Creating Positive Chi

To create a harmonious balance of energy in your home, you really need to apply Feng Shui design principles. However, what if you have no idea what to do? If you had the time, you could thoroughly research Feng Shui to try and employ some of the principles. The only problem is that there are various schools of Feng Shui thought. How do you know exactly what you are doing? The answer is that you might not know. That is why hiring a Feng Shui consultant can be a smart move on your part.

Keep in mind that there are no official Feng Shui qualifications or certifications that are recognized. There are however, many places that offer Feng Shui courses. But because there are a few schools of thought in terms of Feng Shui, it is difficult to come up with a universal type of certification program in this ancient Chinese practice. It is important to note that many interior designers and even architects have attended Feng Shui classes to better understand how to employ its principles.

Just because someone does not have a certification in Feng Shui does not mean that they do not know what they are talking about. However, because you cannot simply look at a resume for a special certification in the practice, you will have to rely on other methods to help you choose a Feng Shui design consultant.

The first line of defense in any situation is referrals. If you can, get a recommendation by word of mouth from a trusted friend, family member or co-worker. Otherwise, hit the yellow pages in your area for design consultants and start asking whether or not they use Feng Shui techniques in their work. For those that do practice it, be sure that you ultimately speak with the design consultant themselves rather than a trained underling. You want to interview the person who does the actual work.

Feng Shui is an important design practice which can be thoroughly misinterpreted by consultants who have never used it before. Therefore, don't be shy about grilling the consultant with a variety of questions and opinions. If they are patient with you and willing to explain any hard to understand Feng Shui principles, then they are worth a second look of your time. Otherwise, there are others who are eager for your business.

Here are a few questions you can ask to help you weed through the clutter of design consultants:

1. Are you a member of the Feng Shui Society? Did you achieve accreditation through any of their training programs? A consultant who has gone through classes and even certification is preferable to someone who has not taken an accredited class.

2. How did you get into Feng Shui and where did you train? How long have you been practicing Feng Shui? With these particular questions, you will discover that some consultants have gone through training programs through a particular school. Others may have trained as an apprentice of Feng Shui principles while others may only have self-guided hands-on experience, perhaps through a mentor. Both scenarios are valid; remember, someone with practical experience rather than more focused training through a program can still understand and help you with Feng Shui.

3. Do you specialize in certain Feng Shui training such as the design of homes, offices, clinics, hotels or even schools?

4. Which school of Feng Shui thought do you practice the most? There is no right or wrong answers with this one; the questions just offer up a better understanding on how they think.

5. What are your rates and do you provide any type of written report which outlines and maps your entire home in Feng Shui terms?

There are plenty more questions you could ask a potential consultant but the five above are enough to get you started. You'll be glad that you chose a professional to help you achieve a positive Chi throughout your home.