What is Feng Shui Design

What is Feng Shui Design

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy and practice focused on arranging spaces and objects to promote the flow of positive energy or chi. While feng shui is sometimes stereotyped as just having bamboo, water fountains and other cliches, it goes much deeper than simple decor choices. At its core, feng shui is about designing intention in spaces to reconnect us with nature so we can flourish and be more mindful of our environments.(source)

Feng shui incorporates two key concepts that are used to evaluate and improve spaces – the bagua energy map and the five elements. The bagua map helps identify different life areas and energies within a home or room. The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water relate to colors, shapes, directions and more in feng shui design. By applying feng shui principles of the bagua map and five elements, living and working spaces can be transformed to be more balanced, harmonious and supportive of the inhabitants’ goals and wellbeing.(source)

History and Origins of Feng Shui

Feng shui originated in China over 3,000 years ago, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) [1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui). It is based on Taoist principles of living in harmony with nature by balancing energies. The original purpose was to orient buildings and interiors in an auspicious manner to promote health, good fortune, and energy flow.

Early feng shui was used mainly for burial sites. Around the 4th century BC, the practice expanded to include the orientation and layout of homes, palaces, and other structures [2](https://www.fengshuistyle.us/fengshui). Skilled masters known as geomancers used calculations, astrology, and spiritual principles to determine optimal placement and alignment. Feng shui aims to harness qi, the natural energy flow between heaven, earth and humans. By designing environments in alignment with qi, feng shui allows individuals and spaces to flourish.

Key Principles of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is based on a few core principles that guide its practice. The main goal of Feng Shui is to achieve the proper flow of chi energy to promote health, happiness, and harmony (The 15 Core Principles of Feng Shui (part 1)).

One key principle is the balance of yin and yang energies. Yin represents femininity, passivity, and darkness, while yang represents masculinity, activity, and light. A space with too much yin or yang energy is considered out of balance in Feng Shui (Core principles of Feng Shui).

Another core principle is the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element has associated colors, shapes and areas of life. The elements have complex interrelationships that need to be kept in harmony (The 5 Principles of Feng Shui Decoration).

Finally, the flow of qi or life force energy is central to Feng Shui. Qi flows through a space and needs to circulate properly to allow health and vitality to flourish. Feng Shui aims to maximize qi through placement, color, symbols, shapes and other tools.

Bagua Energy Map

The Bagua Map is a key concept in Feng Shui design. It is an octagonal grid containing eight guas or trigram symbols that represent different areas of life (source). The Bagua Map overlays your home or office to delineate the energetic influences contained within those spaces.

At the center of the Bagua is the grounding Earth gua. The other seven guas relate to areas of life such as wealth, love, family, and more. Each gua has associated elements, colors, and attributes. The southeast gua, for example, connects to the Wood element and can enhance relationships and creativity.

To apply the Bagua, align the map with the entry to your home or office. The entrance represents how energy enters and flows through the space. The Bagua alignment provides insights into enhancing your home or workspace energetically. Specific areas of your floorplan correspond to guas on the map. Evaluate the room uses, furniture placement, decor, and more relative to their associated gua and its energetic properties. Make enhancements accordingly.

The Bagua brings intention and mindfulness to space. It provides an overlay of energies to inform and improve design. Aligning this ancient map is a powerful first step in Feng Shui.

The Eight Life Areas of the Bagua

The bagua map divides space into nine key life areas radiating out from a central, grounding area. Each area connects to different energies and aspects of our lives (1).

Wealth

The wealth area relates to prosperity, abundance, and financial resources. Its element is earth and its colors are purple and orange. Wealth corresponds to the ears and digestive system.

Fame

The fame or reputation area connects to your public persona, talents, and how others see you. Its element is fire and color is red. Fame relates to the eyes.

Relationships

The relationships area influences connections with your partner, close friends, and teachers. Its element is metal and colors are white and gray. It relates to the mouth and tongue.

Family

The family and ancestors area impacts your relatives, lineage, and family values. Its element is wood and colors are green and brown. It connects to the liver and gallbladder.

<a id=”sources”>1</a>: How To Use A Feng Shui Bagua Map In Your House Or Apartment (mindbodygreen.com)

Five Elements of Feng Shui

Feng shui design utilizes five fundamental elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These elements relate to specific areas of the bagua map, colors, organs, seasons and more. Understanding and balancing the five elements is key for evaluating spaces and inhabitants’ energies.

Earth represents stability, grounding and balance. It connects to the center, southwest and northeast areas of the bagua. Earth tones like yellow, orange and brown create warmth and nourishment. Earth organs are the stomach and spleen. In nature, earth is found in soil, rocks and clay.

Metal brings clarity, precision and order. It links to the west and northwest bagua areas. Metallic colors like white, gray and pastels purify. The metal organs are the lungs and large intestine. Naturally occurring metals include gold, silver and iron.

Water symbolizes fluidity, calmness, and inspiration. It flows to the north bagua zone. Blue and black hues are water colors that soothe and relax. Water organs are the kidneys and bladder. Rivers, lakes and oceans contain natural water elements.

Wood means creativity, growth and vitality. It reaches upward in the east and southeast bagua. Shades of green and blue-green embody nature’s renewable energy. The wood organs are the liver and gallbladder. Living trees and plants harness wood energy.

Fire ignites passion, fame and leadership. It burns brightest in the south bagua area. Red, purple, pink and orange flames energize. The fire organ is the heart. Natural fire sources are the sun, lightning and volcanoes.

When designing with feng shui, observing the balance of these five elements within a space and inhabitant provides critical insights. Adjustments can then be made to restore harmony.

Evaluating Spaces with Feng Shui

The first step in applying feng shui is learning to evaluate a space based on feng shui principles. This involves assessing the flow of chi energy, as stagnant or blocked chi can create discord. Look at the patterns of movement through the space and whether any areas feel cut off. Feng shui aims to cultivate a smooth, meandering flow of chi.See this article on recognizing good feng shui in a home.

It’s also important to identify areas of imbalance between yin (receptive) and yang (active) energy. Clutter or overly busy décor indicates too much yang, while bare walls and sparse furnishings suggest excessive yin. Find balance between emptiness and clutter.

Tune into how a space makes you feel on emotional and physical levels. Do you feel calm and uplifted or drained and uneasy? Feng shui alterations aim to create spaces that are nourishing and supportive. Trust your intuition as you evaluate spaces.According to feng shui consultants, pay attention to how you feel in relation to your bedroom space.

Simple Feng Shui Improvements

Feng shui teaches that clutter blocks the flow of chi (life force energy) throughout a space. By decluttering and removing obstacles, chi can move freely to nourish inhabitants 1.

There are many easy ways to improve chi flow using feng shui principles 2:

• Declutter to allow chi to flow freely. Remove excess furniture and items from spaces.

• Add lighting, mirrors, water features, and plants. These represent the wood and water elements that stimulate positive chi.

• Use colors, art, and textures aligned to the five elements. For example, blues and greens represent the water element.

• Place feng shui enhancements like crystals, bamboo flutes, chimes, or money frogs in bagua areas needing balance.

• Adjust the commanding position in a room so you have a strong vantage point.

• Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, clay, glass, and fabrics. Avoid harsh synthetics.

• Display inspiring affirmations and family photos to stimulate desired energies.

Even small feng shui improvements can shift the energy in a home. Mindfully evaluate spaces and make thoughtful changes over time. With practice, feng shui can have subtle but profound impacts on wellbeing.

Advanced Feng Shui Techniques

Feng shui devotees can take their practice to an advanced level through more thorough assessments, intentional enhancements, and even professional certification.

Detailed bagua assessments involve meticulously evaluating how different areas of a home or office correlate to the bagua map. An advanced assessment goes room-by-room noting colors, materials, layouts, and more based on their significance in feng shui principles. For example, certain areas of the bagua correspond to health, and water features are considered beneficial for health, so an advanced assessment may recommend adding a small fountain in the health area.

Space clearings, blessings, and rituals can also enhance the effects of feng shui. Space clearings symbolically purge stagnant or negative energy from a home. Blessings welcome in positive energy and good fortune. Rituals activate changes, such as the Chinese tradition of opening all windows and doors at the Lunar New Year. Consultants can guide clients through customized clearings, blessings, and rituals to align spaces with intentions.

For those seeking a career applying feng shui, feng shui consultant certifications are available through schools like QC Design School. The Advanced Feng Shui Design Professional certification (AFDP) provides in-depth training on assessing spaces, selecting enhancements, and advising clients. Graduates become qualified consultants prepared for feng shui design businesses.

Benefits of Feng Shui Design

Implementing feng shui principles can provide numerous benefits for both spaces and their inhabitants. By thoughtfully arranging and enhancing spaces, feng shui aims to promote the flow of positive energy (Everyday Health). This is said to create a sense of harmony and balance. Feng shui designs often incorporate natural elements and symmetry to help people feel more centered and focused. The ancient practice has long been believed to enhance health, luck, and prosperity for residents (Times of India). Environments designed with feng shui tend to be calming and therapeutic. The mindful approach also encourages more eco-conscious and sustainable design by reconnecting people with nature. Overall, feng shui aims to create spaces that bring out the best energy in inhabitants and enable them to thrive. Even small feng shui improvements can make residents feel more peaceful, motivated, and empowered in their homes and workplaces.