An ancient Chinese Proverb says: "If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home."

Although many people associate feng shui with interior design, it is more than that. Feng shui is a way to connect you to your environment and enable you to increase energy, feel comfortable and maximize productivity. When used in the bedroom, it can promote a more restful sleep; in the kitchen it can help digestion and dieting; in the living room it can create a more relaxing atmosphere; and in the office it can a more productive environment.

The Chinese philosophy of feng shui harmonizes your body to your environment. No wonder many successful interior designers incorporate feng shui into their designs. The 27-movement philosophy begins with decluttering. Decluttering helps you make more use of the space you have, improves the airflow through your home (or office), enables a more relaxed flow of traffic, reduces claustrophobia and can be compared to taking a satisfying breath of fresh air.

Decluttering also helps you to release feelings of guilt and reduce fears of failure by helping you rid yourself of items that will hold you back. Discard unwanted gifts you have received that you don't, and possibly never did, like and have held on to only out of obligation; if you really feel the need to show it off, keep it for one year, and then move it to the attic for a second. Then discard it.

Keeping "just-in-case" items such as fat clothes or depression sweats gives you permission to undo your hard efforts. Don't hang on to these so-called parachutes that are setting you up for failure. Look at the pictures on your walls, including family photos, and if you are not getting a fuzzy, warm feeling, remove them. File them in a photo album that you can keep CLOSED! Surround yourself with images and pictures that make you smile and remember happy times.

To get a more restful night's sleep, make your bed the focal point of your bedroom, and don't let dressers or other furniture take prominence. Limit the storage underneath the bed to items that help promote a restful sleep such as linens or pillows. These items should be neatly enclosed in a dust-free case that does not impede sleep movement on the bed above. Superstition says not to store family photos under your bed as you will press down on their good luck, but it encourages keeping money under your bed to increase your own fortune and luck. It is best to place the bed facing the doorway and pleasant wall decor so that it is the first thing you see when you wake in the morning. Place furniture so that you do not impede air flow from open windows or heating/cooling vents.

Brighten up your kitchen and dining areas with calming wall colors, transparent window curtains and polished countertops and appliances. Organizing cookware and spices for easy accessibility will make cooking more pleasurable, and use comfortable chairs, clean placemats and uncluttered tables for dining. For both safety and visual appreciation, remove all clutter from around your stove and oven areas. Avoid storing cooking necessities in places that you have to reach over your cooking surface. Chinese philosophy recommends that your dining area should not face your bathroom to avoid indigestion.

Whichever room you've chosen for TV watching, make sure that your TV screen is in a comfortable position for unobstructed viewing. Increase creativity in a home office by placing your desk so that you sit facing the door and within view of a window. Facing a wall can literally block thoughts. Try not to have too much activity going on behind your back. If necessary, place a "wall" behind you with plants or furniture. Remember not to cramp yourself in the space.

Keep the traffic flow smooth and well-lit throughout your home. Remove obstacles in narrow passageways and allow comfortable walking space around all furniture.