Healthy Living FS & TCM Connections

Healthy Living
Connections Between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui
Five main groups of study and practice, known as the Five Arts, are an integral part of Chinese philosophy, culture and tradition. These five complex Arts and their respective modalities have been a fundamental guide to Chinese life since earliest times until today. They collectively encompass the entire span of wellbeing and lifestyle practices. Each Art is complete in itself; they are however all interconnected and their commonality is the concept of Qi energetics, essentially yin and yang balance and five elements relationships.

The five Arts are: 1 Medical (Yi) ie.Traditional Chinese Medicine, includes acupuncture, herbal prescriptions and healing: 2 Observation (Xiang) includes Feng Shui, architecture, writing and appearance: 3 Philosophy (Shan) includes Inner cultivation practices and martial arts: 4 Fate (Ming) includes Bazi and Zi Wei horoscope metaphysics: 5 Prediction (Pu) includes divination and cosmic destiny.

Let us take a closer look at the fascinating similarities and inter-relationship between Feng Shui and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), because to be healthy is to achieve a harmonious balance between your body, your heart/mind and your environment. I always think of a building as being a living organism with feelings, a heart and soul. It needs to be taken care of, nurtured and loved to be able to support its occupants.

Whilst Feng Shui focuses initially on the environment and TCM addresses the human body, they have a similar therapeutic approach to a person’s individual situation - both essentially aiming to facilitate optimum well being. Their shared holistic premise is that everyone is different and supporting each person’s unique state and needs is the absolute priority.

Methodologies used to establish what can be done to help a client also have some remarkable parallels. A Feng Shui practitioner will ask the client to describe the problem/s they are having, what they like and dislike about their surroundings, their personal and work life and so on as a brief to address and will observe whether any areas are too yin or too yang and where the qi flow has obstructions or is over-active.

When taking a client’s case history, a TCM practitioner asks questions, observes the face, skin, general appearance, temperature and tongue and reads pulses to identify what is termed ‘Patterns of Disharmony’ to provide clues about underlying causes of health problems. The three basic influences are lifestyle, emotional outlook and the environment. The five elements correlate to the five paired yin and yang organs and other parts including orifices, tissues and fluids. Different qualities of qi flow through meridian channels to reach the body’s ten organ systems.

Seasonal environmental changes naturally influence whether you keep your home warm or cool and its windows and doors closed or open. The five elements have seasonal correlations in both Feng Shui and TCM. Wood element, for example, correlates to Spring and the colour green, as well as to the liver, gall bladder and various associated body parts and functions in TCM. That is one reason why every Chinese meal has a variety of dishes and colours so that it can be well balanced and responsive to seasonal changes, prioritising yin or yang foods to adapt to the body’s condition and needs throughout the year.

So whilst Feng Shui introduces remedial solutions and physical adjustments to harmonise living spaces in order to help people thrive healthily, in parallel TCM has remedial systems to re-establish a body’s balance and release blockages so that it is better able to heal itself. If you wish to explore the nuances of TCM in far greater depth than this short article can possibly cover, I can recommend reading the hardcover book ‘Encyclopaedia of Chinese Medicine’ by Dr Duo Gao.

Warmest wishes,

Sylvia

Creating Yin and Yang Harmony in 2024

2024 the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Calendar

From a Chinese Metaphysics perspective the yang Wood Dragon year 2024 is distinctly a year of change. Its governing annual Flying Star 3 has the trigram Zhen Thunder, which has the dual characteristics of rising freshness, new ideas and vigour interfaced by impulsive vibration and unrest. Plus the new Flying Stars Period 9 twenty years’ time cycle also commences in 2024.

It is governed by the Fire element of Li trigram, associated with transformation, action, passion and prominence, though with notoriety on its negative side. It already started to be apparent.

There are typically a few turbulent years during which a waning cycle and the incoming new period transition. So it is likely that the challenging recent times will continue for a bit longer before settling down. Change is destabilising but living with yin and yang in harmony helps to ease that discord.

The Dragon’s Role in 2024

In Chinese culture, the mythical Dragon Chen has the power to easily break through obstructions and it symbolises revolution and discarding old patterns. The Dragon’s nature is represented by both the trigram Xun - Wind and the YiJing hexagram 43 Guai with its rising yang Qi becoming stronger and meaning ‘Transform’

So this Wood Dragon will need to be kept in balance to prevent it becoming unstable or getting out of control, metaphorically speaking. Particularly with the added influence of this year’s dominant 3 star combined with the unsettling shift into period 9. However, during this year you can offset all that and transform it positively by maintaining harmony around yourself and your living environment.

What is Yin and Yang

Yin-Yang theory acknowledges the dynamic co-existence between complimentary opposites. It is essentially the binary code of life itself. The nature of yin and yang relationships are to interact in a state of ever-changing flux, take the interplay of day and night as an example. Also without light, a shadow would not exist.  Further examples of yang/yin are Positive /Negative, Active /Passive, Flow /Obstruction, Noisy/Quiet, Large /Small, Strong/ Weak, Male /Female. Undesirable imbalances caused through an excess or lack of either yin or yang features can lead to situations that undermine progress and welfare. Feng Shui adjustments aim to restore a harmonious equilibrium when imbalances arise.

Harmonising Yin and Yang in your Living Space

This year it is no coincidence that the two leading decor colour experts advise that feeling nurtured and completely at ease in the place we live or work is more important than ever in today’s complex world. Dulux ‘Sweet Embrace’ is an optimistic gentle blossom pink that adds softness and warmth. Pantone’s ‘Peach Fuzz’ is a soft peach that inspires kindness and connection as we seek a peaceful future. This year’s trend is perfect for all through Period 9. It is clearly about yin and yang being in harmonious balance!

Subdue the volatile nature of the Fire element in 2024, and during the next twenty years. As a precaution, minimise or remove items with bright yang fiery reds and flame colours. Introduce calmer yin fire element tones of lavender, fuchsia and pinks instead. Pay special attention to the entrance hall, living room and the bedroom. Aim to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, light and nurturing to generate harmonious qi that will permeate through your living space and invite success in the workplace. It is essential to remove all negativity, things that obstruct the clear flow of movement, feel overpowering or aggressive, dominate a space or induce unhappy feelings.

Some helpful decor suggestions:

- Introduce a calming water feature.

- Have a tranquil spiritual icon such as a Quan Yin or a Buddha.

- Rose quartz crystal generates affection and harmony, place it wherever you will enjoy it.

- Use soft indirect lighting additions to soothe a harsh yang area or gently illuminate dark corners.

- And ..create a space for you to start something new.

Gaining Personal Advantage in 2024

The indications are that 2024 is clearly an unprecedented year for change, starting now with a timely call-to-action for both your personal and business growth. The new era we have just entered is supposed to be a time for women to shine so it calls for re-evaluating your choices. You can maximise your positive potential and curb negativity by having vision, commitment and a balanced, open attitude to embrace change purposefully, also by practicing self-cultivation to release blockages. And the Wood Dragon gives symbolic clues about what you can do personally to create a more peaceful, enjoyable existence by resisting external disharmony. This is the era of bright new opportunities awaiting you.

Period 9 Attributes

Period 9 is controlled by the Fire element which has a yang tendency that is characterised by optimism, brightness, passion, connectivity and innovation. It also has a tendency towards rapid actions, instability and polarised extremes, all leading to undesirable situations because things can change very quickly. So calm down the Qi, optimise its quality and potential but don’t overdo anything.

The volatile nature of Fire in period 9 suggests there is opportunity for outstanding gains with a risk of spectacular losses, so it is important to guard yourself when forming connections and making decisions. This a powerful time of change, transformation and regeneration, rather like the alchemy of the mythical Phoenix.

Why Having a Consultation this Year will be Helpful to You

How you arrange your living environment will influence how you are equipped to gain advantage and protect yourself from the negative potentials. When things are in balance, life flows smoothly.

I can help you take advantage of the opportunities that might open up for you and transform concerns into effective solutions. Period 9 is the time for regeneration and having new priorities in life. And premises built or renovated during earlier periods may require new adjustments. The new period flying stars reading will be quite different to earlier period readings. What used to work before may not necessarily continue to work best for you.

This year more than ever it is worthwhile and possibly essential to have a fresh new Feng Shui consultation, or to update the Feng Shui recommendations you were given previously, either in person or remotely, so that your life and your premises are aligned harmoniously with the Qi of the new Period 9.

The subtle energy in your property may also start to feel tired or congested, indicating that it needs a restorative cleansing treatment of the subtle environment to revive and purify it so that it can support you fully. I am professionally qualified to perform this sensitive process so please ask me for further information about it or read more here fengshui-living.com/space-cleansing

Smarten Uo Your Space

Successful people are smart about what they keep around them. You will often see keepsakes of their interests and achievements, signs of projects in progress and always a well organised space. There may also be a comfortable chair to sit quietly whilst contemplating decisions. What you wont see is clutter, junk or an ailing plant, nor piles of old magazines or paperwork, dreary, uninspiring artwork or displeasing hand-me-downs.
Get your surroundings to nourish and support you to the full. It is acknowledged by behavioural psychologists that when you see things around you that uplift you, inspire you and bring you a sense of joy, you are more likely to feel well and interact positively. A tidy clear space that looks great, maybe boosted by some cheery colour accents, has a huge beneficial effect on health, mood, concentration and productivity.
When children grow up and leave home, it is an opportunity to repurpose a bedroom and create new space for yourself, for work, hobbies, exercise or tranquility; a sofa bed will suffice for occasional overnight stays. When it is time to move, it will help to sell your home faster and more successfully if you declutter all your possessions before the viewings commence. Definitely do that before moving. Taking old baggage with you will only bog you down, rather than freeing you up to enter a new phase of your life.
Here are a couple of stylish Feng Shui design solutions to manage challenging situations. Lighten up dull areas and dingy corners by placing a plant there and concealing a low-level uplighter behind it, their illuminated joint effect is magical. Turn an empty recess into a smart functional space by installing floor-to-ceiling display shelves for decor items like crystals, battery operated candles and plants or flowers, plus books and essential folders
with matching decorative covers. Placing baskets along the lower shelves is a stylish storage solution for often-used small items. Alternatively, add doors to the lower shelves to create a cupboard for toys, games and so on.
Before you give up on tarnished paintwork, try cleaning it with white spirit vinegar and washing up liquid added to warm water. Add a few drops of deodorising essential oils such as Lemon, Lemongrass, Ho leaf or Litsea to the rinse water, then buff to restore a good- as-new sparkle.
In addition to what you can see around you, this is a quick revitalising method to spruce up the unseen subtle energy in your living space. First of all open windows and remove stuck negative energy by clapping your hands or banging on a metal object whilst walking round, paying attention to the corners and beneath furniture. Then spray the air with your favourite essential oils diluted in water and have positive thoughts while you do it. Shake the spray bottle before use to blend the molecules. It can be done whenever you feel the desire or need to refresh the atmosphere.
The prime smart move is to clear your own head space by avoiding decision fatigue. Streamline your wardrobe to simplify choices. Split complex tasks into several mini-steps, making realistic achievable deadlines for each one and sticking to them. Develop the skill of delegating certain chores to give yourself spare time for doing more important things, or just use that time to relax.
An inspiring worthwhile read:
“Getting Things Done, the Art of Stress Free Productivity” by David Allen More ideas for smartening up your space: http://www.fengshui-living.com/blog/2023/4/13/innovative-clutter-clearing

Feng Shui Artwork

Guidlines to Choosing Artwork for your Living Space

Owning a work of art that is special to you is sure to inspire your mood and enrich your life.  Textiles and wallhangings, wooden carvings and metallic objects, vases and vessels, china and ceramics, deities and sculptures all constitute artwork. Art makes an expressive focal point and the choice goes way beyond just paintings.

When you want to acquire your special piece of artwork, or to decide where to place it, you may confidently draw on the aesthetic design principles of Feng Shui to help guide and inspire your decision making. Foremost considerations are that you feel a connection and affection for it, that your attention is held meaningfully when you engage with the piece, and that you resonate positively with it.

Artwork that is most likely to complement your living space is ageless, timeless and engaging, with light and shade, action and calmness, superficial interest and deeper layers combining in sensitive yin-yang balance. Use art colour tones to create the connection with your decor. Neutral decor themes will be harmoniously enlivened by complementary accents of brighter hues in artwork.  You can also create an aesthetic composition with a well-balanced group of art pieces.

Because fundamentally we need to feel connected with nature, flowers and natural scenes tend to work very well in apartments with no outside space and in urban living spaces.  Artwork in your home is meant to feel inspiring, uplifting, happy, romantic, evocative and beautiful. So be sure to avoid impressions of aggression, sadness or loneliness and dull, scary, harsh or ugly imagery.

 It is important that your artwork enhances the location where it is placed and that it is in harmony with its close surroundings. Give it adequate space, light and visibility, so that you can fully enjoy looking at it. The addition of strategically positioned, direct or indirect lighting sources and well-placed mirrors will illuminate and augment its beauty. The picture frame is also a component of art, so choose it carefully to complement the subject, its tones and textural elements.

Owning a special piece of artwork that you treasure is so emotionally fulfilling, because our response to art is expressed from the heart. Choose yours with love on a day when you feel happy. And you can draw on these Feng Shui guidelines to help you make your choice.

Watch Sylvia’s Artwork Video at Christie’s

Feng Shui Decorating

A breath of Fresh Air

Decorating is a great opportunity to make a fresh impact and create a new sense of harmony and well being.  It is also a time to consider just what you paint on to your surfaces. The World Health Organisation recognises that harmful residual emissions from conventional paints undermine the air quality even years they have been applied.  What is the point of refreshing your walls, but upsetting the environment and challenging your health?

The answer is to use only a quality natural based paint and there is one that I feel comfortable about introducing to all my Feng Shui clients. Not just because it carries the Allergy UK Seal of Approval and is completely free from solvents, VOCs, toxins and odour. Lakeland Paints www.lakelandpaints.co.uk water-based range (formerly Ecos) includes two of my very favourite paint products. So I want to share them with you.   

Their Feng Shui multi-purpose paint with its stylish colour range is the ideal answer to creating a calm, coordinated feeling in any room. It can be applied to walls, doors, woodwork, window frames and radiators. The overall unified effect looks so professional and it feels really harmonious. Being washable means it also works well for kitchens and in children’s playrooms.

Their revolutionary Air Purifying paint permanently filters out and neutralises airbourne pollutants such as solvents, formaldehyde, VOCs, other chemicals and some traffic fumes. independent testing has verified its effectiveness which apparently lasts for years. It has the full colour range and is ideal for bedrooms of children or adults with respiratory sensitivities, helping them enjoy a more peaceful and healthier sleep.  Beautifully natural paint solutions.