DUBAI // Vastu Shastra, from India, and Feng Shui, from China, are ancient theories of geomancy.
Both claim that by arranging furniture in a particular way people can improve their mental well-being, as well as their personal finances, physical health and even fortune.
They are based on a theory of energy flow in the environment, called prana in Vastu, or chi in Feng Shui.
Each has a set of principles and uses items such as crystals, water features and chimes to create or direct this energy flow in a positive way.
While the origins of both are shrouded in mystery, Vastu appears to be the older of the two, dating to some time between 6000 BC and 3000 BC.
Vastu Shastra literally means doctrine of dwelling, and was originally developed for the design of Hindu temples.
Similarly, Feng Shui was believed to have originated in the design of graveyards in China.
In recent years, both practices have been revived and adopted in many western architecture projects. At the same time, there has been a boom in the number of consultants.
In Dubai there are at least six businesses claiming to offer expert consulting in both Vastu and Feng Shui.
Elements Feng Shui, in Dubai, charges up to Dh5,000 for a consultation on a five-bedroom villa, although prices of other consultants vary.
The Skeptic’s Dictionary website has a somewhat scathing opinion of the practices.
“Feng Shui has become another New Age ‘energy’ scam, with arrays of metaphysical products from paper cutouts of half moons and planets to octagonal mirrors, to wooden flutes offered for sale to help you improve your health, maximise your potential, and guarantee fulfilment of some fortune cookie philosophy,” the site says.
mcroucher@thenational.ae
