By: Mark Gaker

In Asia, particularly in China, a majority of people believe in feng shui. Feng Shui literally means wind (fens) and water (shui). According to Oriental belief, feng shui is an art and science developed in ancient China where it reveals the balance of energy and nature and how these can be maximized in our world. Feng shui also deals with the attraction of positive energies while warding away bad or negative ones. The balance of energy also brings good health, prosperity, and happiness to those affected by it. The belief in feng shui and feng shui items has long been practiced not only in China but also in many parts of the world. Various cultures have their own adaptation and many have different sets of customs and traditions directly and indirectly related to feng shui.

By Rebeca Cardarelli

Crystals are perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to incorporate the principles of Feng Shui in your house. According to Feng Shui, crystals possess a lot of positive energy and also act as conductors of energy - absorbing energy or Qi from your surrounding elements and channeling them as well. The correct type of crystal, placed in a strategic position, could channel Qi in an effective manner, helping the crystal affect your life in a positive manner.

Feng Shui crystals are mostly natural and are found in mineral deposits under the earth's surface. These crystals are believed to be superior and ones mostly used by Feng Shui experts, since their natural process of formation has allowed them to absorb all the qualities of the earth and thus their capacity for holding and disseminating energy also evolves better. You will find many artificial crystals in specialty Feng Shui shops, though these may not be as effective.