The Ancient Art of Feng Shui

The ancient art of Feng-shui, stems from a Chinese philosophical system that is believed to create harmony between human existence and the surrounding environment. It is a complex reserve of ancient art and science that reveals the tricks of balancing the energies of a given space to ensure good health and fortune of those who inhabit the space.

The term Feng-shui, is a Chinese term that literally translates into ‘wind-water’.  Having its roots in the ancient wisdom of Chinese culture, where wind and water are associated with good health and well being, the art of Feng-shui is based on the Taoist perception and understanding of nature and its core elements. It stems from the belief that the land is alive and is filled with ‘energy’ or ‘chi’ which directly affects the well-being of people. The ancient Chinese believed that it is the energy of the land that makes or breaks a kingdom and hence the 5 elements of Feng-shui – wood, fire, earth, metal and water are the key to unlocking the wealth and wisdom in a given space. Each of these elements are represented by various colours, and it is their concentration that is believed to being about positive or negative changes in the people’s lives by either balancing or disrupting the energy symbiosis is a space.

Historically Feng-shui was extensively used and practiced while building structures in ancient China, especially those of spiritual or religious significance, like tombs etc. Though this ancient art was suppressed in mainland China during the cultural revolution of the 1960s, it has gained popularity and has made a niche for itself, having spread to several other global cultures. Today, it is a common practice to keep Feng-shui recommendations in mind while setting up a new residence or office.