Feng Shui is the study of how your environment affects you over periods of time. Evidence of its use has been found in China dating back to the Fuxi period – about 3000 BC. The meaning of it is simply "Wind & Water", from the Mandarin Chinese Feng = Wind, Shui = Water. You will hear different ways of pronouncing the words, this depends on where you are in China. Cantonese people from the south say "Fung Soy", whilst the rest of China tend to use the mandarin "Fung Schway".

The energies it seeks to harness are known in Chinese as qi (pronounced chee) and the concept exists in most cultures throughout the world, it has no religious significance. Sometimes called "life’s breath" it has been described as being dispersed by the wind and settling in water, hence wind (feng) water (shui). Its behaviour is similar to an energy flow but its physical existence is proving elusive to modern science, quantum physics comes close with its description of a "unified quantum field" which defines all matter as different forms of interconnected energy.

Research has shown that different types of qi come from different directions and are attracted by people and buildings, the effects vary with time. As it travels it is influenced by the contours of the land, water and other obstacles and these can alter its strength and quality. When the travelling qi finds a closed space, such as a building, it will enter and circulate according to observed patterns. As it circulates within a building, it is also influenced by contours, walls, materials and colours. Thus the quality and types of qi found present will affect how a room feels, and its suitability to a purpose within the building. There is rarely an ideal arrangement in any building, but with careful manipulation of the rooms, furniture, colour schemes etc. a good compromise can always be found.

So called "remedies" are sometimes used if no suitable alternative can be found. They are based on the nature of the object (also its form and colour), but more importantly where they are placed according to the analysis of the building. The figurative form they take are irrelevant, a dragon will have no more effect than a Labrador dog, it is the form, colour and placement which has the effect.

Identifying and manipulating qi energy is the job of the feng shui consultant.

Authentic Feng Shui practice has now become recognised as a credible partner to interior design and ergonomics. It doesn’t replace good architectural or interior design, but works together with them to improve the energy and atmosphere of a property whilst retaining the integrity of cultural and creative design principles.

Today, we freely accept the use of a weather forecast to determine our actions. Flood prevention schemes, planting crops, snowploughs and even the evacuation of towns are initiated based on the predictions. Yet up to only 140 years ago there simply was not the methodology to make such a prediction, only the "superstitions of simple folk". Thanks to the efforts of Robert Fitzroy, the founder of weather analysis, we now believe differently.

Feng Shui in western society is undergoing the same kind of transformation from superstition to respectability and is the future of our building designs.

Some advice

Many false claims have been made by charlatans cashing-in on a popular trend, and in 1986 a version of Feng Shui appeared and gained popularity due to its simplicity. The analysis is not based on compass directions, nor is the time element considered. The house is simply divided into sectors or "life stations" and costly remedies placed accordingly. This system has never been referred to in classical texts yet exists today as a "quick-fix" imitation. Many books have been written and sold using these ideas in favour of classical teaching, this is understandable due to the complexity of the genuine article.

Classical Feng Shui has never relied on remedies such as wind chimes and crystals that are guaranteed to immediately cure your home's problems. This ‘New Age’ approach appears to rely on the sale of metaphysical products from octagonal mirrors to bamboo flutes which claim to improve your health, maximise your potential and assure the fulfilment of an uncertain philosophy.

As a rule of thumb, if a compass isn’t used during a consultation and the construction date is ignored, it’s unlikely to be authentic Feng Shui.