6 Ways Houseplants Can Cleanse Your Space
Counter negative energy with plants as Feng Shui house cures
"Often, we find buildings and structures that are in bad health--otherwise known as the Sick Building Syndrome, that can cause illness and anxiety to those who use these spaces," says Kristine Munoz of Bespoke Design Studio.
Munoz explains that Feng Shui can be considered as the modern equivalent of what we now call "green design," where we try to work within the laws of nature to create and improve health and well-being. There are a variety of simple cures involving plants and other garden elements. Plants, as she mentions in this article, create positive chi and can help counteract the hardness of architectural elements.
Here, Munoz identifies six general, green cures for spaces:
1. Lighten dark areas
Always allow light to shine through to dark areas to improve the flow of chi. That said, Munoz advises against allowing plants to grow too thick. Instead, opt for fresh flowers or simple foliage that will brighten the spot.
2. Encourage movement
Chi follows a dynamic and sinuous movement so the layout of a space should encourage organic movement as well. Plants-wise, consider ornamental grasses as these move with the wind.
3. Establish stillness
If the energies are too strong and restless in an area, then this can also be seen as disruptive. Create stillness by placing large and heavy objects such as pots to serve as the grounding and calming element. If there is too much movement or activity, incorporating straight lines may be what's needed. Planting bamboo can create balance and subdue the overly active movement of energy. Just use a variety with very little bending or curving. The use of trellises may be ideal on balconies.
4. Introduce sound
A way to introduce beneficial chi into an area that is too dark or stagnant may be to use plants that encourage sound. It could be a plant that rustles in the breeze or one that attracts insects or birds, encouraging happy sounds from these critters.
5. Use color
Colorful foliage and flowers not only enhance the visual appeal of your softscape, but can also enhance the yang energy through their vibrancy. Alternatively, subdued colors may be used if the intention is to enhance the yin energy.
6. Incorporate objects
Some objects can also be considered as powerful cures or remedies. Garden implements or tools may not only add points of interest, but these are also believes to carry inherent energy that can be physically communicated into the immediate environment. For instance, a heavy pot can represent stability as in the example above, and rakes and brooms can imply movement.
