In the New Age version of Feng Shui, there is a belief that electronics can liven up a room and stimulate chi (aka qi or energy) in a positive way. This is actually one of the more peculiar notions to come out of the New Age spin-off versions of this ancient practice, where electronic devices were certainly not used or written about as remedies for unbalanced spaces (hundreds or thousands of years ago.)

This is not to say that modern items of décor or invention can’t qualify as legitimate balancing agents in a room. For example, one of the most wonderful modern inventions, available to us with the help of electricity, is a water fountain. Without being able to plug in these helpful inventions it would not be possible to bring in the natural element of circulating water to interior or exterior spaces.

And yet, you don’t have to dig too deep to locate research findings which forewarn us that chronic, close proximity to electro-magnetic fields can cause a whole array of health problems. Just eye strain and fatigue alone, from sitting at computers, has been documented. Not to mention how the over stimulation through electronic devices can upset our natural circadian rhythms. High electrical fields can make young children particularly susceptible to life threatening illnesses and any frail person should try to limit their exposure to electrical fields.

While it is nearly impossible to isolate ourselves from exposure to electrical fields, one shouldn’t be mistaken in thinking that electronic devices “liven up the chi” in a room. In fact, this article was originally written in the late 1990’s and as I update it, we now have compelling information about the potential harm from radio frequencies (RF’s). Wi-fi technology is really doing a lot of damage to our health, whether we realize it or not. Check out Oram Miller’s website www.createhealthyhomes.com for articles and information on EMF’s and RF’s.

So what kinds of modern features can in fact qualify as legitimate Feng Shui remedies?

Following is a brief list of items which can fall under the category of Natural Elements.

Water: real water fountains and aquariums with open lids (exposing the water to the qi in the room.)

Wood: we can use live plants where the wood element of “wood phase” is needed.

Fire: Real heat emanating from a lit lamp or a supervised candle burning is certainly a representation of the fire element and large displays of red color can work as well.

Earth: when the earth element is needed, objects composed of real stone or soil, clay or brick can work.

Metal: Gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper and iron can be employed where an adjustment requires metal. In fact, colloidal silver, taken internally can kill bacteria and help the body heal faster.

When we look at the five natural elements that have been used for the longest time, incorporated into an authentic Feng Shui audit, we can see that electronics don’t comfortably fit into any of these element categories, with the exception of fire. Electricity is seen as the fire element, but we more often call it fire “sha.” The word “sha” refers to something that can be harmful to our health and well-being. As a comparative example, we could have metal “sha” and that would be something made of sharp metal which could literally be dangerous to be around. The term water sha could be assigned to dirty, stagnant water.

This is not to say that electronic devices should not be used. In fact, a sound system that brings soothing music into a home could be considered a positive addition to the environment. But at what cost? More wi-fi? We now have people suffering because they are electrically sensitive. Years ago, few people knew was “gluten-intolerant” meant. We’ll be hearing more in the future about health problems associated with EMFs and RFs. To think that electronic equipment is, in and of itself, a Feng Shui remedy is not really accurate or well thought out.

Author: Kartar Diamond
Company: Feng Shui Solutions (R) Since 1992
From the Health and Personal Matters Blog Series