Partly as a result due of how it is represented in the media, Feng Shui is frequently considered a somewhat mystical or mysterious idea difficult to study or to substantiate. Laboratory research, however, indicates that some aspects of Feng Shui actually do have a proven positive effect on attitude and disposition. Traditional Feng Shui practices endeavour to create a harmonious environment that helps its occupants become happy and relaxed. Some studies on Feng Shui techniques demonstrate that some aspects definitely have scientific support.



Lighting is one specific area where Feng Shui rules can be perceived as having a scientific basis for their success. Certainly, there is every indication that using Feng Shui techniques as a way to light your home will prove to be a notable choice, especially if the question is focused on whether lighting your home in accordance with Feng Shui principles will improve your quality of life. According to the relevant scientific knowledge we currently have on the subject of lighting and emotion, the practice of Feng Shui offers, by creating a soothing atmosphere, a reasonable and feasible procedure for enriching your mood.

By striving to help you create a balanced atmosphere - an important part of achieving that goal is finding lighting solutions, Feng Shui influences the choice by increasing luminosity and visibility without being garish or unpleasantly bright. Consequently, experts in the art of Feng Shui frequently recommend including multiple sources of soft light rather than a single source of strong, bright light. These arrangements mimic the multi-sourced light found in the natural environment. It is also the kind of lighting situation that humans have evolved to see best in. Science backs this up. It informs us that having multiple light sources in a room allows the eye to see depth and contour more easily. This results in optimum visibility.

When we can see and distinguish everything that occupies our space, we are more apt to be calm and relaxed- a very basic effect based on evolutionary process. Our brains are wired to protect us by searching for predators. Although few people in the modern world are consciously afraid of being attacked by a lion or other fierce marauder, we feel more secure when there are no blind spots or dark areas nearby. When you light a room according to the principles a person subconsciously feels certain there are no dangerous predators hidden nearby.

While Feng Shui tradition dictates it is important to use a series of soft lights in different areas of the room to allow the unhampered flow of positive energy throughout the space, there is no way for science to evaluate whether this goal is achieved. Research, however, can tell us that the lighting conditions Feng Shui creates allow for maximum visibility, which promotes repose, tranquility and joy.