References and Studies

Investigating Feng Shui’s Impact on Well-Being: Insights from Virtual Reality and Psychophysiological Studies

Recent research has delved into the influence of feng shui principles on physiological and psychological well-being, employing virtual reality (VR) environments and psychophysiological measurements. Notably, two peer-reviewed studies have explored this intersection:

“Using Virtual Reality to Explore the Effects of Feng Shui on Physiology and Psychology” by Peng et al. (2023): This study examined how living rooms designed with varying feng shui conditions affect individuals’ physiological and psychological states. Participants experienced these environments through VR headsets while their heart rate variability (HRV) was monitored. The findings indicated that spaces with favourable feng shui conditions led to more stable HRV readings and enhanced comfort, whereas poor feng shui environments were associated with unstable HRV patterns and increased anxiety.

Peng, C. H., Yen, I. W., & Zheng, M. C. (2023). Using Virtual Reality to Explore the Effects of Feng Shui on Physiology and Psychology. Affective and Pleasurable Design, 71, 140–149. https://openaccess.cms-conferences.org/publications/book/978-1-958651-47-6/article/978-1-958651-47-6_15

“Is Fengshui a Science or Superstition? A New Approach Combining the Physiological and Psychological Measurement of Indoor Environments” by Jin and Juan (2021): This research utilised VR to simulate indoor spaces adhering to feng shui guidelines and assessed participants’ physiological responses using HRV metrics alongside psychological evaluations. The results demonstrated that environments incorporating feng shui principles positively influenced both physiological and psychological parameters, suggesting a scientific basis for feng shui in enhancing human comfort.

Jin, Z., & Juan, Y. K. (2021). Is Fengshui a Science or Superstition? A New Approach Combining the Physiological and Psychological Measurement of Indoor Environments. Building and Environment, 201, 107992. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132321003966?via%3Dihub

Building upon these studies, a forthcoming research project titled “Feng Shui Application in Bedroom and Workplace Designs: A Scientific Study of Personal and Transpersonal Preferences” is currently underway by Jan Cisek, a feng shui consultant and PhD researcher at Liverpool John Moores University. This study aims to investigate how feng shui principles applied in bedroom and workplace designs influence personal and transpersonal preferences, with practical implications for wellness, sleep quality, and productivity. The research will utilise virtual reality settings and psychophysiological measures, including heart rate, respiration, electrodermal activity, skin conductance levels, and eye tracking, to assess participants’ responses to various feng shui designs.

Cisek, J. (n.d.). Exploring Bedroom and Workplace Design Preferences: A Research Study. The Feng Shui Society. Retrieved from https://www.fengshuisociety.org.uk/event/exploring-bedroom-and-workplace-design-preferences-a-research-study/

Collectively, these three studies underscore the potential of integrating feng shui principles into interior design to promote physiological and psychological well-being, utilising advanced technologies such as virtual reality and psychophysiological assessments.

Other studies

Bruun, O. (2008). An Introduction to Feng Shui. Cambridge University Press. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/an-introduction-to-feng-shui/D865F3F94A854703B36D7780431C9D63

Cheng, K. K., & Kong, L. (2013). Feng Shui and Urban Planning: Integrating Traditional Wisdom with Contemporary Design. Routledge. Publisher’s page: https://www.routledge.com/Feng-Shui-and-Urban-Planning-Integrating-Traditional-Wisdom-with-Contemporary-Design/Cheng-Kong/p/book/9780415695670

Han, F. (2018). Cultural Dimensions of Feng Shui Practices in Modern Society. Asian Journal of Cultural Studies. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

He, R., & Luo, X. (2019). Comparative Analysis of Feng Shui Schools and Their Impact on Architectural Practices. Architectural Review Journal. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

Lip, E. (1997). Feng Shui for Harmony in Living and Working Spaces. Oxford University Press. Publisher’s page: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/feng-shui-for-harmony-in-living-and-working-spaces-9780195908701

Ma, S., & Fu, L. (2020). The Role of Feng Shui in Sustainable Design and Green Architecture. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

Mak, M. Y., & So, A. T. (2015). Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment. Springer. Available at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-44529-4

Wang, X., & Purnell, G. (2019). Psychological and Spatial Effects of Feng Shui in the Workplace. Journal of Applied Psychology. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

Yoon, H. (2006). Feng Shui: Theoretical Foundations and Contemporary Adaptations. East Asian Cultural Studies Journal. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

Zang, Q. (2014). Feng Shui and the Phenomenology of Space: Alternative Interpretations. Journal of Architectural Theory. Please consult your institution’s library or contact the publisher for access.

Heliyon Journal (2023). Empirical and Quantitative Studies of Feng Shui: A Systematic Review. Open Access. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19532

International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (2021). Feng Shui: A Comprehensive Review of its Effectiveness Based on Evaluation Studies. Open Access. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31695/IJASRE.2021.34103

Mak, M. Y. (2004). Application of Feng Shui Knowledge to Preliminary Design Evaluation using Knowledge-Based Expert Systems Approach. PhD Thesis, University of Newcastle, Australia https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:22415

He, Xiaoxin. (1998). Feng Shui: Chinese Tradition in a Manchester Context. PhD thesis. University of Manchester

Empirical and quantitative studies of Feng Shui: A systematic review

Lee, S.-H. (1986). Feng Shui:  Its Context and Meaning. Doctoral dissertation, Cornell University. UMI

Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment – Fundamentals and Case Studies

Fang, X., Pan, Y., & Wu, H. (2022). Feng-Shui Compass: A Modern Exploration of Traditional Chinese Environmental Analysis. arXiv

This study introduces a device and methodology to assess ambient environmental factors within a room, aiming to predict an individual’s well-being score. The research seeks to quantify feng shui principles through empirical data, bridging traditional Chinese environmental analysis with contemporary scientific approaches.

This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on integrating feng shui concepts with environmental psychology, offering a novel perspective on how traditional practices can be examined using modern scientific methods.

Bonaiuto, M., Bilotta, E., & Stolfa, A. (2010). ‘Feng Shui’ and Environmental Psychology: A Critical Comparison. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 27(1), 23–34. JSTOR

This paper provides a comprehensive comparison between the principles of feng shui and environmental psychology. The authors examine how both disciplines aim to design environments that promote well-being, highlighting similarities and differences in their approaches. The study underscores the need for systematic methods to scientifically evaluate the effects of feng shui on human well-being.

Kryžanowski, Š. (2019). A Comparative Analysis of Selected Recommendations of the Feng Shui School of Form, Alexander et al.’s Pattern Language, and Findings of Environmental Psychology. Urbani izziv, 30(2), 124–137. Academia

In this comparative analysis, the author investigates the consistency between 118 recommendations from the feng shui school of form, Alexander et al.’s pattern language, and findings in environmental psychology. The results indicate that a significant portion of feng shui recommendations align with principles from environmental psychology, suggesting that these traditional guidelines may have practical implications for contemporary design practices.

These studies contribute to the ongoing discourse on integrating traditional environmental design philosophies with modern scientific frameworks, offering a nuanced understanding of how ancient practices like feng shui can inform and enhance current approaches in environmental psychology.

Han, K.-T., & Lin, J.-K. (2023). Empirical and Quantitative Studies of Feng Shui: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1055874. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This systematic review examines empirical and quantitative studies on feng shui, aiming to shed light on its nature, particularly concerning its reliability and validity. The authors analysed 36 articles, revealing that feng shui is associated with housing prices in societies influenced by Chinese culture and that environments adhering to feng shui principles often exhibit favourable environmental features. However, the influence of feng shui on human well-being remains inconclusive, indicating a need for further rigorous empirical research.

These studies contribute to the ongoing discourse on integrating traditional environmental design philosophies with modern scientific frameworks, offering nuanced perspectives on how ancient practices like feng shui can inform and enhance contemporary approaches in environmental psychology.