What is Feng Shui?

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice focused on arranging interior and exterior spaces in harmony with the natural forces around us. It dates back over 3,000 years to when Chinese philosophers first described the life force known as chi. This energy flows through the universe and connects everything.

In Chinese, Feng means wind while Shui translates to water. Together, they represent the natural flow and cycles seen in landscapes, rivers, breezes, and other aspects of nature. The fundamental goal in Feng Shui is to maximize the positive flow of chi within a space while minimizing any blocks or disruptions.

Practitioners utilize principles like yin and yang to balance and harness chi. Design choices bring natural elements inside through strategic placement of windows, furniture, greenery, flowing water, and more. Followers believe properly balanced spaces can promote health, wealth, relationships, and good fortune. Minor adjustments to a home or office create an environment where positive energy feeds creativity, harmony, and productivity.

Chi Energy in Feng Shui

Chi (pronounced “chee”) refers to the vital life force or energy that flows through a space. In feng shui design, ensuring the proper flow of chi is key for promoting health, happiness, and prosperity within a space. Chi energy is present both inside homes and buildings as well as outside in nature.

Within a home or office, chi energy flows in invisible lines that run through the structure. When chi flows freely and is balanced, it contributes to an enhanced sense of wellbeing for occupants. However, blockages or imbalances in the flow of chi can lead to problems. Symptoms of disrupted or stagnant chi include feelings of sluggishness, frequent headaches or illness, and just an overall sense that something feels “off” in a space. Feng shui design aims to eliminate these issues.

Some key principles for understanding chi include:

• Chi energy prefers smooth, curved paths rather than sharp angles or cluttered areas. Straight pathways allow chi to flow freely, while clutter can create stagnant pools of trapped chi.

• Natural materials like wood, stone, and plants help encourage positive chi energy. Synthetics may impede the flow.

• Chi flows best in spaces with ample natural light and air circulation. Dark or stuffy areas disrupt the free flow.

• Certain shapes, colors, and placement of objects can help direct chi in desired directions.

By properly harnessing chi energy flows, feng shui practitioners believe spaces can be optimized for health, wealth, relationships, and good fortune. A balanced flow of chi vitalizes and brings prosperity.

Commanding Position in Feng Shui

In feng shui, the commanding position refers to the placement of key furniture such as beds, desks, and stoves within a room. The commanding position is considered to be the farthest from the entry door, and diagonal to it.

Placing a bed, desk, or stove in the commanding position allows for an excellent view of the entire room without being disturbed whenever the door is opened. This position enables control over one’s space and environment.

The commanding position takes advantage of the natural flow of chi energy, which enters a room from the door and circulates around the perimeter. By being farthest from the door, the commanding position avoids being in the direct path of the incoming energy.

Situating the bed in the commanding position promotes relaxation and harmony. The desk placed here benefits focus and productivity. The stove gains enhanced cooking chi. All key furniture gains strength, stability and support when situated diagonally from the entry door.

Practicing feng shui principles like the commanding position creates optimal home and workspace environments. Simple adjustments make a world of difference in managing energy flow. The commanding position is an easy-to-use feng shui tip for better living.

Bagua Map in Feng Shui

The Bagua Map is an important concept and tool in feng shui design. It is an energy map that divides space into eight areas, with each area governing a different aspect of life. The Bagua comes from the Chinese philosophy of chi energy and provides guidance on how to arrange and decorate a home or office to enhance specific areas of your life.

The Bagua Map is octagonal in shape and oriented to match the main entrance of the space. The eight areas relate to family, wealth, helpful people, fame, relationships, mentors, career, and health. The center area represents grounding energy. When applied to a home or office, the Bagua reveals which parts of the space connect to different life aspects.

Feng shui practitioners use the Bagua when consulting for clients. They analyze the Bagua areas and how they relate to the client’s goals in order to suggest placements and enhancements. For example, if a client wants to improve their career, the practitioner would focus on the career area of the Bagua.

The Bagua provides a simple yet powerful framework for evaluating how home and office layouts are supporting or hindering someone’s intentions. Paying attention to the Bagua areas in a space allows people to channel their energy effectively and create more balance. It is an essential concept in feng shui design.

Bagua Areas in Feng Shui

In feng shui, the bagua map is divided into 8 areas that represent different aspects of your life. Each area is associated with certain energies and elements that impact that particular area when enhanced properly. The key bagua areas are:

• Wealth – The wealth area influences prosperity, abundance and finances. Use symbols of wealth like coins, avoidance of clutter and earth tones to enhance this area.

• Fame – The fame area governs reputation, social status, recognition and success. Add inspiring imagery, uplighting and fire elements here.

• Relationships – The relationships area affects partnerships, friends and intimate bonds. Include pairs of items, yin/yang symbols and water features to improve relationships.

• Family – The family and ancestry area influences family bonds and connections to the past. Add family photos, heirlooms and warm lighting in this space.

• Health – The health area impacts physical and emotional wellbeing. Introduce living plants, natural images and wood elements to optimize health.

• Children – The children area influences new generations and nurturing. Include rounded shapes, uplifting colors and playful items here.

• Helpful People – This area governs support, mentors and guidance. Display inspiring mottos and metal tones like white and gold.

• Career – The career area influences purpose, dreams and aspirations. Add items that lift your outlook like crystals and meaningful art.

It’s recommended to focus on enhancing 1-3 bagua areas that need balance in your home or office. Target areas based on your goals and use feng shui cures to improve the energy. A balanced bagua map allows chi to flow smoothly throughout your space.

Five Elements in Feng Shui

In feng shui, there are five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each element represents different energies:

• Wood represents growth, vitality, creativity and expansion. The colors green and brown represent the wood element. Rectangular and column-like shapes evoke the energy of wood.

• Fire represents passion, fame, reputation and motivation. The colors red, purple and pink represent fire. Triangular and pointed shapes represent this element.

• Earth represents grounding, stability and balance. Earth tones like yellow, orange, brown and beige represent the earth element. Square and horizontal shapes evoke earth energy.

• Metal represents strength, determination and focus. White and pastel metallics like silver, gold and copper represent metal. Round shapes and domes represent metal.

• Water represents fluidity, wisdom, and calmness. The colors blue and black represent water, as do wavy and irregular shapes.

To balance the five elements in a space, introduce colors, shapes and textures that represent any elements lacking. For example, add reds and oranges to represent fire, or blues and waves to represent water. Balancing the five elements promotes harmony and flow of chi energy.

Improving the Health Area

The Health area relates to the physical and emotional wellbeing of you and your family. It’s associated with the Wood element and the colors green and brown.

In feng shui, the Health area is located in the southeast region of your home or office. To give your health a boost with feng shui, focus on decorating and arranging the southeast corner and rooms.

Add wood elements – Bring in natural materials like plants, flowers, wood furniture, or items made from natural fibers. Houseplants are excellent in the health zone.

Use greens and browns – Incorporate green and brown colors through paint, pillows, art, tiles, curtains and other decor accents. Green is directly linked to health and healing.

Choose floral patterns – Floral shapes and designs represent renewal and life energy. Use floral wallpaper, bedding, artwork or ceramics to activate the area.

Clear clutter – Mess, dirt and clutter can clog up healthy chi energy. Keep the health zone clean, dusted and organized.

Let in light – Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light to flow. This energizes the space.

Add a water feature – The gentle movement and sound from a tabletop fountain or aquarium provides calming chi.

Use healthy shapes – Twisting spirals and curved lines promote smooth chi flow. Display art or objects with these shapes.

Remove poison arrows – Sharp edges pointing at the health zone can “puncture” the good energy. Remove or rearrange furniture accordingly.

Plants for health – Some of the top plants for the health area are areca palms, orchids, bamboo and leafy greens. Their natural energy enhances wellbeing.

When arranged properly, the health area of your home or office provides an ongoing boost to your physical and mental wellbeing. Focus on optimizing this zone if health is your main concern presently.

Improving Wealth Area

The southeast area of the bagua map corresponds to wealth and prosperity. To enhance this area, focus on decor and layouts that promote the energy of abundance.

The main colors to use in the wealth area are vibrant reds and purples, which symbolize prosperity according to feng shui principles. Accent walls in a rich purple or crimson red are highly recommended. You can also incorporate wall art, pillows, throws, and vases with bold reds and purples. Finally, metallic gold accents will amplify luxury.

In terms of layout, make sure the wealth area is uncluttered and has ample open space. Too many items piled up can obstruct the free flow of prosperity energy. Place a few key symbolic pieces like a healthy green plant, crystal, or water fountain to activate chi. Avoid putting a bathroom, utility room, or storage space overlapping this area.

The optimal furniture configuration for wealth is to angle your desk or workspace so you sit facing the area’s opening. Do not have your back to the entrance. You want to be able to see opportunity and abundance coming your way. A round or oval shape desk also supports the circular flow of money energy.

With some simple feng shui enhancements, you can invite more wealth into your home or office. Consult a professional if major renovations are needed, but try these basic prosperity boosters first. Surrounding yourself with the colors, symbols and layouts of abundance will put you in a prosperous state of mind.

Improving Relationships Area

The Southwest bagua area of your home relates to relationships, partnerships, and marriage. To enhance this area and attract loving connections, focus on decor that represents yin/yang balance, pairs, and togetherness.

Some tips for the Southwest area:

• Place pairs of items here, such as two candles, two pillows, or a set of candlesticks. The number two represents unions and partnerships.

• Use yin/yang symbols or imagery, which represent the dance and flow between masculine and feminine energies.

• Add warm lighting like table lamps, sconces or string lights to create a welcoming, romantic ambiance. Soft glowing lighting encourages quality time and intimate conversations.

• Display photos of you and your partner, family, or loved ones. This strengthens bonds and reminds you of cherished connections.

• Incorporate colors like peach, pink, or red to encourage affection and closeness. These warm, vibrant tones are associated with love and relationships.

• Keep this area clutter-free and inviting. Set out two chairs or a loveseat to enjoy quiet moments together. A peaceful, harmonious Southwest corner nurtures healthy bonds between partners.

• Introduce a pair of rose quartz crystals which symbolize unconditional love. Or place two pink or red candles here and light them for a date night at home.

Focusing attention on this area of your home or office helps you prioritize meaningful relationships and create an atmosphere of intimacy and connection. Simple enhancements can make a difference in improving your sense of partnership and contentment.

Clearing Clutter

In feng shui, clutter is believed to block the flow of chi energy. When chi gets stuck, it can lead to stagnation in the areas of your home and life associated with where clutter has accumulated.

The entryway and bedroom tend to accumulate clutter easily. These are important areas to keep clear of clutter since the entryway controls the flow of chi into your home, while you spend lots of rejuvenating time in the bedroom.

Here are some tips for clearing clutter in your home according to feng shui principles:

• Go through each room and be ruthless about getting rid of things you no longer use or need. Have a donation box, trash bag, and box for selling items ready.

• Limit memorabilia to special containers or a designated display area rather than scattered throughout the home.

• Store items you’re saving for later or the kids have outgrown in closets or storage spaces out of sight.

• Avoid pile-ups of mail, magazines, and paperwork. Use organizers to file away documents.

• Clear flat surfaces like counters, shelves, and tabletops daily.

• Make sure entryways, hallways, and staircases are free of clutter buildup.

• Open up space under beds and slide furniture away from walls. Clutter likes to accumulate in tight, hidden spots.

• Maintain open spaces in each room. Cluttered rooms prevent chi from flowing freely.

By regularly clearing clutter in strategic feng shui areas, you can keep chi moving freely through your home to promote positive energy flow.

Using Plants

Plants play an important role in feng shui design. They represent the wood element, which promotes health, vitality and growth. Adding living plants to a space helps purify the air and create positive chi energy.

When using plants in feng shui, focus on placing them in the east and southeast areas of a home or office. The east relates to health and family, so plants here energize those aspects. The southeast connects to wealth and prosperity. Greenery in this zone encourages new beginnings.

Choose plants with round/oval leaves or upright shapes. Avoid spiky plants or cacti, which create sharper energy. Some top options include:

• Lucky bamboo
• Money plant
• Rubber plant
• Peace lily
• Orchids
• Snake plant
• Pothos

Plants should be healthy and thriving. If a plant is struggling, replace it or give it care. Dead or dying plants have the opposite effect, draining energy. Aim to have at least one plant per Bagua area to maximize the wood element. Rotate plants regularly to keep their effect fresh. Proper use of live plants improves chi flow in a space.

Using Crystals

Crystals are an important tool in feng shui design because they can enhance and direct energy flow. Certain crystals have properties that make them especially helpful for improving specific bagua areas.

Clear quartz is an excellent all-purpose crystal that can purify energy in any space. Place it in areas where you want to clear stagnant or negative energy and invite fresh, positive chi. The pure white light of clear quartz will uplift any corner of your home or office.

To activate your wealth corner, citrine is the ideal feng shui crystal choice. Its golden yellow color mimics the element of fire, warming the energy of your money area. Citrine has long been associated with attracting riches and abundance. Use several tumbled stones or clusters around your financial files, bank statements, cash, or other monetary symbols.

The soft pink aura of rose quartz promotes self-love, acceptance, and harmony in relationships. To encourage partnership and companionship, set rose quartz tumble stones or figurines around your pairing objects. A rose quartz heart is perfect for strengthening bonds and bringing an energy of peacefulness to your relationships sector. Let the high vibrations of rose quartz open your heart to deep connections.

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a great way to enhance the energy of a space in feng shui. Certain oils are thought to promote specific qualities.

For example, sandalwood and jasmine oils are associated with promoting harmony. The sweet, woody aroma of sandalwood signals warmth and receptivity. Jasmine, with its bright floral scent, inspires confidence and optimism. Using these oils in bedrooms or living rooms can encourage peaceful, happy relationships.

Lavender oil is known for its relaxing properties. The calming fragrance of lavender oil makes it perfect for spaces like bedrooms and home offices where you want to unwind. Diffusing lavender at night can promote deep, restful sleep.

Citrus essential oils like grapefruit, lemon, and orange are energizing. They have an uplifting, positive scent that enhances focus and clarity. Use citrus oils in places like work spaces, kitchens, and studies to boost productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

When using essential oils in feng shui, observe how they impact your mood in specific areas. Then you can choose complementary oils to enhance the atmosphere of any space.

When to Consult an Expert

Consulting a professional feng shui practitioner can be very beneficial for maximizing the energy in your home or office. Here are some times when you may want to consider hiring an expert:

Major Renovations or New Constructions

If you are embarking on a major renovation or building a home from scratch, hiring a feng shui consultant early in the process can help optimize the flow of energy. They can provide recommendations on positioning, room layouts, colors, materials, and more based on feng shui principles. Implementing these suggestions from the beginning is more effective than trying to retrofit a space later.

Persistent Bad Luck or Health Issues

If you feel you’ve been experiencing persistent bad luck or health issues, even after trying some basic feng shui fixes, consider hiring a professional. They can conduct a more thorough assessment to identify any problem areas that may be contributing to the challenges. Their experience and feng shui expertise may uncover issues or solutions you may have overlooked.

Before Buying a New Home

Consulting with a feng shui expert when house hunting can help assess the energy of a potential new home. They can identify any red flags that may disrupt harmony or flow of chi. They can also provide tips to remedy issues that are simple fixes. Understanding the energy of a space before purchasing can help you make the best decision.

While feng shui may seem straightforward at first, hiring a professional can take your results to the next level. Their skills can help unlock enhanced benefits in your home or workplace.