Drawing from the name itself – Feng means ‘wind’ and Shui means ‘water’ – Feng Shui represents movement and constant change. By realizing that your environment can directly impact how you feel, you can take charge of your health by adjusting and using your surroundings.
 
For example, the center of a house or building represents its health area and using the analogy of a wheel, it is the hub where all spokes connect. In a home it influences the health of its inhabitants. In a business, this translates to financial health and the physical health of employees.
 
Energy should pass freely through this area so it connects with other areas of the total space. A good way to check this is to light an incense stick or scented candle and see if you can smell it in all adjoining rooms. To improve the health area of a space, leave a minimal amount of furniture in the center, keep it free of clutter and regularly refresh the area with fresh flowers. Avoid big trees or plants, as they diminish the earth energy of this area.
 
Because bodies are made up of two thirds water, they resonate with other water elements that are in close proximity. From a Feng Shui health perspective, it is critical to avoid stagnant, dirty or polluted water as this can suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility to disease. When waters (sewage systems, etc.) are flowing smoothly and systems are clean, the healthy ebb-and-flow of your body and blood occurs freely. If a house has leaks (pipes, roof, basins, the pool, etc.) or drips it can be compared to human sweating, which leads to a drain of energy, causing fatigue or ‘runny’ illnesses such as sinus problems, diarrhea or urinary tract infections. Water problems can also lead to depression, emotional outbursts and stress related illnesses. Above all, leaks can create financial instability. Keep all house or office systems in good working order, including electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning units.
 
According to the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard, 60 to 80 percent of all doctor visits are stress-related. Stress is as much a risk factor for disease as smoking or other lifestyle habits. Chronic stress diminishes the immune system and makes people more susceptible to disease. Feng Shui offers several principles to adjust your place accordingly to reduce stressors and create a healthier environment. If you lead an active lifestyle, make your home a quiet and comforting place to offset the hectic pace and bring more balance to your life. Invest in comfortable furniture that can weather the wear and tear of family living. ‘Show homes’ often feel like ‘do not live here’ space and lack energy and soul essence. This makes people feel detached, irritable, ungrounded and ill at ease. So cocoon!
 
Also, check the energy around your property. Do you frequently have dead animals or plants in your yard? Do crows visit too often? If so, add energy or life force with fresh flowers, healthy plants or trees and adequate lighting – a great, natural anti-depressant. Sometimes acquiring a pet will help: install a fish tank, adopt a cat or a dog. You can also install bird feeders (with safflower seed that crows dislike), bird nesting boxes or wind chimes. Do not forget to create some sacred space in your garden as well!
 
The air quality of our environment also greatly affects health. Indoor pollution has been found to be as much as five to ten times higher than outside levels, causing headaches, laryngitis, dizziness, nausea, inability to think clearly, arrhythmia, muscle spasm and more. Spaces collect toxicity because of synthetic building materials and chemicals such as cleaning products and carpet glue. The ‘tighter’ the building, the longer the chemicals remain and the higher the indoor contamination. Air conditioning does not filter the air but recycles it, therefore spreading the toxicity and contamination. Make sure your air-conditioner comes with an air purifier. Also, open windows regularly so fresh air can replenish your living spaces as the ultraviolet component of sunlight kills airborne bacteria. Bring healthy plants indoors as they too help clear the air. And remember, people’s behavior also adds toxicity to an environment so be kind to others and selective at the same time.
 
By incorporating some basic Feng Shui principles into your life, you can dramatically improve your health by creating work and home spaces that help you thrive and succeed. Wind (Feng) and water (Shui) not only represent movement and constant change but are also the most basic elements required for survival: we can’t live without air or water. So let’s be kind to mother nature and in return she will help us heal and stay healthy.