CASE-0002702026-10-12· United States

My Sister's Mystery Illness Vanished After We Removed Two Water Features From Her Apartment

A consultant recounts how a client's chronic fatigue and dizziness disappeared after removing a fountain and aquarium from specific corners of her apartment.

A living room corner with a tall snake plant in a woven basket, a light gray sofa, a wooden side table, and sheer curtains letting in soft afternoon light. The fountain is gone, leaving a clean wooden floor.

Location

Portland, United States

Property Type

Apartment

Room

Living Room

Direction

Southeast

The Problem

My client, Lena, a 34-year-old graphic designer, had been suffering from unexplained fatigue, dizziness, and a series of minor accidents for over a year. Her doctor found nothing wrong. She felt constantly drained, especially in the afternoons, and had trouble sleeping. She mentioned that her apartment felt 'heavy' and that she avoided certain areas.

What They Tried

During our consultation, I noticed a small indoor fountain in the southeast corner of her living room and a large aquarium in the southwest corner of her bedroom. Both were active water features. I explained that in spatial terms, having two major water elements in these opposing corners could create an imbalance, especially for a woman living alone. I suggested she remove both for a month and observe. She was skeptical but agreed. She replaced the fountain with a tall snake plant and moved the aquarium to her home office, which was in the north.

What Happened

Within two weeks, Lena reported sleeping more deeply and waking up refreshed. Her afternoon dizziness faded. After a month, she felt more stable and had more energy. She also noticed she no longer avoided her living room. The change was gradual but consistent. She kept the plant and decided not to return the aquarium to the bedroom.

Spatial Orientation

☵NORTH☶NORTHEAST☳EAST☴SOUTHEAST☲SOUTH☷SOUTHWEST☱WEST☰NORTHWEST壬子癸丑艮寅甲卯乙辰巽巳丙午丁未坤申庚酉辛戌乾亥太極TAIJI
MetalWaterWoodFireEarth
Bagua Sector巽 ☴ · Xun
DirectionSoutheast
Elementwood

What works best here

Xun (4) · Wood. Southeast loves moderate height with an airy, open feel.

Place: tall leafy plants, natural fiber rugs, light wood tones, cream and soft green.

Recommended crystal

Citrine or Green Jade — placed on a wooden side table in the southeast corner

Perfect for a creative workspace or journaling spot; natural light is your friend here

Draw your floor plan for a free crystal placement guide →

Source Analysis

1. The Original Principle

Original Chinese

如果巽水再加上坤水,此两卦皆属阴卦,故对阴人不利。

English Translation

An ancient text notes that when two water elements occupy the southeast and southwest positions, both being of a yin nature, it can be detrimental to women. The recommendation is to avoid having water in both these areas simultaneously.

2. About the Source

金锁玉关 by Anonymous (private manuscript) · China · Pre-Song Dynasty (before 960 CE)

The Golden Lock and Jade Pass is an esoteric classical text on residential site analysis, passed down through private manuscripts. It provides a systematic method for evaluating how the surrounding landforms — heights, depressions, and water features in each compass direction — shape the experience of a living space. Its sand-and-water framework remains one of the most practical tools in the landscape assessment tradition.

3. How This Principle Applies to This Case

The classical principle highlights the potential negative impact of having water features in both the southeast and southwest sectors, which are associated with feminine energies. In modern terms, this could relate to creating a restless or overly stimulating environment that disrupts rest and hormonal balance. Removing one water element may reduce sensory overload and allow for better sleep and relaxation, as seen in this case. The improvement aligns with environmental psychology, where reducing conflicting stimuli can enhance well-being.

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Related Elements

Case source

Julie Khuu

Interior designer blending Feng Shui principles with modern aesthetics. Popular design content creator.