Adapted by Yasha Jampolsky from an article
by Janus Welton AIA BBEI
As feng Shui Practitioners, we are all too aware of the influence of any and all adverse conditions on the overall CHI/VITALITY of indoor spaces. We go to great lengths to diagnose and mitigate Sha Chi, the negative or less auspicious aspects of energy and to enhance Sheng Chi; the more desirable and auspicious aspects.
In this respect Sustainable & Healthy Building Design has emerged as a kindred spirit to Feng Shui. Sustainable & Healthy Building Design (from the German) translates to "Sustainable & Healthy Building Design"; how buildings and environments impact human health and biological life. The many factors that it observes, measures and attempts to regulate include healthful indoor air and water quality, climatic influences, solar design potentials, and the toxicity of building materials and household cleaning agents. Sustainable & Healthy Building Design encourages the use of safe and sustainable construction materials and the mitigation of excessive electro-magnetic fields and Radio Frequency microwave emissions from Cellular and Wireless technologies. It encourages a holistic and healing approach to home and work environments. It seeks to add VITALITY to spaces by minimizing hazards to health and well being and maximizing healthful possibilities.
Sound familiar?
In spite of its similarity to what we do in Feng Shui, the approach of Sustainable & Healthy Building Design is most definitely one of Western Science. Even with my preference for Asian modalities, it didn't take me long to understand the benefits of Sustainable & Healthy Building Design. Since Western Science is responsible for many of the hazards inside our homes and work spaces, it makes sense that Western Science should provide the solutions.
Indoor air quality - has only become a problem in the recent decades.
- Many petro-chemicals and other toxic substances have been incorporated into building products.
- Commercial advertising is responsible for promoting the use household cleaning substances that pollute our indoor air as well as damaging global ecology.
- Since the energy crisis of the seventies, buildings have become so airtight that there is insufficient ventilation for renewing indoor air supply.
- Poor ventilation and modern heating systems have led to a proliferation of molds and fungi.
- Many furnishings contain objectionable substances that are off-gassed.
- The increased use of plastics contributes to the degradation of indoor air.
- Insecticides, Mildewcides, Herbicides, Biocides designed to rid us of nuisances are also harmful to humans and pets.
- Some naturally occurring substances such as radon, radioactive contaminants, trace metals, house dust, and pollens can have harmful effects on humans.
Water quality
- Harmful disinfecting agents, such as chlorine, are added to municipal water supplies.
- Fluoride added to municipal water supplies strengthen teeth but cause other health problems.
- Heavy metals, sulfur and other harmful substances can be found in well water.
- The global water shortage contributes to poor water quality.
- Parasites are sometimes present even in water that has been treated.
EMF'S ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELDS
- Fields are created by ordinary house wiring and all electrical devices including power lines, lights, appliances and computers.
- We also have waves generated for radios from transmitters, cellular phones and other wireless devices called RF waves.
- Microwaves and microwave appliances are known to change the cellular structure of food. Micro waved food is not recognized by the body cells in the normal way. Micro wave ovens leak micro waves in our environment
- Some offending waves can be carried by house plumbing and other large metal components.
Many health risks from these hazards have been clearly documented. Sustainable & Healthy Building Design has responsibly addressed these hazards creating protocols that are often Earth and Nature based and affordable to institute. Sustainable & Healthy Building Design has also created means for measuring EMF hazards and for determining safe standards including distances we can safely maintain from specific sources of EMF's.
Bau-biologists are impassioned to share there guidelines with trained practitioners and the public alike. This can have a profound impact on our collective future if we pay attention. Many health risks can be completely eliminated. Using alternative natural cleaning products can reduce our dependency on petroleum based chemicals while eliminating dangerous toxins. Reducing allergens and pathogens from the air we breathe can reduce the irritation that is often a precursor to more serious respiratory illness. Reducing Electro magnetic fallout can lower the instances of immune based diseases and cancer as well as many organ dysfunctions.
It is even more crucial to eliminate these hazards where children are present. This can have a monumental effect on their lives. Children are more susceptible to all these hazards. Children who live in environments, which have been mediated with Sustainable & Healthy Building Design suffer fewer "childhood diseases" flus and colds. They will usually do better in school and suffer less nervousness and anxiety. It is of course even more important to implement the same strategies in schools and other places frequented by large groups of children. If we persist we can create a positive model for generations to come.
One last thing: As a Feng Shui practitioner who recognizes that all spatial environments are "living" environments, it is apparent to me that clearing a space of these environmental hazards using Sustainable & Healthy Building Design creates a brighter clearer happier quality of Chi.
