Feng shui comes from the Chinese words for wind (the invisible chi carrier—you can’t see it, but you can feel its effects) and water (the visible chi carrier—you can both see it and feel it). Together, wind and water make up most of the earth’s ecosystem; their presence is necessary to circulate chi and sustain life.

Wind and water are the two most dynamic elements; their flowing motion is the same as that of chi. These two elements influence us more than any others—without water and air (wind) we cannot survive. Feng shui maintains that these two elements are the main carriers of chi. A healthy flow of both is necessary to bring life energy to homes, workplaces, and individuals. For example, it’s generally considered auspicious to live near moving water, but if your home sits too close to a swiftly rushing river, the chaotic energy from this rapid flow may damage and disrupt the flow of energy in your home. A feng shui expert might advise you to build a wall, or plant a row of greenery, between your home and the river to deflect the potentially negative forces.