free and tidy space to allow for the smooth flow of chi. It is recommended to keep the space under the bed clear, as this allows the qi, or life force energy, to flow freely. Electronics are also discouraged in the bedroom as they emit electromagnetic fields that can disturb sleep and create negative energy.

Natural Elements and Lighting

Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural fabrics, and materials like wood and stone can promote a sense of tranquility and calmness. Natural light and airflow are also important, so it is recommended to keep windows open during the day to let in daylight and fresh air. Soft, ambient lighting is also preferred to create a relaxing atmosphere and enhance sleep quality.

Colours and Artwork

Soothing, muted colours such as beiges, creams, and earthy tones are recommended in the bedroom to promote relaxation. Colours like cool blues and pale greens are also suggested if you want to feel rejuvenated and vitalised. When it comes to artwork, feng shui practitioners suggest selecting pieces that evoke happiness and encourage love, avoiding any aggressive or unsettling imagery.

By following these feng shui principles, one can create a bedroom that promotes positive energy and enhances overall well-being.

According to Vastu Shastra, the best direction to sleep in is towards the south

Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system of architecture that provides guidance on how to design spaces to align with natural forces and energies. According to Vastu Shastra, the best direction to sleep in is with your head pointed south and your feet pointed north. This is because the south-facing direction is believed to align with the earth's electromagnetic field, which can result in improved sleep quality and lower blood pressure.

The practice of Vastu Shastra views buildings as living organisms that can be designed in harmony with the energy of the universe. It is based on Hindu mythology and beliefs, such as the concept that the human body has its own north and south poles, similar to the Earth. By sleeping with your head towards the south, you align your body's magnetic energy with that of the Earth, creating a harmonious exchange of energy.

Additionally, sleeping in the south direction is associated with Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, and is considered auspicious for inviting prosperity and abundance. It is also believed to promote health, happiness, and overall well-being.

However, it is important to note that these recommendations are based on the assumption that you live in the Northern Hemisphere. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite direction would be optimal, with your head facing north and your feet facing south.

Following Vastu Shastra principles for bed placement and sleeping directions can help create a peaceful and rejuvenating sleeping experience. It is believed to bring stability, calmness, and positive energy, enhancing your overall sleep quality and well-being.

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