5 Vastu Hacks to Protect Your Home From Strong Heat Rays

2023 brings a reality check to most climate change naysayers. The scorching summer heat has risen to the next level, with most northern eastern and southeastern states experiencing unprecedented heat waves. While most Indians find air conditioning systems a necessity rather than a luxury, here are some desi hacks that can help make your home both Vastu compliant and reduce your dependence on the HVAC systems by protecting it from the heat rays.

1. Indoor plants for the win

Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of home design, decor, and harmonious living, highly recommends placing indoor plants strategically to attract positive energy. Looking at this from a scientific viewpoint, we know that indoor plants are oxygen bombs that keep the indoor air quality high and the environment cool. Vastu diktats suggest placing a tulsi plant to the northeast, a lucky bamboo plant (dracaena braunii) to the southeast, a potted money plant (epipremnum aureum), rubber plant (ficus elastica), and a snake plant (dracaena trifasciata) in the eastern direction, and an assortment of flowering plants to the west of your home.

2. Vastu colours for cooler homes

Vastu shastra emphasises picking the right colours to harmonise the panchabhuta, or five elements that make up our environment. While traditionally, each direction of the home is assigned certain colours, the living room is the heart of the home, and the best colours for this space include white, off-white or creams, light blues, sea greens, mauves, and pale pinks. Fortunately, these colours are also excellent for absorbing heat rays, leaving your home feeling cool and comfortable in the summer months. Vastu recommends avoiding fiery colours like orange, red, and ochre.

3. Terracotta magic

According to Vastu Shastra, incorporating colours, items, and images representing the earth element brings stability, peace, growth, and good health into our lives. A few generations ago, earthenware and terracotta pots and dishes were common in Indian households. While this may not be feasible anymore, adding terracotta décor, particularly jars and pots that can hold water or act as natural coolers, is a great way to comply with Vastu guidelines while incorporating natural cooling systems into your home décor.

4. Natural curtains

Vetiver curtains and blinds are a common feature in Indian homes. The natural curtain made completely of grass, reeds, and the roots of the khus plant is ideal for homes that receive the direct heat rays of the sun. Traditionally water would be sprinkled in these to enhance the indoor cooling effect, but the contemporary vetiver curtains designed for modern homes come with small pipes that facilitate drip wetting. Vetiver or khus is also a traditional Ayurvedic plant known to enhance air quality and is highly recommended by Vastu Shastra.

5. Indigenous fabric art

Vastu highly recommends using natural fabrics for your household. These are also very good cooling agents and help naturally reduce the indoor temperature. Swap out the synthetic or faux leather sheets, curtains, upholstery, and tapestries with cotton, jute, and natural fibres. Bold geometric prints and natural dyes enhance the beauty of your home while cutting down on the energy bill as well.

Conclusion

While we are all concerned about the rising temperatures in urban settlements and metro cities, it is important to make a concentrated effort to live a natural lifestyle that reduces our carbon footprints. This is the harmonious lifestyle recommended by Vastu Shastra and its guidelines.