The Basic Elements of Feng Shui

Some people have all the luck is something we have all heard from many people. The Chinese believe a person creates their own luck by using the basic elements of Feng Shui. They believe that people can achieve prosperity, health and happiness by using this simple philosophy.

The Chinese words Feng and Shui mean wind and water. The Chinese believe that flowing movement plays a large part in the harmonious rhythm of life. These natural energies are interconnected and by practicing the art of Feng Shui they can live in harmony with the energies that surround all forms of life.

Chi is the term used to describe this vital energy flow in the universe, and the Chinese believe that this energy is what animates life. All life has chi. The science of acupuncture is based of this flow of energy. It is believed that when the body malfunctions or is in pain that the chi is blocked. By inserting needles into certain meridians in the body the flow can be restored and the person will be healed. This energy called chi also flows through our workplaces, homes, cities and world. When the energy does not flow because of blockage, areas become ill and not longer function in a positive sense.

The principle of this philosophy is a method to balance the flow of energy through and around us. Strictly blocked energy is considered to be the cause of illness and death. Most places in China are designed and built in conjunction with the principles of this philosophy.

Most people are in agreement that life in general is dualistic. So are Feng Shui philosophies. The two basic main beliefs are called Yin and Yang. Yang is masculine and is active, assertive, outer-directed and is associated with thinking, fire and vibrant colors. Yin is the opposite. It is feminine, receptive, yielding and directed inward. Its element is water and is associated with the color green.

Western people recognize the four elements of fire, air, water and earth but the eastern thought of Feng Shui acknowledges five elements. These five are fire, water, earth, wood and metal. These forces that spread through the universe are linked to colors, the directions of the compass, the seasons and all things having to do with life.

Dualism seems to be the key. The element earth creates minerals, which are metal and destroys water. Metal through condensation creates water but can cut wood. Water nurtures trees thus create wood but can put out fire. Wood gives fuel to fire but as the tree pushes up through the earth seems to destroy it as well. Fire melts metal but creates the earth.

An Octagonal chart named a Ba-gua is used to adjust the energies of areas in a person's home. Gua means area or a sphere of activity. Activities like marriage, family, health, career, and luck are represented in each of these guas with each having a specific color attached. Fortune or misfortune is connected to the areas that are weak and are reinforced with the proper color to make it more advantageous to good luck and prosperity as well as wellness.

The basic elements of Feng Shui have been used for a very long time by successful corporations and have been used by the Chinese people for centuries. It could be possible that these principles could improve anyone's health, wealth and happiness. It wouldn't hurt to give it a try.