Using the cures and the remedies thoughtfully and carefully will encourage a good flow of Chi, energising areas of the home. Whereas, using them carelessly will not be beneficial and could also create additional problems that did not exist earlier. Also, do not go overboard while using cures and remedies. It is of utmost importance that your effort should be to maintain a sense of balance and proportion.

It is not at all necessary to use all items the Chinese use if this does not fit in with your belief system. Choose the cures which fit in with your lifestyle, taste and may be decor.

Now let us take up the first of the nine basic categories of cures:

Light and bright objects: Such an item lifts up and expands the Chi and is a powerful way of activating chi both externally and internally in the home. It serves to enrich and stimulate chi, thus creating a more positive effect on the inmates of the home. It is also ideal for energising any missing areas of the home or a room by placing a light. In addition, we can dispel stagnating chi and generate more yang energies with the proper use of lighting.

Light represents the element fire, which in turn also generates and supports the earth element. The life aspirations, which are governed by the elements of fire, include fame and recognition, motivation and action, passion and intellect. The aspirations governed by the element earth include stability, confidence, reliability, health and well-being, relationships and partnerships.

Natural light is the best source, so it is good if rooms have sufficient natural light. However, in today's urban lifestyle many group housing clusters provide little scope for natural light to enter homes. We, therefore, must supplement by other means and sources of light. Preferably full spectrum and incandescent bulbs are preferable to fluorescent lighting and halogen bulbs. The ideal level of illumination and the choice of the type of lighting will generally depend on the activity or room we are considering. Bedrooms, for example, should have a more gentle yin energy than a room for activity such as a study or a kitchen, which requires a more active yang energy. Therefore, the light in a bedroom should always be soft and soothing. If your bedroom receives a lot of natural bright light during the day, then soften and control it by using appropriate lace or thick curtains and shades. After dark use table lamps or wall-lights to create the desired soft glow to enhance the mood and ambience essential forrelaxation and pleasure.

Dimmer switches are a good way of regulating the amount of light in a room, particularly where a room may be used for different type of activities. Your living room, for example, is at times the venue for a quiet informal, relaxed. For such yin evenings with a few close friends, use softer lighting. On other occasions it is the scene for hosting a party to celebrate your new highly paid job-plenty of friends, conversation, music, snacks and drinks. For such yang evenings, use brighter lighting.

However, as a rule avoid using strong lights which are directly overhead, especially in areas where you will be seated for long periods such as a study or work table or the living room where you may be entertaining guests as this will have an effect. Halogen lights are, therefore, not ideal for home use.

Candles are also used to provide light and activate chi in a different manner and serve a different purpose. For example, should you wish to enjoy a romantic dinner evening with your spouse or a friend, you would definitely not like to be sitting under the harsh glare of a brightly lit table. On the contrary, the warm glow of a candle will embrace both you and your companion setting the right mood and enhancing the intimacy and romance.

Candles may also be used effectively in mediation corners or alcoves adding just the right amount of light, warmth and a feeling of calmness. Remember it is the flame which activates the chi and not the candle itself, so they need to be lit and not merely included as decorative objects.

Crystals are the ultimate symbol of the earth element and are, therefore, very effective in enhancing energies connected with health and relationships. You may use clear natural quartz crystals or manmade lead crystal faceted round balls. Crystals encourage and disperse natural light and, therefore, have an uplifting effect on chi, activating the positive and reflecting it. Try hanging a faceted crystal ball in a window and see the almost magical transformation taking place. Whenever the sunlight falls upon the ball, the colours of the rainbow will dance all over the walls reaching even the farthest corners. This becomes an effective method of expanding and reflecting a positive yang energy in rooms or corners which normally do not receive any natural light and are usually low in energy.

(For Feng Shui queries or consultations contact Ravi Chadha at ficus@id.eth.net)