glossary

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feng shui

Bagua - an octagonal symbol composed of the eight trigrams, which represent the eight primal energies of the universe. A note: the spelling of the names of the trigrams differ depending on the system of transliteration used.

Chakra - energy centers or vortexes that are located in the etheric body. They transfer energy between the subtle bodies and the physical body.

Chi (Qi) - the primal life-force energy that flows in all things.

Command Position - the most favorable position in a room for bed or desk placement; it should face and be across from, but not in direct line with, the room’s entrance.

Five Elements -the five basic divisions of Chi or five forces of the universe; they are given archetypal names from nature: Wood, Water, Metal, Earth, Fire.

Gua - one of the eight trigrams or areas of the Bagua.

Hexagram - a symbol composed of two trigrams that represents a specific pattern of energy or human condition. It is the basis of the I Ching oracle.

I Ching - The Book of Changes; an ancient Chinese oracle and book of philosophy; it is based on 64 hexagrams, which represent all human and cosmic situations.

Mantra - a sacred sound that is chanted or repeated during meditation or a Feng Shui cure.

Meridian - channels through which Chi flows.

Sha - negative or harmful Chi.

Stupa - a sacred structure built with the five elemental shapes which contain the five basic energies.

Tai Chi - the integration of yin and yang from which life emerges.

Transcendental Cures - Feng Shui adjustments that lie beyond the rational realm.

Trigram - a symbol of universal energy composed of three lines; the lines represent combinations of yin (broken line) and yang (solid line) energy. The eight possible configurations form the eight basic energies of the Bagua.

Yin - a polarity of Tao; the feminine, negative, dark, static principle that exists only with yang

Yang - a polarity of Tao; the masculine, positive, light, active principle that exists only with yin.

Color

Color - a shade, such as red or green that possesses hue.

Color line – a wide variety of colors within a particular product. Color palette or scheme - contrasting, complimentary or monochromatic, colors applied to a design.

Color Scheme Guide – an integral aspect of decorating, this provides a focus for the eventual style and color that the room will feature.

Color trends – contemporary color palettes that provide the project with a modern feel.

Colorwashing – clear emulsion glaze, which produce permeable-like results.

Colorway – the use of a color combination to a project.

Accent colors - the intentional use of varying to colors in order to create a desired effect.

Dyed – a coloring solution, which neutralizes original color, replacing it with a new and permanent one.

Hue - the facet of color that distinguishes it as red, blue, etc, and excludes white, black, and shades of grey.

Tertiary color – the result of mixing two secondary colors.

Tone - a color’s tint or shade.

Value - the dimension of a color varying from black to white or from black to colorless for transparent colors.

interior design

Comfort - feeling pleasurable ease and well being inside and with ones surroundings. Also defined as the absence of stress.

Design - to create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner.

Contemporary – designs featuring basic lines, geometric patterns and curves.

Deco – drawing influence from the Art Deco Period, utilizing designs of recurring shapes and colors.

Depth - in design and drafting this refers to the overall measurement from front to back of any object.

Eclectic – a style featuring several influential elements as opposed to choosing a singular component.

Interior – the inside of a particular location.

Interior design - planning the layout and furnishings of an architectural interior.

Reproduction – incorporating a style or structure previously used.

Retro - incorporating a style or fashion from a specific era.

Style - the decorative design of an object or room.

Personal Style – a chosen style reflective of personal taste.

health and fitness

Adrenalin - a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla as a result of stress.

Chiropractic - relates to human well being and prevention of disease. Doctors ofchiropractic (chiropractors) view a person as an integrated being, focusing on spinal biomechanics, musculoskeletal, and nutritional relationships.

Chiropractor - a practitioner of chiropractic

Dehydration – a lack of water in the body, can result in fatigue, headaches and low back pain.

Ergonomics – the analysis of human beings and how they operate in particular surroundings such as interacting with products and equipment. Experts in the field of this area weigh up a variety of elements when deciding if products or services are viable to use and aim to improve the comfort of our lives.

Exercise - a voluntary initiative that involves both physical and mental effort and typically forms part of a fitness regime.

Fitness - a high standard of physical health as a consequence of nutritional balance and exercise.

Health - well being of the body or mind, disease free.

Nutrition - the process by which food is selected and integrates into the body. This also entails the nutrients and other food substances link to health and disease via their relationship to the body and wider socio-economic results of diet.

Posture - a particular stance of the body, limbs or body parts with respect to each other

Sleep - a state of unconsciousness induced by a relaxation of the muscles and absence of any form of activity usually found in a comfortable furnishing such as a bed.

Stretching – to lengthen your muscles. Stretching before and after physical activity reduces the risk of injury.

Stress - mental, emotional, or physical strain on the human body, inflicted by circumstances and surroundings.