Understanding The Connection Between Our Senses and the Five Elements

The art and science of Feng Shui is a practical way to awaken your inner wisdom. Once you have a clear understanding of your personal balance of elements you can focus on what you need to increase and decrease in your life and space. This is called element optimization.

In Feng Shui we spend much of our time focussing on the placement of items and arrangement of our physical environments; our home or office, however we can also look at balancing our elements from the standpoint of our five senses. What we see, taste, smell, touch and hear all make up our experience and being intentional about what we consume through our senses each day can improve how we feel.

• The wood element is associated with the sense of sight, which represents how we perceive and interpret the world around us. Wood is used to create a sense of growth, vitality, and renewal in our living spaces. Green is associated with wood, and it is calming and soothing to the eyes, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

• The fire element is associated with the sense of taste, which represents how we experience pleasure and satisfaction. Fire brings passion, energy, and transformation, and is often used to enhance the social and creative aspects of our lives. Red is associated with fire, and it can stimulate the appetite and enhance the flavor of foods.

• The earth element is associated with the sense of smell, which represents how we perceive and process information. Earth brings stability, grounding, and nourishment, and is often used to enhance our sense of safety and security. Yellow is associated with earth, and it can promote mental clarity and focus, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and other therapeutic applications.

• The metal element is associated with the sense of touch, which represents how we interact with the physical world. Metal can bring precision, clarity, and sharpness, and is often used to enhance our sense of organization and efficiency. White is associated with metal, and it is believed to be smooth and cool to the touch, making it a popular choice for fabrics and textures.

• The water element is associated with the sense of hearing, which represents how we interpret and respond to the world around us. Water brings flow, intuition, and emotions, and is often used to enhance our sense of relaxation and peace. Black is associated with water, and it can create a sense of quiet and calm in our living spaces.

The five elements and their associations with the senses are just one aspect of the multifaceted practice of Feng Shui. There are many other principles and techniques involved in creating a harmonious and balanced living environment, and working with a professional Feng Shui consultant will help you understand exactly what you need to feel your best self.