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IS FENG SHUI JUST SUPERSTITION?

Nov 24, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Dec 26, 2022




When dealing with the so called supernatural and extraordinary belief systems, the laymen is likely to not associate it with science, meaning they don't comprehend the tangible possibility of this topic.


However, Feng Shui is one of the most popular topics that people have a hard time drawing the line between when it comes to an extraordinary experience and the science. If you have studied Feng Shui you know that it was created back in Ancient China 3000 years ago based on the teachings of Taoism, where nature is science!



"fundamental principle in the world, is creation and destruction"



Starting with the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) the theory was that the most fundamental principle in the world, is creation and destruction, which each element has the power to do one or both.


In the field of Feng Shui, there are different thoughts of school which some find conflicting and even more so in today’s world those that call themselves “master” of Feng Shui or practitioners are seen as charlatans bleeding money out of people for their services that promise that Feng Shui can change people’s destiny. I'm sure you have heard many of these 'wizards' making millions by just giving advice for create 'space' in your house.



"it is more of a theory of life"



However, it is quite clear that the people who study and practice Feng Shui don't personally believe it is superstition. Instead, it is more of a theory of life and how we interact with it and more importantly than that how life interacts with them.

Feng shui originated in the Tang dynasty (618 - 907), a period of imperial China when a renewed interest in natural phenomena and the environment pervaded many aspects of Chinese society, from architecture to cosmetics.


Its theory of seven spheres, of which the primary ones are earth, fire, water, wood, metal, and space, argues that any object or space placed in a certain place in the house or office will help achieve one's life's purpose.


"Many follow an eight wonderful laws"


This led to the proliferation of popular Feng Shui books and the systematization of many of the practices they described. Today, Feng Shui proponents take a more pragmatic approach, using the theory to make sense of the layout of furniture in a room or advise people on how to arrange their homes.


While the origins of the tradition remain unclear, there are common threads across its many iterations. Many follow an "eight wonderful laws," most of which state that positive or negative energies exist in the environment and influence human actions, so one must work to alter them through certain techniques.


For example, negative energies known as yin, or negative polarity, such as cold and wet weather, in a house can be balanced by having a flow of positive chi, or positive energy.



"Feng Shui also implies that materials and furniture are of equal importance"


As Feng Shui also implies that materials and furniture are of equal importance, the goal is not only to integrate positive and negative energies, but also to balance and harmonize the entire structure.


As you read more about the uses and the practicality of Feng Shui you notice that it's starting to look and sound like science as opposed to something that is under the microscope of the scientists.



Superstition vs Reality


Many proponents of feng shui argue that the practice is based on centuries of observation and tradition, and that it has been proven to work for many people. They point to the fact that Feng Shui has been used successfully in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and even hospitals, to create positive and harmonious environments.

Additionally, some proponents argue that Feng Shui is supported by modern science. They claim that the principles of Feng Shui, such as the use of natural elements and the placement of objects in certain locations, can have real and measurable effects on the human body and mind.


For example, studies have shown that the presence of plants in a space can reduce stress and improve mental health, which is in line with Feng Shui principles that promote the use of natural elements to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

On the other hand, skeptics of Feng Shui argue that the practice is based on superstition and lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. They point out that there have been few, if any, controlled scientific studies that demonstrate the validity of Feng Shui principles.


They also argue that the success of Feng Shui may be due to the placebo effect, where people believe that the practice is working and therefore experience positive results.

Ultimately, some people have found that the principles of Feng Shui have a positive and measurable impact on their lives. It is up to each individual to decide whether they believe in the power of Feng Shui and whether they want to incorporate it into their own lives.



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