Feng Shui Principles: 8 Core Rules for Balance & Harmony | FengShui.uno

If a space were a piece of music, Feng Shui principles would be its rhythm and melody—invisible yet defining the overall harmony. From ancient courtyards to modern apartments, spaces that feel comfortable often align with core Feng Shui rules. These 8 principles, derived from ancient observations of environmental patterns, serve as practical guidelines for optimizing living spaces today.​ I. Qi Flow: The "Life Pulse" of Space​ Qi is the soul of Feng Shui, analogous to blood in the human body—constant circulation is essential for nourishment. Core Rule: Avoid stagnant or rushing Qi in spaces.​ - Practical Tips: Entrances should not face bathrooms directly (to prevent foul Qi rush) or be fully blocked by large furniture (hindering Qi entry). Narrow corridors need plants or paintings at the end to guide Qi flow. Open layouts facilitate Qi movement but require screens or low cabinets to divide areas, preventing Qi from "rushing through" without retention.​ II. Yin-Yang Balance: Symbiosis in Opposition​ Yin and Yang represent the fundamental cosmic duality: movement (Yang) vs. stillness (Yin); light (Yang) vs. darkness (Yin). Core Rule: Spaces should integrate both qualities to avoid extremes.​ - Practical Tips: Bedrooms (Yin, associated with rest) should minimize electronic devices (excess Yang) and balance with soft lighting and fabric decor. Living rooms (Yang, for activity) need ample light but avoid excessive glass (overly Yang), using curtains to adjust brightness.​ III. Five Elements Interplay: The Balance Code of All Things​ Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth interact through mutual generation and restriction, forming dynamic energy balance. Core Rule: Match elements to space functions to avoid conflict.​ - Practical Tips:​ - - Kitchens (Fire): Use light-colored tiles (Earth) to "reduce fire"; add plants (Wood) for "Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal";​ - Bathrooms (Water): Incorporate metal fixtures (Metal) and warm lighting (Fire) to create a cycle of "Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood" (via plants);​ - Studies (Wood): Balance with ceramic decor (Earth) and metal pen holders (Metal) to prevent excessive Wood energy.​ IV. Form & Landscape: Harnessing Natural Power​ Feng Shui emphasizes harmony between interior and exterior environments. Core Rule: Align with terrain and natural patterns to leverage external energy.​ - Practical Tips: Residences with mountain or tall building backing ("support") symbolize stability; open views or water features in front ("bright hall") aid Qi accumulation. If facing sharp-edged buildings ("poison arrow"), place circular ornaments in corresponding directions to neutralize.​ V. Directional Alignment: Energy Coordinates of Time & Space​ Different directions carry unique energy properties, corresponding to human activity needs. Core Rule: Plan space use based on directional attributes.​ - Practical Tips:​ - South (Li trigram, Fire): Suitable for living rooms or kitchens; avoid bedrooms (may cause restlessness);​ - North (Kan trigram, Water): Ideal for bedrooms (aids sleep); enhance with blue decor;​ - Southeast (Xun trigram, Wood): Perfect for studies; add plants to boost career/academic luck.​ VI. Clutter-Free Space: The "Clear Path" for Qi​ Clutter blocks Qi flow like blockages in blood vessels. Core Rule: Maintain cleanliness and organized storage.​ - Practical Tips: Regularly discard unused items; avoid storing clutter under sofas or beds. Keep entryway shoe cabinets tidy with shoe tips facing outward (not inward). Limit desktop items to essentials, using boxes to hide small objects.​ VII. Proportion & Scale: The "Comfort Scale" of Space​ Furniture or decor that is too large or small disrupts energy balance. Core Rule: Match object size to space dimensions.​ - Practical Tips: Small apartments should avoid oversized sofas (feel oppressive); large living rooms need appropriately scaled furniture (prevent emptiness). Paintings should not exceed 70% of wall width, with central height at eye level. Ceilings lower than 2.7m should skip complex crown moldings (reduce Qi).​ VIII. Intentional Design: Human "Energy Projection"​ Feng Shui ultimately centers on people—layouts should align with lifestyle and psychological needs. Core Rule: Let spaces embody positive life aspirations.​ Practical Tips: Display family photos in living rooms (strengthen family bonds); hang inspirational art in studies (enhance focus). Avoid damaged furniture or decor (symbolize "imperfection"); infuse positive energy with plants or aromatherapy.​ These 8 rules are interconnected: Five Elements balance relies on Yin-Yang harmony, while Qi flow depends on clutter-free spaces—echoing the Song Dynasty text Zhai Jing: "Dwellings are the pivot of Yin-Yang and the model of human relations." When we understand and apply these principles, spaces transform from cold structures into "energy fields" that resonate with life.