Feng Shui literally means "Wind and Water", and refers to the flow of energy or Qi (Chi).

When the Qi of your home or business is not flowing in a productive way, you may experience relationship problems, a lack of creativity, illnesses or injuries, or financial trouble. Many of us are trying hard to be happy and successful but are troubled and unfulfilled. People often contact me for a Feng Shui consultation after they have tried several different things. Sometimes it is not the person who needs medicine, but the building.

Feng Shui helps to balance negative energies in your home or business and enhances the good energies, making it easier for you to accomplish your goals.

If you are considering buying or leasing a property, find out its potential before you commit your time and money.

The Chinese believe in five concepts (in order of importance):

1. Destiny
2. Luck
3. Feng Shui
4. Karma
5. Hard Work

The last three, Feng Shui, Karma and Hard Work, we can definitely control! Feng Shui is the Chinese earth science developed to bring people into harmony with the environment. Karma is determined by how well we treat and respect others. Hard Work is very important - the best Feng Shui will not help you much if you are not willing to work for what you want.

Now, most Westerners would turn this list upside-down - we like to think that we control our own destinies through hard work. But the truth is that we do not have control over many aspects of our lives. Note that Feng Shui is more important than Karma and Hard Work.

Most people have control over only Karma and Hard Work in their lives. Why not use Feng Shui to have control over three-fifths of your life?

I often find that my clients have tried therapy, exercise and space clearing, etc., and always make an effort to treat others with respect, but still feel stuck, have difficult finances and/or unhappy relationships. Often Feng Shui is the one thing that can tip the scales in their favor, creating a happier, more fortunate life.

I never tell clients or students that Feng Shui will change everything in your life for the better. Remember, Feng Shui is one-fifth of the equation, so I would be a fraud if I promised that Feng Shui will fix everything that is wrong in your life. But if you install the remedies and enhancements to your home or business as advised, the energies will be optimized to bring good things your way.

When I leave your home or business, you should feel energized and know exactly what needs to be done, how and where.

Some Feng Shui tips that you can use right now:

1. Look around your home or business - how does it make you feel?  Is it peaceful and organized?  Is it attractive?  If it isn't, it's time to get moving and create the kind of space you want.  If you need to hire a space organizer or efficiency expert, do it.  If you need to have a yard sale, do it.  A good rule of thumb is to discard things that you haven't used in the past 3 years.

A cluttered home or business creates a disorganized mind.

2. If you have items in your home or business that remind you of an unhappy relationship or event, either discard them or remove them from view.  One of my clients had college textbooks on a bookshelf, which reminded him that he still hadn't completed his degree from a few years ago.  I advised him to put them in a closet - he knows he needs to complete his degree, but why have something around that makes him feel inadequate?

Have beautiful things that you love around you to create good qi.

3. Whenever possible always sit with your back up against a wall.  People always feel more comfortable when they can see the entire room.  Also sitting facing a wall can hurt one's ability to have vision and see the "big picture".

Sit with your back against a wall for best support.