What is Fengshui?

What is Fengshui? 

Fengshui literally means Wind (风) and Water (水). It is an ancient Chinese discipline focused on aligning human life with the surrounding environment. The fundamental concept of Feng Shui is Qi (气), which is the natural, vital energy or life force that permeates all things. The goal of good Feng Shui is simple: to harness and direct positive Qi from the environment to enhance the lives of the people who occupy that space. 

Background

Fengshui was called Kan Yu (堪舆), where Kan (堪) is the observation of the sky, time or cosmic influence; and Yu (舆) is the observation of the earth, space or geological influence. The core principal originates from Guo Pu (郭璞)'s Book of Burial (葬书) during the Jin Dynasty (晋朝): 

"Qi spreads with the wind, and is stopped by moving water (气乘风则散, 界水而止)."

In practical terms, this means that energy is dispersed by wind (movement of the air), and aggregates where moving water or geographical features slows it down. Qi can be classified into positive and negative Qi. Positive Qi can enhance your well-being, family harmony, and success in life. 

In Fengshui, we also need to take care of Qi that comes from both the air and the land.

Back to: Our Services, I-Ching and Mindfulness, Fengshui in the Modern Urban Context, Experiences with Fengshui

Last updated: 27 Dec 2025

First Published: 27 Dec 2024