If you're new to Feng Shui, Dato' Joey Yap tells us exactly what Feng Shui is - and what it isn't!
1. Feng Shui translates to Wind and Water, and is used to describe the flow of Qi (energy), a natural occurring force around us considered an active principle that forms a part of every living being. Feng Shui is the art of accessing the qualities of the energy converging at, or affecting, a certain location; this is to determine the location's potential and shortcomings.
2. And no, Feng Shui isn't just for Chinese culture (some in the West have similar energy-related concepts) or magic tricks for you to get rich!
3. The placement of ornaments or furniture is not going to have dramatic life-changing effects on someone’s life. In fact, they don't matter at all - unless it's a water feature. Be careful with the placement of external bodies of water, such as ponds created by landscaping, rock gardens or rock waterfalls. Their positions should be in tandem with individual auspicious directions.
4. Before making big changes to one’s home, one should first study the Feng Shui of the exterior. Understanding the flow of Qi outside the home helps to determine how the expert can ensure good energy flows in a suitable direction towards and within the home.
5. As much as Qi can be good, it can also be bad. If placed at an unsuitable area, or if it faces an unfavourable direction, the water element could bring about the opposite effects of what you initially set out for.
6. The benefits of Feng Shui would not be noticeable if it is used half-heartedly, without being properly educated on the nuances of its practice.