As Asian culture becomes more popular around the world, the ancient Chinese method of creating a harmonious environment, feng shui, is also gaining ground. Feng shui literally means "wind and water". Its roots are over 5,000 years old.
Feng Shui seeks to promote prosperity, good health and general well-being by examining how energy, qi, flows through a particular room, house, building or garden.
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Feng shui considers yin, which is feminine and passive energy, and yang, which is masculine and hot energy. It also looks at the five elements – water, fire, wood, metal and earth and the external environment.
The compass points, with eight separate directions – north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west and northwest – are also important.
A feng shui expert known as a geomancer will consult an individual's Chinese horoscope to find out what is best for them. this person and will use complicated mathematical calculations from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) to determine the balance aspects of House.
Feng shui can be used to decide the location, construction and architectural features of buildings. Also for furniture placement and style, color and decor schemes, and placement of plantings, pathways, and other exterior features.
By creating a more pleasant atmosphere, feng shui has been recognized to improve family communication, restore employee cooperation, and increase a store's sales.
The principles can be applied to any style of construction or decoration, not just Chinese or Asian ways.
When China was under imperial rule, feng shui was a secret. It was known only to a handful of astronomers and scientists charged with maintaining the health, wealth and power of the court.
Imperial palaces and cities were planned according to feng shui. This became a principle of classical Chinese architecture. Beijing's Forbidden City is an example.
A spectacular complex of palaces, administrative buildings and temples arranged around a series of courtyards, the Forbidden City was the capital of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
But today, feng shui is available to everyone. Banks, hotels, homes and even several new communities in Hong Kong were planned according to feng shui. Many Chinese people use feng shui to improve their business.