Owners Julie and Rick Osborne have been studying feng shui for over 10 years, using the practice
for themselves and for clients.

"We can help people choose items that will enhance their home or we can come to their home or office and do a complete Feng Shui of a single room, floor plan or the entire property," said Rick.
The attraction is clear: "People like to come in on their lunch hour and just walk around," said Julie. "They say it really helps when they are stressed or having a bad day."

According to Julie, feng shui works with chi, the energy in and around your physical world that affects your well-being.

"We use the Bagua Map, which uses nine spaces that relates to what we call the treasures of life," said Julie.

These nine aspects are prosperity, reputation, relationship, family, balance, creativity, wisdom, career and travel.

"If we come to your house, we start with the entire property," said Julie. Once the property is designed, she works next on the house, then the rooms inside the house.

"I'll use the Bagua Map over an entire floor plan, or a single room," she said.

She pulls out a highly detailed schematic of a client's home -- each room in the house is plotted, with notations of key furnishings, doors and windows. Over that, in red, the template for the Bagua Map is noted. By using this, Julie finds areas in which energy is blocked, or areas where energy can be encouraged to flow.

Feng shui is also based around five key elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal.

"We want to introduce some of these elements to each space -- water fountains, crystals, windchimes," Julie said.

What's the main problem area for most people's spaces?

"Clutter," said Rick. "It needs to be cleared out, to let energy flow. People just have stuff. It's important to clear it away and get organized, to have a system."

Julie agreed, saying that she finds that most people have a lot of clutter and paperwork in their workspaces. The kitchen is also clutter culprit.

Another problem in today's homes and offices is the excess of positive ions from electronics, such as computers, phones, and television sets.

"Positive ions create a static, tension-filled, non-tranquil atmosphere," said Rick. "You can buy deionizers for several hundred dollars, but there are much simpler and less expensive ways, such as salt lamps."

"Himalayan salt crystal lamps are one of our biggest sellers," said Julie.

Starting at just $29, the lamps emit negative ions when turned on, helping balance an electronically overloaded environment.

Above all, Julie advises that Feng Shui is not just about placing the correct items in the correct places, or adding a water fountain. "It's about intent," she said.

One couple who hired her to do Feng Shui found the biggest benefit was to their relationship.

"What it does is get people talking about their space, and what is important to them in their lives," she said.  

Feng shui consultation services are $50 per hour -- most rooms or office spaces will take a few hours, said Rick. "One of the things I most enjoy is working with cubicles, such as for state worker's offices," Julie said. "You can make such a difference."

"We usually start with one room in a home, and then after the client sees how that works, we can do more," said Rick.

Projects can involve complete floor plans, color choices, furnishings or help in choosing items for décor. Gift certificates are available, so you can give the pack-rat on your list some decluttering help, or treat a stressed friend to a tranquil new office space.

EnerChi Living Spaces and Gallery is located 486 NE Church St., Salem, and offers Asian décor, sustainable bamboo and vintage furniture, collectibles, calligraphy and workshops. For information contact (503) 485-1898.

Sara Wiseman writes on wellness and spirituality. Contact her at www.sarawiseman.com