What is Feng Shui?
Dr. Michael Oon
Dr Michael Oon has been a Feng Shui consultant since the early 1990's. Discover how he can transform your surroundings - and your life.
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Feng Shui is a challenging term to explain.
It means Feng (Wind) and Shui (Water) in Chinese. So, what has this got to do with improving your well-being? This term is a nickname from the old word Kan Yu – meaning management of the land, your environment or your space. Nicknames are common in the Chinese Language.
Feng Shui is a recent term based on the saying “The water collects the Energy (Qi) and the wind blows the Energy (Qi) away.”
Hence – A short description: Feng Shui is the Chinese system of environmental management.
“Feng Shui is the practice of planning and design using the forces of energy (also called Qi) that surround us in the environment.
In nature, energy is directed, collected, contained and dissipated by forms such as mountains, valleys, and bodies of water.
In a city, buildings, roads, landscaping and other man-made constructions influence the energy flow.
Within a building, Feng Shui is represented by interior forms such as corridors, rooms and furnishings.” (From Alliance Feng Shui )
Commentary: This knowledge has been accumulated by the Chinese over centuries since the start of their civilisation some 4,000 years ago. This has evolved over the ages and kept pace with modern times.
The central tenet of Feng Shui is the flow of energy in the environment. The key to successful Feng Shui is for the city or property to accumulate this energy with the minimum loss.
Feng Shui can be a very effective tool in helping people create harmonious working and living environments. This can also bring about other changes for the better as a consequence. It helps develop wealth, health and happiness. Feng Shui is not magic, neither spiritual nor religious. It is the understanding of the movement of energy on the earth’s surface.
It means Feng (Wind) and Shui (Water) in Chinese. So, what has this got to do with improving your well-being? This term is a nickname from the old word Kan Yu – meaning management of the land, your environment or your space. Nicknames are common in the Chinese Language.
Feng Shui is a recent term based on the saying “The water collects the Energy (Qi) and the wind blows the Energy (Qi) away.”
Hence – A short description: Feng Shui is the Chinese system of environmental management.
“Feng Shui is the practice of planning and design using the forces of energy (also called Qi) that surround us in the environment.
In nature, energy is directed, collected, contained and dissipated by forms such as mountains, valleys, and bodies of water.
In a city, buildings, roads, landscaping and other man-made constructions influence the energy flow.
Within a building, Feng Shui is represented by interior forms such as corridors, rooms and furnishings.” (From Alliance Feng Shui )
Commentary: This knowledge has been accumulated by the Chinese over centuries since the start of their civilisation some 4,000 years ago. This has evolved over the ages and kept pace with modern times.
The central tenet of Feng Shui is the flow of energy in the environment. The key to successful Feng Shui is for the city or property to accumulate this energy with the minimum loss.
Feng Shui can be a very effective tool in helping people create harmonious working and living environments. This can also bring about other changes for the better as a consequence. It helps develop wealth, health and happiness. Feng Shui is not magic, neither spiritual nor religious. It is the understanding of the movement of energy on the earth’s surface.
Topics
Is Feng Shui Unique?
Feng Shui is unique in the West. With the correct application of Feng Shui, where changes are made to the living environment, it changes the outcome of a person’s life.
It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other methods in the Chinese Metaphysics or Five Arts.
For example, the Chinese method of Bazi (Destiny Analysis) –gives you an analysis of the life of a person together with the person’s strengths and weaknesses. Feng Shui can be used to compensate the person’s weakness.
The closest method to Feng Shui in the West is Terroir. The documented methodology of how to grow grapes for wine.
In India, there is a system called Vastu Shastra – they are texts which describe the design, layout etc. The plan aims to integrate architecture with nature.
It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other methods in the Chinese Metaphysics or Five Arts.
For example, the Chinese method of Bazi (Destiny Analysis) –gives you an analysis of the life of a person together with the person’s strengths and weaknesses. Feng Shui can be used to compensate the person’s weakness.
The closest method to Feng Shui in the West is Terroir. The documented methodology of how to grow grapes for wine.
In India, there is a system called Vastu Shastra – they are texts which describe the design, layout etc. The plan aims to integrate architecture with nature.
What are the expected results when feng shui is applied correctly with the residents are focussed on their objectives?
The main one is “living in harmony” with the people around you and your surroundings. This can be referred to as “peace of mind”.
There is positivity and energy in the property. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.
Opportunities appear or become available to residents who are seeking these opportunities.
Reliable and relevant mentors make their appearance and contribute with their knowledge.
Recognition for the contribution made.
Happiness with inner fulfilment.
Serendipity – Like all things in life, problems appear, and things do not go as planned. However, there is a more than likely chance that the outcome would be favourable
Feng Shui acts as a magnifier of the aims or focus of the people in the property.
Feng Shui enhances three types of energies.
a. Wealth
Feng Shui enhances the wealth energy within the property.
This does not mean that you will win the lottery. The enhanced wealth energies mean more appearance of more wealth or career opportunities. It is for you to grab these opportunities with both hands.
b. Relationships
This does not mean that you will have a relationship with the person of your dreams. It just means that you have to grab the opportunities that are presented and make the most of it
Should you be in a relationship, these energies are to strengthen the bond between the couple.
c. Health
It does not mean that whatever physical or mental health disorder that you have, you will be cured.
Also, if you are 60 years old, it is not expected that you will be as fit and healthy as a 20-year-old.
It means you can “overcome” the minor ailments and live a “normal life” of your age.
d. Feng Shui is essentially an enhancer or provides an environment where people can grow to reach their clearly defined objectives faster.
There have been reported disappointments in the outcomes of the application of feng shui. If the person is expecting to get results from feng shui, but without any aims, objectives or preparation, the results will be disappointing as it reflects the intention.
Feng Shui has to be treated with respect. It just enhances your aims or objectives.
If the person’s objectives are ill-defined, vague or changed frequently, feng shui will magnify these changes.
It is not just a purchase of an item and then left alone. It is to enhance your aims and objectives.
Feng Shui enhances three types of energies.
a. Wealth
Feng Shui enhances the wealth energy within the property.
This does not mean that you will win the lottery. The enhanced wealth energies mean more appearance of more wealth or career opportunities. It is for you to grab these opportunities with both hands.
b. Relationships
This does not mean that you will have a relationship with the person of your dreams. It just means that you have to grab the opportunities that are presented and make the most of it
Should you be in a relationship, these energies are to strengthen the bond between the couple.
c. Health
It does not mean that whatever physical or mental health disorder that you have, you will be cured.
Also, if you are 60 years old, it is not expected that you will be as fit and healthy as a 20-year-old.
It means you can “overcome” the minor ailments and live a “normal life” of your age.
d. Feng Shui is essentially an enhancer or provides an environment where people can grow to reach their clearly defined objectives faster.
There have been reported disappointments in the outcomes of the application of feng shui. If the person is expecting to get results from feng shui, but without any aims, objectives or preparation, the results will be disappointing as it reflects the intention.
Feng Shui has to be treated with respect. It just enhances your aims or objectives.
If the person’s objectives are ill-defined, vague or changed frequently, feng shui will magnify these changes.
It is not just a purchase of an item and then left alone. It is to enhance your aims and objectives.
What is Energy (Qi)
It is called energy and is known to be the universal life force. This sounds abstract, but let me give you some examples:
When you are born, you take your 1st breath of air; the body is then filled with energy (Qi). This is the time of your birth and is used to calculate your destiny (BaZi or Four Pillars of destiny analysis).
When a person has passed away, the Chinese expression is “when the energy (Qi) has left the body”.
Qi or energy is about life.
When you are ill, it is about the imbalances or disharmony of the energy (Qi) in the body. Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture are methods to balance out this energy.
So, how about the energy in the environment?
Let me give you some examples:
a. You stand by the sea on a sunny and calm day. You can feel the sea breezes surrounding your body. It is very pleasant. The energy is calm and fresh.
However, you stand in a “pit” or a deep hole in the ground with your head below the surface; how do you feel? The air is stale and stagnant. There is no energy there.
b. You go into an auditorium with a fiery and evangelical speaker firing up the crowd. You feel charged as the energy in the room is vibrant.
However, you walk into an empty and disused factory floor; how do you feel? Desolate and depressed. There is no energy there.
c. You go to a house, there is warmth, and the atmosphere is calm. The family is harmonious and growing. You feel comfortable, and you want to spend more time there.
However, you go to another house, and you feel it is cold, and the atmosphere is dead or indifferent. The family is dysfunctional, and members must go on their separate ways. You feel uncomfortable, and you want to leave as soon as possible.
Have you had this experience before?
The difference is the quality and quantity of energy in the houses. The first one is filled with balanced energy. The second one has no or unbalanced energy.
How do you Rectify the Situation?
Fill it up with energy!
How do you fill it up with energy?
Use the methodology of feng shui – feng shui is about the movement and flow of energy (Qi)?
Traditional Feng Shui is about handling energy in the environment to change and improve the atmosphere in the property.
When you are born, you take your 1st breath of air; the body is then filled with energy (Qi). This is the time of your birth and is used to calculate your destiny (BaZi or Four Pillars of destiny analysis).
When a person has passed away, the Chinese expression is “when the energy (Qi) has left the body”.
Qi or energy is about life.
When you are ill, it is about the imbalances or disharmony of the energy (Qi) in the body. Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture are methods to balance out this energy.
So, how about the energy in the environment?
Let me give you some examples:
a. You stand by the sea on a sunny and calm day. You can feel the sea breezes surrounding your body. It is very pleasant. The energy is calm and fresh.
However, you stand in a “pit” or a deep hole in the ground with your head below the surface; how do you feel? The air is stale and stagnant. There is no energy there.
b. You go into an auditorium with a fiery and evangelical speaker firing up the crowd. You feel charged as the energy in the room is vibrant.
However, you walk into an empty and disused factory floor; how do you feel? Desolate and depressed. There is no energy there.
c. You go to a house, there is warmth, and the atmosphere is calm. The family is harmonious and growing. You feel comfortable, and you want to spend more time there.
However, you go to another house, and you feel it is cold, and the atmosphere is dead or indifferent. The family is dysfunctional, and members must go on their separate ways. You feel uncomfortable, and you want to leave as soon as possible.
Have you had this experience before?
The difference is the quality and quantity of energy in the houses. The first one is filled with balanced energy. The second one has no or unbalanced energy.
How do you Rectify the Situation?
Fill it up with energy!
How do you fill it up with energy?
Use the methodology of feng shui – feng shui is about the movement and flow of energy (Qi)?
Traditional Feng Shui is about handling energy in the environment to change and improve the atmosphere in the property.
The effect of the environment on behaviour
It is well known that the environment affects our behaviour:
1. On a bright sunny day, we feel more cheerful and re-charged with energy.
However, on a dark cloudy and gloomy day, we feel down and lethargic.
2. In a tidy and bright room, we are energised to work.
However, in a dark and cluttered room, we are demoralised and feel lethargic.
A bedroom that is painted in a pastel shade and pictures of loved ones like family – we have a good and sound sleep.
However, if the bedroom is painted bright red with pictures of graphic violence or disasters – would we be able to sleep soundly?
What is the Mechanism behind these Changes?
Feng Shui is about the energy in the environment and the resulting changes in behaviour are a result of changes in the energy in the environment.
1. On a bright sunny day, we feel more cheerful and re-charged with energy.
However, on a dark cloudy and gloomy day, we feel down and lethargic.
2. In a tidy and bright room, we are energised to work.
However, in a dark and cluttered room, we are demoralised and feel lethargic.
A bedroom that is painted in a pastel shade and pictures of loved ones like family – we have a good and sound sleep.
However, if the bedroom is painted bright red with pictures of graphic violence or disasters – would we be able to sleep soundly?
What is the Mechanism behind these Changes?
Feng Shui is about the energy in the environment and the resulting changes in behaviour are a result of changes in the energy in the environment.
Feng Shui involves four vital factors
a. The exteriors:
The Qi (energy) emanates in the external environment.
The path of the energy is determined by the mountains, hills, rivers, streams, roads, buildings, lakes and the sea. It meanders through the obstacles and flows along the path of least resistance.
This is the energy that is necessary for the main ingredient for feng shui to work.
The feng shui consultant has to identify the route of this energy and tailor a path for the energy to enter the property.
b. The building
The building has a number of functions.
The Qi (energy) emanates in the external environment.
The path of the energy is determined by the mountains, hills, rivers, streams, roads, buildings, lakes and the sea. It meanders through the obstacles and flows along the path of least resistance.
This is the energy that is necessary for the main ingredient for feng shui to work.
The feng shui consultant has to identify the route of this energy and tailor a path for the energy to enter the property.
b. The building
The building has a number of functions.
To have an entrance that is in the path of the energy flow
Once the energy enters the building, there are ways where the energy can be distributed to the various parts.
The building does not leak energy.
c. The People in the building
The people have to be “compatible” with the property. This relies on the application of the Eight House formula.
The people have to focus on their aims and objectives.
d. Timeliness
There are cycles of time in feng shui – Monthly, yearly, 20 years and 180 years.
It is the skill of the consultant to use the time advantage for the benefit of the residents of the property.
Methods that are not classed as Feng Shui
There are many published methods using the name feng shui. I have listed methods that, in my opinion, do not fit into the four criteria that I have discussed above.
Interior design – moving or re-arranging of furniture – colour and positioning of furniture unless in conjunction with a feng shui – moving or shifting of energies; appropriate directions for the residents
Interior design – moving or re-arranging of furniture – colour and positioning of furniture unless in conjunction with a feng shui – moving or shifting of energies; appropriate directions for the residents
Designs for a happy home – not feng shui. It is more interior design for a purpose
Clutter clearer viz Marie Kondo with the clearing and tidying up the interiors. Its use is helpful when used with feng shui. It is essentially clearing the space for energy to move, but it does not fulfil the above criteria.
Space clearing – popularised as feng shui – this is a practice found in South East Asia. The popularised version is from Bali. It is essentially removing old stale energy and the new one coming in.
The placement of items like Chinese symbols alone is not feng shui. This is part of Chinese culture. Feng Shui is about the flow of energy as described above.
The use of images like photographs or artwork is not considered to be feng shui. It is symbolism. It can be uplifting or downbeat. Do not have collections of shipwrecks, car crashes. They are images of disasters that you do not want to encounter.
Feng shui fashion – colours styles, hair colour, handbags etc
Feng shui of moveable accommodation – like cars, caravans, houseboats etc.
Other Topics
The published methods in Feng shui
Triple Gate (Black Hat Feng Shui)
Life Aspirations (based on the elements of the Bagua)
Eight Mansions Formula
Flying Star Formula
These methods are about distributing different types of energy in various parts within a property.
