Balancing energy

Feng Shui features high in Bahraini resident Janet Chua's life as she uses the knowledge of this ancient Chinese art to promote health, wealth and love in her life and those around her.

Her newly-opened shop, Mansions, which is tucked away in the Country Mall on Budaiya Highway, is full of charming Far Eastern treasures that follow the underlying principle of Feng Shui.

Feng Shui which literally means 'wind and water' encourages prosperity, good health and general well being by examining how energy or 'qi' flows through a particular environment be it a room, office, building or a house.

Janet, 35, who is of Singaporean and Chinese descent discovered the power of Feng Shui when she moved to Bahrain six years ago from Singapore.

"In Singapore my children were always falling sick and there was always something negative going on in my family.

"As soon as we moved to Bahrain it was almost as if magically everything fell into place. My children remained healthy and were not in and out of the hospital.

"It was then that I became interested in Feng Shui and discovered there was positive energy in my house in Budaiya. I started practising Feng Shui and discovered how a harmonious environment and a right balance of energy can promote well being in everyday life," said Janet.

Janet has been trained by the internationally-renowned Feng Shui master Lillian Too who has also written several books on the subject to spread the knowledge of this ancient Chinese practice.

It has been more than a year since Janet started professional Feng Shui consulting in Bahrain and has many commercial businesses and private individuals as her clients.

"In the Far East, Feng Shui is normal practise and a way of life. In the West it is considered as a new age living skill.

"Here I have clients who consult me before buying property or a home. I also go into their space, either office or home, and decipher the flow and balance of energy as every sector in the house represents a part of an individual's life like income, relationship, health and so forth. If there is a specific problem I work on that precise area to enhance the positive energy," she added.

Janet uses precise calculations like Chinese compass readings, floor plans, year the house was built and other aids to determine the direction and the flow of energy and presents cures accordingly.

In her shop, Mansions, she has several items that she has hand-picked from Thailand, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan which if placed in the correct position in the house or office support the principle of Feng Shui.

According to Janet a metal dragon if placed in the east of the house brings wealth, success and courage.

A horse is for success and fame and should be placed in the south. A pair of Fu dogs should be placed near the main door to ward off evil influences and spirits.

A Golden Bull is the ultimate symbol to have in the house or office for people who play with stocks and shares.

The choices are unlimited in Mansions where visitors could spend hours marvelling at the objects d'art.

"I don't want Feng Shui to be accessible to the rich only which is why objects in my prosperity shop start from 200fils and go up to BD500," commented Janet shaking off the misconception that this practise is the privilege of a wealthy few.

Apart from the bigger items there are also all kinds of crystals and semi-precious stones that have special significance in Feng Shui. Jade is for protection, Rose Quartz for love, Tiger Eye for wealth, Obsidian for health, the list goes on.

Crystals and semi-precious stones can also be made into attractive jewellery in the jewellery making classes conducted at Mansions.

"The practise of Feng Shui is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East. In fact, the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, Qatar, is built around the principles of Feng Shui," said Janet.

"When I was growing up Feng Shui was always practised in my family but as a young adult growing up with modern ideas I never paid much attention to it.

"But after research and study I believe that Feng Shui is a living skill. It is a means of helping but not a cure. Some people wrongly think that it is an interior decoration service. Instead it is an investment that will reap returns," she added.

What is Feng Shui

Feng Shui originated in China more that 2,000 years ago and it remained a much guarded royal practise for many years.

Contrary to the popular misconception Feng Shui is not a religious practice or a mystical belief but rather a mathematical science that focuses on the power of energy that is everywhere.

It is all about creating a balance and harmonious energy in the living and working environment using the concept of five elements (wood, water, fire, earth and metal) and various formulas.

Janet's basic tips on Feng Shui

A mirror should not face the front door as it reflects the energy, good or bad, out.

Put plants in the east of the house as it promotes good health.

Always light up the dark corners in the house.

Keep your house clean and clutter free as this encourages the movement of energy.

Move the furniture around the house from time to time as it releases stagnant energy.

Place a water feature in the north of the house to promote earned income and in the southeast corner of the house for assets.

A crystal, pink rose quartz, placed in the southwest corner of the house enhances love.

Place a map or a globe in the northeast corner of the child's room to enhance knowledge.