There are several ways to interpret or work with a bathroom space, based on Feng Shui theory. And there is a difference between remedies IN a bathroom versus FOR a bathroom.
Firstly, we can make note of the location of the bathroom in a house, in relation to main entrance doors, other interior doors, bedrooms, staircase or the kitchen. This has to do with ideas about qi flow (the movement of air currents).
We can also consider the location of a bathroom in relation to its literal direction, such as a bathroom in the northwest or a bathroom in the east sector. Each directional zone is related to a family member, so a bathroom in ill-repair could undermine the associated family member. Example: West is related to the youngest daughter in the family, so a leaky toilet in that direction could affect the youngest daughter in the house.
Sometimes a bathroom takes up an entire directional sector, in which case it may not be necessary to do any remedies since most people do not spend nearly as much time in the bathroom as other rooms (we can hope).
However, sometimes a bathroom needs a remedy for no other reason than the fact that it may be the only practical location to place a remedy that will influence other parts of the same zone. For example: Let’s say that a certain area taken up by a bathroom and just the bed space in an adjacent bedroom needs the water element. With no space or practical ability to put a fountain (water feature) around or under the bed, one could use the sink counter space in a bathroom. A fountain can be positioned in a bathroom for the benefit of the person sleeping in the bed, more so than for the bathroom itself.
When it comes to treating a bathroom, there are as many Feng Shui Bathroom Myths as kitchen myths. Some of the misguided notions have to do with arcane concepts which are no longer relevant because of modern plumbing where the yin energies of elimination are separate and contained with no need to be concerned, for example, if a bathroom is right next to a kitchen (a food prep area) or a room where people spend a lot of time.
Although not critical to the well-being of occupants, some bathrooms designs will look and feel better than others. This subjective aspect, over time, could influence the people using the bathroom. There are ways to design a bathroom to look and feel bigger, brighter, and even more “inviting.” If it is imperative for someone to relax in order to relieve himself, then these design features could actually help a person’s health indirectly. With modern ventilation systems, it is not essential for a bathroom to have a window, although given a choice most people prefer having a window versus windowless.
Author: Kartar Diamond
Company: Feng Shui Solutions ®
From the Feng Shui Architecture & Design Blog Series
