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Chinese Food and Feng Shui

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feng-shuiFeng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. It is closely linked to Daoism.  The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English.  Feng shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations).  The feng shui practice discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as qi.

Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures—in an auspicious manner.  Depending on the particular style of feng shui being used, an auspicious site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, stars, or a compass.

Feng Shui and Chinese Food

Most of us think that Feng Shui is only for living spaces.  However, Feng Shui is meant for food also.  The Chinese believed greatly in Feng Shui and adapted to it as the way of life.  Food and the place we live are interrelated to each other and they also have energy.  Starting from where the food has been grown and harvested to the place where we cook and eat matters.  Also, in which mood we eat, and how we feel about what we eat, matters to a great extent.

According to Feng Shui, food should be handled with great care as it directly creates energy in the body.  Whether we want to create good or bad energy is in our hands.

When we cook something, it should have balanced food.  The greens, vegetables and meats should be used in such a way that the energy has good flow.  Also, while cooking the food, you should use as many colors as possible.  Using green, red, white and yellow in the same dish will do a lot of good for your health.  In addition, when you eat, everything should be in equal quantity.  One type of food should not clearly overtake the others and it should not be the only kind on your plate.  The food that you eat should smell good and appetizing.  This is why “Presentation” and “Aroma” are metrics we consider in our Top Secret rating formula for evaluating Chinese restaurants!

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When eating, you should allow your senses to enjoy the delicious taste and flavors of the food.  Feng Shui also strongly recommends that the dish should be served in coordination and unity for the body to benefit completely.  But, please don’t eat and do yoga at the same time!

Contributing authors:  Wikipedia and Kum Martin.

The Chinese Quest welcomes original articles pertaining to the Chinese dining experience.  Your article should pertain to Chinese restaurants, Chinese food, etc.  For more information, please contact us. 

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