Feng Shui

The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui literally means ‘wind’ and ‘water’. So, is it a valuable guide for harmonious living or a load of hot air?

Even if you don’t know exactly what feng shui is, you’ve probably heard LA celebrities and interior designers extolling the virtues of it. So if it works for Bill Gates, Madonna and George Clooney, could feng shui work for you? Here’s a rundown of the basics.

History

Feng shui is the practice of arranging work and living spaces to create harmony, and dates back to China 4,000 years ago. Initially, westerners dismissed feng shui as superstition, but by the 1980s -1990s, it was popular with celebrities and big corporations (Coca-Cola and Nike apparently use feng shui in their HQs to boost productivity).

Philosophy

Feng shui is about balancing nature’s key elements – fire, water, metal, earth and wood – in your surroundings. You don’t have to be too literal about it. Use colours and textures to recreate elements of nature.

When arranging furniture, you need to be mindful of how qi – life force energy – flows. Feng shui is getting rid of clutter, as it negatively affects flow - This sounds like old-fashioned common sense to us (our top tip is to declutter to get the best price).

Here are some other basic rules of feng shui.

• The front door is seen as the main portal, as it’s how the outside world sees your home. It must be clean and clear of obstruction.

• The kitchen is a source of nourishment, so it must be spotlessly clean.

• When arranging seating, chairs should face each other to facilitate communication.

• In the bathroom, the toilet lid should be kept down to prevent prosperity going down the drain.

• Indoor plants are good as they represent improved productivity and cash flow.

• A small cat or frog ornament on your desk will bring you prosperity and luck.

Have you ever tried feng shui? If so, let us know if it worked for you. Get in touch with us on:

01724487297

info@jc-property.co.uk