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Feng Shui
Home » China » Beijing - People and Culture » Feng ShuiRecently made popular in the United States by interior designers and celebrities, Feng Shui is 3000-year-old practice with roots in Taoism. Translating “wind water,” Feng Shui teaches the art of placement based on a philosophy of the movement of natural energy (called “chi”).
Throughout ancient China, classical Feng Shui was used as a tool to ensure the good health, wealth, and power of the imperial dynasties. The Feng Shui masters were scientists and astronomers employed by the royals to execute the Feng Shui principles, thereby ensuring prosperity for the dynasties.
Basic principles include an understanding of the Yin/Yang and what are considered the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. In Feng Shui, each of the elements has a place and performs a certain function within a space. Practically speaking, creating a Feng Shui room might mean placing a miniature waterfall in a certain corner or making a desk face north. There are extensive guidelines and certain designers specialize in creating Feng Shui spaces for their clients.
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