Earth’s Magnetic Field

We have discussed about the importance of the sunlight on the human beings. Yet another factor that has a major impact on us is the magnetic field of the earth. Let us understand the phenomenon. It is similar to the bar magnet having a North and a South pole. Similarly, Earth’s magnetic field has two poles – North and South. They are called geographic North and South pole. The magnetic field is stronger in the south and flows to the North. 

It is scientifically proven that the magnetic field of Earth affects the human beings and animals in various ways. The human body is made up of cells which not only produces elctromagnetic currents but also reacts to them. Like for instance, the magnetic field of the earth generates electric field which has its impact on the flow of blood in human body. It has also been studied that different animals and birds have great sensivity for the magnetic field of the earth. For instance, Lobsters exhibit magnetic sensitivity, relying upon the earth’s magnetic lines to navigate. Baby sea Turtles also seem to rely on the earth’s magnetism to make their way to and fro in the Atlantic Ocean (that is 8,000 miles round trip). Their bodies tell them when they have strayed off course – it is just like having an internal GPS. Hence, it is one of the most important factors that impacts our lives.

Magnetic Poles in our Body

Human body itself acts as a magnet with the head, the heaviest and important part of the body, as the North pole. If the head is directed towards the North while sleeping, the North pole of the earth and that of the human body repel each other thus affecting the blood circulation, causing disturbed sleep, tension and other connected problems. 

It is well-established fact that nervous system of the human body communicates with the help of electric impulses, thus producing electro-magnetic field around the part of the body. Muscles also produce electrical potential. Activities of human body are primarily controlled by the electrical and chemical reactions inside the body. Any movement of charge, howsoever small, will produce electrical field around the direction of movement. Again, any surrounding magnetic field will, thus have an effect on the electrical activities of parts of human body. Thus, the entire human body is the net result of these tiny magnetic fields distributed within the human body, which is equivalent to a magnet matching the size of a human body. The heaviest and important part of the body (i.e., Head) behave as North pole because ‘Head’ is the most powerful source of electric and magnetic fields in the organism and also that in the eye the magnetic field induction, is significantly higher than other parts of the body. Bedrooms should therefore, be designed keeping this in mind.

Earth’s Magnetic field - An Important factor in Vastu Shastra

Thousands of years ago, the learned man knew the adverse effects as well the positive effects of the earth’s magnetic field on humans and was taken into account while designing the dwellings. Vastu ensures that human beings are in constant alignment with the right magnetic axis while they are in their houses, which helps them to achieve positive effect on them. In order to maintain uninterrupted flow in the earth's magnetic field, it is essential that no pillars are erected in the middle part of building and the number of the windows in the North should be double of that in the South, thus ensuring maximum utilization of positive magnetic flow coming from the North. It enhances the mental development and one gets strength to take right decision and achieve prosperity. 

Let us discuss some of the practical application of it. All these principles have a reason and logic behind it. 

1. One should never sleep with the head in the North. The earth, because its core is filled with iron and spins at great speed, has a magnetic field that goes from North to South. According to this philosophy, if you sleep facing North, you make the positive pole of the earth coincide with the positive pole of your body – located theoretically in your head, thus, making both repel each other. This can cause nightmares and sleep disorders, as well as waking up tired from the "internal struggle" between our body and the planet. Some people go even further, claiming that this polarity can affect blood circulation and even raise cholesterol. 

2. When sitting in the living room or at the dining table, one should sit facing East, North or West but avoid sitting facing South. Scientifically, when we sit facing South, our head is effectively in the North and feet in the South. Since the Earth’s magnetic North pole (situated near the geographic South) is stronger and has a positive effect on humans, especially on their brains. One should always try to sleep or sit with the head in the South. 

3. In Puja room avoid idols facing North because then the worshipers have to face South which is not advisable.

So, we see that all those things which are mentioned by out elders have some logic in it and should be practiced. In our next article, we will discuss about the importance of the cardinal directions.

I am an Architect, Interior Designer and a Vastu Consultant, with more than a decade of experience in conceptualization, designing and construction of diverse architectural projects. An alumnus of IIT-Roorkee, I have a thorough background in architecture and interior designing with expertise in directing all project phases. My passion towards architecture inspires me to keep learning about various new trends yet following the age old traditions.