Which Direction Is Best To Sleep In Per Vastu Shastra?
What Is Vastu Shastra?
Vastu Shastra in Sanskrit means science of architecture. Vastu Shastra is believed to have originated during the Vedic period.
Feng shui, an ancient Chinese traditional practice, has become much more prevalent than Vastu Shastra in recent decades, so we assume that you first want to know if Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra are similar. The resemblance certainly exists. Both are based on the flow of energy, called ‘Prana’ in Sanskrit and ‘Chi(Qi)’ in Chinese, so we can say that the basis is the same.
But, Vaastu Shastra is much more based on science, while Feng Shui is sometimes considered a superstitious practice. Vaastu Shastra is a system of architecture that combines the classical principles of mathematics, geometry and geology with religion, philosophy and spiritualism to achieve a harmonized flow of energy.
It is believed that the Earth is a living organism and that there are 5 elements: Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Believe it or not, the Vaastu Shastra concept has proven to be very effective architecturally, and Angkor Wat, temple complex in Cambodia, is the best example. Angkor Wat is UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built on Vastu Shastra principles.
North, East, West, South
You will notice that Vastu Shastra sleep tips always apply to the four cardinal points – North, East, West, South. Head direction is taken as essential for determining which cardinal directions you are sleeping towards. Earth’s electromagnetic field is important but also beliefs, primarily from the Hindu tradition.
Why should you sleep pointing your head towards the South?
According to Vastu Shastra, you should point your head towards the south. While this is not the only direction good for sleeping, it is considered the best. We must note that this is true for people living in the northern hemispheres, while for those living in the southern hemispheres, the opposite is accurate. In the following paragraphs, we will focus on scientific explanations, but we will now mention another reason why you should sleep facing south according to Vastu Shastra.
In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, there is a god of south direction, called Yama. Yama is also the god of death and dharma. It is believed that you will have very deep sleep if your head is in the South.
Lowers the blood pressure
High blood pressure, called hypertension, is one of the leading health problems in the developed world. Hypertension occurs as a result of unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, high blood cholesterol, but also stress. If left untreated, it will cause numerous heart diseases. If you have a problem with high blood pressure, alongside lifestyle changes, you should also check if you are sleeping towards the south.
Lining up with the Earth’s magnetic field
The Earth has a geomagnetic field, and it also has North and South magnetic poles. Poles are close to geographic poles, but they are not 100% on the same place, since magnetic poles move very slowly. These changes are very slow so they do not affect the operation of the compass, and at some point a geomagnetic reversal occurs. The geomagnetic field has an effect on sleep, so you need to sleep in alignment with it.
Improves the sleep quality
When you sleep with your head facing south that will improve your sleep in several ways. It can lower your blood pressure and reduce problems with headaches. Also when you sleep in alignment with a geomagnetic field, the flow of energy will be unimpeded.
Is it wrong to sleep in other directions then?
No, it is not wrong to sleep in other directions. South is preferable, but east is also a good direction. The sun rises in the East and that is why sleeping towards the east is also very good for you. It is considered to be the best option for all those who use their cognitive functions a lot, such as students because it will improve their concentration and boost their memory. The north should be avoided, and the west is neutral. There is no research that shows that sleeping towards the west is either harmful or beneficial for you.
Avoid facing the North
Once again, this is true for those living in the northern hemisphere. And why, according to Vastu Shastra principles, one should not sleep towards the north? Because when someone dies while waiting for cremation, he should be facing north. It is believed that when the soul leaves the body, it does so to the north. The reason is the magnetic pull of the Earth’s electromagnetic field. You probably won’t lose your soul that way, but your night’s sleep can be disturbed.
More time needed for entering the REM phase
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is significantly different from non-REM sleep and many scientists believe that REM sleep is most important. During the REM phase, sleep stimulates different parts of the brain and leads to improved cognitive functions, as well as overall well-being. It usually takes about 90 minutes for you to reach REM sleep. A correlation was found between sleeping towards north and slower onset of REM sleep.
What else can you do to improve your sleep quality if you already sleep pointing South?
You already sleep pointing South, but wake up often, you can't fall asleep fast or your energy level is low in the morning. Then you need to change some more things in your bedroom, to make the environment perfect for sleeping. Most of the following advices make chances both for followers of Vastu Shastra and in general.
Remove any clutter
Clutter, especially in the bedroom, creates a feeling of anxiety. If you have a feeling that everything will fall on you, you can't sleep well. Also, the clutter prevents energy from flowing and therefore you should take care of the clutter as soon as possible.
Remove electronics
You should avoid using electronics at least one hour before bedtime. Blue screen negatively affects the secretion of melatonin, a sleep hormone and so you can disrupt the circadian cycle. Electronics can also negatively affect electromagnetic fields, so leave your smartphone and tablet in the living room.
Stick to Feng Shui principles
Since both Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui are based on the flow of universal energy, sometimes called cosmic current, then you can apply the principles from both. There are clear Feng Shui rules about bedroom layout. Once you arrange the bedroom in this way, you will have a harmonious and pleasant sleep environment.
Paint your bedroom according to Vata Dosha principles
Colours are very important in almost all Eastern traditions. While Feng Shui recommends certain colors for a specific purpose, for example, red for power and white for money, Vastu Shastra has a different approach. It is believed that one colour cannot be the same for everyone, but the colours are chosen individually. When you choose your color, then paint your bedroom.
Point your headboard towards the South or West
Headboard is especially important for Feng Shui. It is believed that the headboard is most important for the relationship with your partner, but also for sleeping, because it gives you a sense of security. If your bed doesn’t have a headboard, buy one, and in case you don’t have room, two large pillows can be a replacement.
Avoid mirrors that are on the opposite side of bed
If you do not want your partner to cheat on you, never place a mirror on the opposite side of the bed, at least according to Feng Shui. A mirror can bring in someone else’s energy and that can be a reason for infidelity. The mirror on the opposite side of the bed can affect anxiety, not just infidelity.
No window behind the bed
Always put a bed against the wall and not against the window. If the bed is under the window, your energy, whether you call it Qi or Prana, will flow outside, and you will have a very restless sleep. Unlike windows, a wall will give you a sense of peace.
Place bed on the opposite side of the doorway
Just as you shouldn't put a bed by the window, you should place bed on the opposite side of the doorway. This will allow you to sleep well, and will not negatively affect the flow of energy. It is considered bad luck to have your feet facing the doorway, as this suggests that someone is dead.
Conclusion
Some tend to believe in Vastu Shastra, Feng Shui and other similar ancient traditions, and some do not. Whether you follow beliefs or not, you should not a priori refuse to implement at least some of the principles. Many of these principles are based on science and have proven over thousands of years to be very useful both for our health and for the successful construction of famous temples and other buildings.
Vastu Shastra stands out from the others, because it is an advanced architectural method that has survived the test of time. So even if you don't have the opportunity to build your home, adjust what you currently have so that the flow of energy is uninterrupted. It is very easy to turn the bed to the south or east. Also, remove any clutter and electronics. These are all simple tips that can significantly affect the quality of your night's sleep.
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