Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy and practice which involves the arrangement of objects as well as the designing of buildings in accord with the special rules on the flow of energy and is intended to acquire harmony with the environment.

Feng shui has been considered effective for most business establishments as well as private homes for individuals. Although some of us may have a hard time believing in these practices, the bottom line is, the environment always affects us, how we feel as well as the energy around us. In the offices or in a business setting, for example, money flows in and out like the wind. So it is important to make sure that the wind blows constantly in a healing and strengthening force and not something that causes harm like a stagnant foul air. In feng shui, foul air symbolizes stagnant finances as well. Hence, if you're interested in improving your business and maintain the positive flow of energy into the workplace (it may be in a form of profits), there can never be any harm in trying feng shui for the office.

Here are office feng shui tips that you can apply:

DO'S

• Clear away all the physical clutter and keep cords on office equipments well hidden to free up physical and mental burden. Clutter stimulates negative energy (chi) so it is best that it be kept to a minimum for the positive chi to flow freely.
  
  
• Put plants in the area since it helps you gain creative element in the office. Naturally, they also filter and reduce contaminated air.
  
  
• Use a rounded or kidney shaped desk and place the computer in the North or West area to invite the flow of creativity as well as give a feeling of inner balance. Putting the computer in the Southeast can help you generate income. This is a good office feng shui layout.
  
  
• Place the desk where you have a clear view of the door entrance or the window to help concentrate and spot career opportunities.
  
  
• Sit with a wall or a tall building behind you to provide stability and to give you maximum control or commanding power.
  
  
• Position your desk close but not directly in front of the window to avoid the glare of sunlight. Natural daylight as well as non-glaring, warm fluorescent light is the best light to improve one's energy and mood.
  
  
• Feng shui offices can be placed with an aquarium or tabletop fountain in the East, North, or Southeast. Small aquariums with black or blue fish and glass or metal aquariums with guppies or arowana in the North area of the desk or office activate your business and career success.
  
  
• Situate a metal safe in the West or Northwest area, both representing the metal element. The safe also represents financial security and prosperity of your business.
  
  
• Treat office files with respect since they signify the past, present and future of your business. Put them in accessible file cabinets, boxes or bins. Sort through them once a month and dispose unnecessary documents.
  
  
• Feng shui your office by placing a small mat or rug at the workplace entrance or a pleasant-sounding bell on the office door to restrain people from walking in without warning and alert you of coming visitors.
  
  
• Frame diplomas, awards or certificates and place them at the far left corner of the office which could draw concentration to your accomplishments. Putting up a floor lamp or a desk lamp with a high-watt bulb helps increase office visibility.

DON'TS

• Sitting where you face away from the door when doing business from home or sit in line with the door. You may be turning your back on business opportunities and aligning oneself with the door can lead you to the path of negative energy.
  
  
• Facing a wall while you're working. Doing so can put you in a situation where you'll have a dead-end job. If facing away from it is impossible, hang a picture with scenes having views with depth like a winding road or an endless body of water. It helps you move towards your career objectives.
  
  
• Arranging your workplace in a way that you'll be looking straight out into a corridor, the stairs, storage rooms, closets, elevators, escalators and even toilets. These enable you to absorb negative energies so this is not a good office feng shui cubicle.
  
  
• Allowing things to pile on the floor to prevent you from lingering in the past which makes it difficult to finish projects or meet deadlines.
  
  
• Using a chair that weakens your performance. Select a chair high enough to support your upper back and allows you to put your hands 90 degrees angle on the desk as well as resting your feet flat on the floor. A reclined chair helps you pour out your creativity at work.
  
• Stacking things up on your desk instead of tidying them up and arranging them at the end of the day. This also includes clearing up your email and voice mails. In doing so helps you save valuable time and energy and clears your mind every morning when starting your work.
  
  
• Putting up mirrors in the office where it can reflect negative energies from clients to other people in your room. This is a bad feng shui for office; it is always good to maintain control over your office's energy.
  
  
• Distancing yourself from your ambition. Sometimes your job may not be that interesting or may not be that appealing to you as you have imagined. Install something in your office that depicts the water element which encourages you to keep tuned with your innermost desires as well as taking a step towards your goals. Try putting up an indoor fountain, a device discharging the sound of running water or even a picture with a moving body of water.