A couple of weeks ago I posted a thread on those elements of architecture that can be shaped to support a positive cancer center experience, to assist patients in various ways during their stays in these centers.
As a side note in researching that thread, I did some reading about
"feng shui":
feng shui (n.):
in Chinese thought a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (chi), and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings. (Bing definition).
And from a website about
feng shui:
"In Asian culture, this philosophy is called the Tao, which translates to mean “the way." Taoism is the way of nature, and all the basic rules of feng shui reflect nature. You can incorporate feng shui into your own home to create balance and flow, both in your home's design and in your overall life."
"Chi refers to vital life force or energy. It is an important aspect of designing a room with feng shui. A large room with little furniture can cause an overwhelm of chi, making you feel lost. On the other hand, a small room that’s packed with clutter doesn’t give chi space to move, resulting in feelings of stagnation."
"Feng Shui revolves around the principle of energy flow. The goal is to create a balance of Yin (passive energy) and Yang (active energy). This balance promotes a harmonious flow of Chi. Clutter, poor lighting, and wrong furniture placement can block this flow, leading to stagnant energy."Believers claim that the practice of feng shui can play a role in promoting a disease-free environment, to include measures that are even anti-cancer in nature.
From the article linked below:
"If you or someone you know is dealing with a terminal illness like cancer, see what you can do about their environment. Our environment affects us and what we surround ourselves with makes all the difference. How we feel affects our outcomes. A person in a well-designed Feng Shui space can live out whatever time they have left in joy and peace. Those with chronic illnesses can heal faster. The positive energy can lift their own energy and create well-being and peace of mind."
"Feng Shui is not a magic bullet or cure. It moves energy so things get back to their natural state."Reportedly, some ways to use feng shui to accomplish this (texts in parentheses are my own comments) :
"Make sure the room has enough natural (emphasis natural) light"
"Use warm, soothing colors on the walls like peaches, creams, light tans, light yellows (like candlelight). Stay away from blues as they are too cold, and greens, as they make people look sick."
"Have a few personal items that are meaningful and make the person happy, but not too much. We don’t want clutter (which is always bad in any aspect of feng shui)."
"Play the person’s favorite music. This creates flow in the room as well. We need movement or else we have stagnation. Illness in the body is from stagnation. The body’s natural chi is not moving well. It is blocked."
"Add an air filter. (Helps in removing stagnant, unmoving, energy from a room)."
"Don’t use ceiling fans. The blades of the fan create a “cutting chi” over the person."
"Use healing aromatherapy oils ... Lavender is relaxing. Eucalyptus is energizing. Peppermint is good for congestion."
"If your loved one can be moved to another room occasionally, it’s a good idea. (The chi should be in motion. Things staying in place for too long promotes stagnation)"
"Be aware of the energy you bring into the room of a sick person. Even people entering the room can bring this (negative energy) in. I always remember the children who were ill at the hospital where I worked, having such happy faces even though they were often in pain. It was the parents who came in daily with sad faces. The poor kids were trying to cheer them up most of the time."
"(Burn dried sage in the room) ... It (the smoke) gets rid of negative thoughts, emotions that either you or others have brought into the room and got stored there."
"Have a picture or painting of something that makes you happy opposite your bed, so you see it when you wake up and when you go to bed. NO mirrors opposite the bed as they disturb nighttime chi."
"Keep electronics across (on the far side of) the room. Electronics give off EMF’s, electromagnetic frequencies which are damaging to our energy fields and our brains. Makes it harder to sleep and for the body to heal."
"Add natural plants with rounded leaves ... They are good for adding energy to a room and creating better health. Not too many. Fresh cut flowers and blooming plants also work well if they stay fresh."From:
https://designforenergy.com/feng-shui-for-cancer-patients/-Some other comments from the link below:
"The practice of Feng Shui dates back thousands of years and centers around achieving optimal energy flow, known as chi, in one’s surroundings. By aligning furniture arrangement, colors, lighting, and other elements within a space, individuals can create an environment that supports overall well-being. As research continues to reveal the intricate connection between mind, body, and environment, people are increasingly curious about
how Feng Shui principles can affect their health outcomes."
"In cancer care, mindfulness can help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with treatments. Creating a space that promotes mindfulness can be achieved by incorporating soothing sounds like flowing water or gentle chimes, as well as including comfortable seating or cushions to encourage moments of stillness and reflection."
"Intention setting is also key when incorporating Feng Shui in cancer care. It involves focusing one’s thoughts and energy towards specific goals or outcomes. By setting clear intentions for healing, strength, or recovery within a carefully designed space, individuals can align their actions with their desired outcomes. This can be done by placing objects like crystals or symbols that represent their intentions in strategic
locations throughout the environment."
"Overall, by incorporating these practices of positive affirmation, mindfulness, and intention setting within a Feng Shui framework into cancer care settings such as support groups or treatment centers, individuals can cultivate an environment that empowers them on their journey towards better health. It helps to create spaces that not only support physical healing but also nurture emotional well-being, providing a holistic approach to cancer care."
"In conclusion, Feng Shui offers an ancient Chinese practice that can have a profound impact on our health and overall well-being. Through the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and chi energy, we can create a harmonious and balanced environment that supports optimal health."
https://www.fengshuinew.com/feng-shui-health-cancer/From a Western viewpoint, such an approach to optimizing conditions for health improvement may seem curious and unconventional. Some may even view it as simply "common sense" measures codified into a kind of popularized approach to practicing medicine.
As to what feng shui really is, l found one descript
ion of it that I thought came close to summarizing it:
"Feng shui is neither science nor superstition. Its something somewhere in between."But however we might characterize it, the fact is that if some of its tenets do seem to work, and possibly even in our own situations, then they serve as one more tool for use in anti-cancer actions, regardless of their philosophical origins.
But from an Oriental perspective, they do seem to have proved themselves.