Healing Spaces of the Home
We all know that our environment plays a huge role in maintaining our health—good food, movement, and self-care are key, but we mustn’t forget the spaces in which we spend most of our time. No matter how healthy we eat or how much we move, if we're living in a space that feels chaotic or stagnant, it can seriously impact our well-being and growth. Our living space plays a huge role in shaping our energy, mindset, and even our physical health. That's why creating one that is personal, curated, and built for healing can be the change you need.
This isn’t about perfection, it is about creating a space that nurtures your own unique energy and gives you a sense of peace. The tips in this article are just that; if something doesn’t speak to you personally, that is completely fine!
Free Flow of Qi
In TCM, we speak a lot about Qi, it is our vital energy, Qi keeps things moving, it sustains life. We have Qi all throughout our bodies, as well as the air we breathe, food we eat, etc.— you get the picture. When Qi is blocked or depleted, symptoms appear. The energy needs to go somewhere or is asking for some attention, so your body starts creating signals to let you know.
Our personal spaces need room for Qi-flow as well. Imagine Qi as flowing in and around you, it carries information, ideas, and purpose; if there is clutter throughout your whole room, you are going to feel this clutter mirrored internally. Items hold the energy placed within them, if you are keeping old or dirty things around- don’t expect that energy to help you move forward in your life or in your health.
To identify these areas of stagnation, walk through your space— is there a spot that is catching your attention, do you feel any stuck energy? Maybe it’s a dresser full of cramped clothes, or a junk-drawer. Start small and feel your way through.
2. Yin & Yang and The Elements
In order to maintain balance, we need fluidity— balance doesn’t come from keeping two things equal and stagnant, balance is about ebbs and flows to keep harmony. If our spaces are too concentrated in one aspect of yin and yang or one element, it will create disharmony or unbalance. To avoid this, mix yin and yang elements such as cool and warm tones. I also enjoy having a little bit of each of the elements incorporated into my spaces. This can look like a wood bookcase with a plant on it, gold sconces or candle holders for the metal element, the candles themselves bring in some fire, ceramics and stone pieces for earth, glass decor can be used to incorporate water. You can consider the context of the art you decorate with as well.
For example, homes that have a heavy wood element can create spaces of anger or LV qi stagnation. To balance or offset the abundance of wood, incorporate the element that controls and tones down wood, which is metal. This can mean adding a mirror, actual metal elements such as lamps or sculptures, colors associated with the metal element like white or gray, or natural metals such as copper,
3. Feng Shui + TCM Connection
Feng Shui is all about aligning your space with positive free flow of Qi (energy), and it has a lot to do with where things are placed. This article explains that Feng Shui is about trapping Qi in ways that it can be harnessed to help you. It also mentions bringing astrology into the equation to make it more “you”, (Chia, 2011, p. 44). You can keep things simple or get really deep and start considering directions and their meanings for placement too.
4. Stimulating the Senses
Our senses play a large role in our mood and experiences. Scents, sounds, and colors can instantly shift your energy. If you want to feel relaxed, a soothing scent like lavender or sandalwood will do wonders, citrus can create an uplifting feeling, and scents such as vetiver can produce grounding effects. Soft music, or the sound of rain or wind, can also help create a calm vibe. You can take it a step further and research the effects of these scents and incorporate those elements into your space. Try using essential oils or a diffuser in your space to promote even more healing. And as for color—earthy tones are calming, but if you need a burst of energy, don’t be afraid to add in some bold, vibrant accents.
5. A Healing Corner
Whether you meditate, journal, read or just need a quiet spot to breathe, it’s so important to carve out a space for these activities. It doesn’t have to be anything grand or fancy—a simple cushion or chair will do, as long as it’s a place where you can ground yourself and connect to your inner peace. Add a few calming touches such as a cozy blanket, a soft candle, a favorite book or a special journaling pen. Let it be your sanctuary for quiet moments.
At tbe end of the day, your healing space is yours and should be whatever feels right to you. Just keep in mind that you want the energy to be flowing, keep your space clean, not just of trash but of negative and heavy energy as well. I like to keep my windows open a crack when I clean and imagine I am clearing the negativity out as well. Start curating your space and see how it affects the bigger picture!
Tori Olsen L.Ac.
Reference
Chia, P. (2011). Feng Shui for health: The key to good health and a happy home. Tuttle Publishing. https://books.google.com/books?id=Rw1htiqAqWgC&pg=PA12
