Feng Shui may be a foreign terminology but it is far from being an alien concept for many people, especially for the home decorating enthusiasts, culture vultures and fans of anything Chinese. The simplest definition of Feng Shui is that it’s an ancient design principle that originated in China used for creating positive chi (known in layman’s term as energy) in a living space. The end goal is to have harmony. The positioning of things, types of objects, shapes and colors are elements of Feng Shui. They are responsible for the flow of energy or lack thereof. They determine if a living space has positive or negative chi and if there’s balance in the space.

Feng Shui comes from a set of ancient Chinese beliefs. Its core principle is to optimize the flow of chi by properly positioning objects inside and outside the home. It’s said that a good flow of chi will bring good luck, happiness and better health to everyone inside the home. On the other hand, blocked or dead chi is often related to misfortune and illnesses.

It is impossible to become a feng shui expert overnight, especially since incorporating these principles into your home demands a careful study into the geography and orientation of the property itself. You also have to determine several different aspects such as the Chinese zodiac sign and the lucky number of each household member. There’s a plethora of factors you have to take into consideration in order to achieve the ‘perfect’ or ideal feng shui setup at home.

One example is the general rule of placing objects without causing obstruction in movement. They say if you can’t move freely in a room because the furniture “block” the way, chi is blocked as well. Hence, the flow of energy is affected. This can cause sickness, ill feelings among family members, loss of wealth, stress and other negativity. Mirrors are also said to affect the flow of chi as they can somehow change the path of energy.

Trusting your instincts while rearranging furniture will more or less help you determine if the room feels right or not for you. With a good feng shui book and a little trial and error, you should soon find the perfect combination that brings harmony to your home.

Feng Shui is a complex study. There are such factors as the locations – East, West, North or South. Also, the elements of Chinese astrology, zodiac and numbers. Yin and Yang do not only signify the good and bad or masculine and feminine. In Feng Shui, this means quiet energy for Yin and active energy for Yang. So, the location of the rooms also has to correspond to the Yin and Yang to achieve the purpose of relaxation and activity. The bedroom and living room for instance should have more Yin energy while the kitchen should have the Yang energy.

Self-study is an effective tool for learning more about Feng Shui. There are also seminars and workshops that are helpful for people who don’t have any formal background but are into applying Feng Shui in their lives.

While there’s nothing wrong with following the rules of feng shui for your home, always keep in mind that it is only a guide to enhancing good luck and positive vibes. Whether its success in your career or in redecorating your house, it is only hard work and patience that will guarantee success.