The western world has been a-buzz with the word ‘Feng Shui’ over the last couple of decades. But the original meaning and purpose of Feng Shui seems to have gotten lost in translation through the years.

If you were to type it into Google, Instagram or YouTube, you’ll dive into images of interior décor and colour principles that claim to change your home energy for the better. But is this really what it is all about? Or is this a diluted modern version Feng Shui, edited to fit into our contemporary lives?

Lucky for our Home Club readers, we just so happen to have a qualified ‘Feng Shui & Wellness In The Home’ expert; Simone Oswald of SO Feng Shui Design, is on hand to explain all. Here’s what she has to say;

Above: Simone from SO Feng Shui Design

IN A NUTSHELL

Feng Shui is a practice that analyses our surrounding energies and aims to manipulate those energies to our benefit and more specifically, to enhance our health, wealth and other life aspects.

SECRET HISTORY

Over 3000 years ago, Geomantic scientists (those who study the environmental energy) were employed and held captive by the emperors of the Chinese dynasties, who believed that the practice of Feng Shui would secure their ruling power. They were even threatened with death should they ever share their knowledge outside of the emperors’ court.

It wasn’t until the fall of the dynasty during China’s cultural revolution in the 20^th century, that the Feng Shui masters fled China and were able to spread and sell their knowledge in other continents.

Even today, the tradition of Feng Shui is passed from master to disciple and is shrouded in mystery for those outside of the inner circle. Explaining why even today, there is very few resources and literature available that accurately details and teaches the authentic practice of Feng Shui.

TRUE OR FALSE

Its tricky past and sworn secrecy has produced a lot of controversy, contradictions and even mythical information about Feng Shui. So much so, that the accessible version that is popularly understood today, is a diluted form that’s mixed with Chinese culture, religion, beliefs, rituals, superstition and myths. Here are a few you may have heard before:

1. Crystals, Precious Stones, Charms and Amulets are Feng Shui Remedies – FALSE

They have no connection with authentic Feng Shui, despite their healing qualities.

2. Animal figurines, bamboo sticks and red doors are essential tools in the art of Feng Shui – FALSE

These are nothing but culturally-rooted lucky charms and symbols in Chinese culture.

3. In Feng Shui, it is believed that mirrors in the bedroom can entice adultery into your marriage. – FALSE

Although this is pure superstition, mirrors do create active energy in a room by reflecting spaces and amplifying movements. Therefore they may contradict the calm and relaxing environment you’d want for your sleeping space.

4. Koi carp ponds at the entrance of a space are commonly said to bring financial luck – TRUEish

It isn’t the carp, but rather the movement of water that activates the energy of a space. So water in a place of business can be good for active financial energy.

5. Colours, shapes and materials are just as important elements of Feng Shui as they are the concept of ‘Hygge’ – TRUE

All of these are used in Feng Shui for their specific energy balancing qualities, just as colours are in colour therapy for instance. Colours carry very specific energy values and depending on which energy a space needs, specific colours can be applied.

You don’t have to turn your place into a Chinese restaurant with tassels and dragons to benefit from Feng Shui. Master Joey Yap

HOW TO ‘FENG SHUI’ YOUR HOME?

So, how do we know where to place a mirror, where to activate water and which space would benefit from which colour?

To apply Feng Shui tools and remedies effectively, we need to properly understand the myriad of existing energies. Doing so requires years of training in the calculation of energies, through compass readings and formulas. As such, it’s recommended to use a qualified Feng Shui practitioner to address serious and harmful imbalances in health, life and financial matters, just like a trained physiotherapist who has studied how to unlock our bodies and ease our pain.

However, there are still universal rules for spaces that can improve the overall energy flow in our homes to support general well-being, without pretending to change our lives. It might not cure, but generally, it can help you to uplift the energy of your space.

De-cluttering.

Decluttering is one of the popular and effective methods to facilitate smooth energy flow. Ensuring unobstructed walkways both outdoors and indoors will ease the flow of energy.

Conscious Furnishing.

Avoiding sharp edges on furniture, decorate with plants and preference natural over man-made material to uplift the overall mood of a space.