What is feng shui?
Feng shui is a complex art based on the Chinese understanding of the dynamic flow of energy throughout the universe. It examines how people are affected by the environment in which they live, and consciously acknowledges the connection between our external surroundings and our inner being.
Its principle is to introduce specific positive adjustments and influences so that our surroundings are more likely to support us rather than work against us. Simple, affordable beneficial changes can be implemented in living and working environments through the introduction of sound feng shui advice.
The Chinese have always considered that success in life is dependent upon five main influences, some of which are within our control:
1. fate or destiny
2. luck
3. feng shui
4. knowledge
5. personal factors such as our family, background, actions and choices
Feng shui is an art and science of designing an harmonious environments for working and living
Key feng shui concepts
Feng shui is the environmental aspect of all Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture. The core of these ancient practices lies in understanding and seeking a balanced, supportive relationship between yin and yang, chi and the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, metal). The nature of form, landscape, space, orientation and the ever-changing movement of time are also taken into consideration in feng shui.
Chi or energy
Chi, or qi, is the oriental word for the vital intangible natural energy that emanates from everything in our universe, a combination of both real and abstract forces: energy from the earth’s magnetic field, sunlight, cosmic influences, colour vibrations, the nature of our thoughts and emotions, the form of objects, the quality of the air around us. Depending on whether it flows harmoniously or not, chi influences how a place feels and how we feel in it.
Yin and yang
The dynamic concept of yin and yang is that in nature everything has two polarising aspects in flux; within each a seed of the other exists. Rooted in the I Ching, yin and yang expresses the Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Examples are day and night, light and shade, hard and soft, heat and cold, male and female. A balance between yin and yang is necessary to achieve harmony and stability in a place; whenever there is too much of one or other, the natural equilibrium becomes disrupted.
Five elements
The five natural elements that symbolise the basis of feng shui are water, wood, fire, earth and metal. Also known as the five phases or transformations, each of these elements relates to a specific compass direction, colour, shape, aspiration, season, family member and body part, or metaphoric representation. Elements are used in various ways to influence space beneficially, and to strengthen, support, enhance, weaken, manage or control one another, depending upon their placement.
Feng shui encompasses many practical tools and techniques. Although it can be very effective, feng shui is not magic or a power tool. Nor is it a recognised science, religion, intuition or belief system. It cannot guarantee wealth, health or happiness, so beware of people who make such claims. Good feng shui will however bring a visible yet intangible positive quality to help us reap optimum benefits or deal with adverse situations.
Who uses feng shui?
The expertise of Feng Shui Society Accredited Consultants is regularly sought by residential and commercial clients, individuals and enterprises in the UK and throughout Europe. The impressive list of corporate organisations which have engaged the services of our Feng Shui Society Accredited Consultants includes Coca Cola, Orange, British Airways, Hiscox Insurance, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels, BRE (Building Research Establishment), University of Westminster School of Architecture & the Built Environment, the NHS, Heron International, Cyprus World Trade Centre and many more.