The chi energy of the west favours romance and contentment, making it an ideal location for a master bedroom. This position fulfils the principal requirements of promoting relaxation, restful sleep and the quiet privacy necessary to foster intimate relationships. But the room should also contain lively, uplifting, cheerful elements to make it a pleasant place in which to wake up and begin the day. There is a playful aspect to the chi energy of the west which will produce this effect.
LIGHTING
Soft yin lighting isrestful and intimate. Lampshades diffuse the harshness of electric light. Candles provide a more natural romantic glow and, if placed in the north-east, they support soil energy.
PLANTS
Round-leaved plants are soothing and, in the west or. north-west of the room, help to maintain metal energy.
STORAGE
Have plenty of cupboard and wardrobe space, and keep clothes and possessions tucked away. Cupboards in alcoves or across an entire wall help reduce cutting chi.
A wood-framed bed has a neutral effect on chi energy. A headboard protects your head from a fast flow of energy, though if your bed is against a wall this is less important.
Place your bed in a favourable direction. Sleeping with your head pointing north-west enhances the chi energy of leadership, organization and responsibility — good for parents. Wherever you sleep, you should be able to see the door and windows from your bed.
BED LINEN
To create a harmonious flow of chi energy next to your skin, use bed linen made of cotton, linen or silk. Shades of pink and circular patterns support the chi energy of the west. Do not leave beds unmade during the day.
FURNITURE
Bedroom furniture should have round edges. Sharp corners should not face the bed. Cutting chi directed at you while you sleep will disturb your chi energy and could affect your health.
FLOOR COVERING
Soft yin materials slow chi energy and create a relaxing atmosphere, so a fitted carpet is ideal in a bedroom.
WINDOW TREATMENT
Full draped or ruched curtains slow the flow of chi energy through the windows at night and so promote restful sleep. Keep them tightly dos while you sleep, especially if the window is open.
WALL COVERING
Pastel colours are more yin and calming. Pink is harmonious in west locations.
PAINTINGS
Avoid reflective yang surfaces in bedrooms; tapestries or pictures with no or non-reflecting glass are appropriate. Placing objects such as pictures, candles and table lamps in pairs symbolizes intimacy.
THINGS TO AVOID IN A BEDROOM
SHARP CORNERS
Because of the length of time you spend sleeping, it is especially important to avoid cutting chi in bedrooms, especially if it is directed at the bed. Avoid spiky plants and square or rectangular furniture near the bed. MIRRORS These reflect your own chi back at you while you sleep and impede the process of getting rid of old emotions. Do not have them at all in bedrooms, or cover or turn them to the wall at night.
YANG MATERIALS
Hard shiny surfaces like glass, metal and marble speed up chi energy and could prevent you getting a good night’s sleep.
EN SUITE BATHROOMS
These are undesirable because bathrooms introduce a heavier, damper atmosphere into bedrooms, and may drain them of healthy chi. Keep the door to an en suite bathroom closed, or screen the entrance with a curtain.
