Most people have heard of feng shui as something that Chinese people do to their houses, but most are unsure as to exactly what it is. In many respects it is employing practical design applications and making environments more pleasant to live in.

Feng Shui is thousands of years old and has evolved over time to meet the requirements of the population and their current level of thinking.

The version that has migrated to the western world is mostly concerned with people quests to make their living space more harmonious.

It is believed that the Taoists developed Feng Shui in their efforts to greater understand nature and relationship with it. However you don’t need to embrace Taoism to enjoy the benefits of Feng Shui.

In the 1970′s there was a surge of interest in Chinese culture. Martial arts movies had made their mark with Bruce Lee becoming a house hold name and Chinese food became commonplace.

The main reasons to use Feng Shui are:

To make your home more peaceful. To create an environment which is a sanctuary from our hectic lives. Using the right colours can immediately have a calming effect. Modern studies have clearly shown that pale green and blue are relaxing and are now universally used in hospitals.

To make your home more livable. Feng Shui dictates that the energy must be able to flow freely otherwise there are points of stagnation and disturbance. e.g. cluttered spaces, untidy shelves, art works displayed in a way that causes some negative emotional reaction.

In some spaces we are not able to pin point the problem, we just have a feeling that the energy is not right. In other spaces the moment you enter you can feel a sense of calm. Take note of the difference in these spaces. The light, the flow of air, the background noise levels, colours and design.

The Chinese idea of energy is expressed as Chi Or Qi (same pronouncement) The symbol for Chi literally means Air. They describe good chi or bad chi, just as the goal of Acupuncture is to encourage the flow of Chi through a sick or injured to restore heath, the purpose of Feng Shui is to encourage the harmonious flow of Chi to ensure calm and wellbeing within a home or business.

Owners of commercial buildings have spent millions in Hong Kong and China to ensure good prosperity is bestowed upon the building. A western interpretation is that good clever design, has a relaxing positive effect on those working in a building which reduces stress, thereby increasing productivity.

Many building s will include a water feature, in truth there are few people who do not feel a little more peaceful when in the vicinity or water which is gently flowing.

And now for your free information on Feng Shui go to http://www.livingwellpublications.com/hobbies/fengshui/

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