Why is Feng Shui considered a science?

The science of Feng Shui remains squarely rooted in architecture, astronomy, physics, and design. According to the ancient "keepers of the knowledge" from the Taoist tradition, the evolutionary roots of Chinese Wholistic Medicine came into being at least  8,000 years ago through the first two of the Eight Branches of the Tao Healing Arts. Over the centuries the other six branches evolved into a unified way of life.

Feng shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations). The feng shui practice discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of "invisible forces" that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as qi/chi. 

Historically, Feng Shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures—in an auspicious manner. Depending on the particular style of feng shui being used, an auspicious site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, stars, or a compass.

Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.^[1]

Feng shui was suppressed in mainland China during the cultural revolution in the 1960s, but since then has increased in popularity.

"Physician, heal thyself."

Science is definited as follows:

1. The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena. b. Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena. c. Such activities applied to an object of inquiry or study.
2. Methodological activity, discipline, or study: “I’ve got packing a suitcase down to a science.”
3. An activity that appears to require study and method: the science of purchasing.
4. Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.

Feng Shui uses observation, repeatable calculations and methodologies, and is based on the study of the environment around, both inside and out. Kan Yu, the original name for Feng Shui, means “Raise the head and observe the sky above. Lower the head and observe the environment around us.” More precisely, Feng Shui is the scientific study of the natural and built environment. All in all, it is the study of environmental effects on people.

Just as acupuncture was not accepted by western medicine until several years ago, the study of Feng Shui is just now becoming popular. While there are many variations of Feng Shui that would not withstand the scrutiny of common sense, traditional Feng Shui has logical explanations for all of its methodologies.

Are you burning up your wealth?

I

n Feng Shui, the kitchen represents nourishment and prosperity. How you design your kitchen can dramatically influence your health, and, surprisingly, your wealth.

For example, Wood is the element of Wealth, and it belongs in the Southeast corner, according to ancient Feng Shui precepts. So, if your stove in the Southeast, you are figuratively "burning up your wealth". When we analzye a person's home, the very first thing we do is take compass directions throughout the house and come up with a game plan for balancing out all the elements.

The first thing to bear in mind when considering any Feng Shui advice is that ultimately, Feng Shui is a complex practice with several different schools, and the recommendations will vary from school to school and from one practitioner to another. So too, advice will differ depending upon the unique home - and the unique people living in it. Despite the fact that different schools may have diverse views on some topics, there are basic Feng Shui principles that apply to all kitchens.

At Feng Shui Style, we use the Compass School, Form School, and Eight Mansion Theory. For more information about these schools, go to:

Feng Shui Schools