\
Feng Shui FAQ
For those of you new to Feng Shui, read over the FAQ to see if your question's been answered. Have a question that isn't here? Contact us and we'll do our best to answer your question.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that consists of a wide array of principles that, in essence, asserts that a person's environment has a strong influence on an individual's life. This philosophy is tied to the prominent Taoist notion that all life and its surroundings are, at their core, connected.
In past centuries, Feng Shui was regarded by the Chinese as an essential tool to living a successful and healthy life, and was followed with a virtual religious zeal. Today, however, Feng Shui has been modified to be used in a more casual manner by holistic, New Age enthusiasts. The principles of Feng Shui have become general guidelines, and many practitioners choose to highlight certain elements of the art while virtually ignoring others. Fortunately, it can certainly be argued that Feng Shui lends itself to this sort of "selective practice," as there are many potential benefits to employing only a small section of the ancient art known as Feng Shui.
What is Feng Shui based on?
Feng Shui is very deeply rooted in the study of direction. The use of a Kua Number divides all humans into two groups: an East group and a West group. These groups are an assessment of which direction you are more likely to find success in. If you are in the West group, you are more likely to find success when facing West while you work, sleep, and sit. There are more specific guidelines laid out in EnvyMyHealth's section on the Kua Number.
Feng Shui also borrows heavily from the principles of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang have become a popular symbol in modern times, but few may understand the concept behind it. To put it in simple terms, yin and yang are "complimentary opposites," which constantly interact with each other and perpetually exist as opposing forces. Feng Shui teaches that yin complements yang, and vice versa. This ideal is manifested in the various methods of organization and décor used in Feng Shui.
In addition to these two guiding principles, Feng Shui also treats the Five Elements of nature as vital to the understanding of the art.
What are the Four Pillars of Destiny?
The Four Pillars of Destiny is a phrase used to describe the four components which determine one's fate. The four components of the Four Pillars is year, month, date, and hour. The year dictates your family background and place in society. The month pillar represents your childhood and upbringing. The day pillar dictates the relationship with your loved ones. Finally, the hour pillar represents your career, relationship with your children and your elderly years. When one compares the pillar's name with the aspect it represents, a sort of "yin and yang" relationship can be drawn.
This is a rather complex element of Chinese Metaphysics, and is used very little in modern adaptations of Feng Shui. Consult this guide if you wish to learn more.
How can Feng Shui be used to decorate my home?
Decorating according to the principles of Feng Shui has become enormously popular in recent years. Anyone considering decorating a new home or redecorating an old one according to Feng Shui principles should consult a thorough and reputable guide or hire a consultant to assess the space before you begin. Feng Shui is, at its core, about bringing positive energy into your home to promote a happier, wealthier lifestyle. Done incorrectly, it stands to reason that the opposite could be a result.
There are a few common Feng Shui tips and items that can be used appropriately to really give your home a positive energy and the Feng Shui "look":
- First and foremost, you need to clear the clutter if you are redecorating. Clutter has no place in a home that utilized Feng Shui, so if you're the pack rat type, this may not be the avenue for you.
- Good lighting is essential to effective Feng Shui. Fluorescent lights are the antithesis of everything that Feng Shui stands for. Allow your rooms to fill with as much sunlight as possible, and instead of using those cool fluorescent lamps, look for the slightly more costly "full-spectrum" bulbs. Doing so will not only create a better energy within the room, but will also undoubtedly provide you with more energy in your daily lives.
- There are many items which are considered "Feng Shui friendly" that you may already have around your home. Every item has a different purpose, and one should explore the aspects of their life they wish to improve, and then pick corresponding items accordingly. A few examples:
- A fountain will promote wealth.
- Bamboo (or lucky bamboo) promotes health.
- Crystals provide clarity and promote love.
With these three items (placed carefully), you'll be on your way to a healthier, wealthier life filled with love! Other popular items include salt crystal lamps and wind chimes.
Have a question you'd like to see answered? Let us know!
Have an Experience/Opinion about Feng Shui?
Want to get your voice heard? Share your experience, opinions, or anything else you feel like sharing right here!
Return to the Feng Shui Channel
Return to the Wellness Guide
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
ŠEnvyMyHealth, Inc. 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.