A lot of people have a feng shui fountain or similar water feature in their home, but surprisingly few people actually know what feng shui is and the benefits it can provide. Feng shui is a system that was formulated in ancient China. The focus of this art is promoting a flow of good qi, which translates to English as energy flow. Qi is important in many Eastern arts, including acupuncture and various styles of kung fu.

While other arts promote a body's internal qi, feng shui is about arranging a living or working space to channel good energy through that space. This is a complicated art, but it starts with a balance of the five traditional Chinese elements: fire, water, soil, wood and metal. Most people don't have naturally running water in or around their homes, and that's where a feng shui fountain comes in.

Even if you're not really interested in the greater concepts of feng shui, that's no reason you can't utilize a fountain to add to the decor of a space. A lot of people enjoy having a fountain around due to the relaxing sound of running water in the background.

There are feng shui fountains to match anyone's own sense of taste and style. Whether you want a traditional eastern design, a more modern western interpretation, or even something totally unique, there are options available. Some will be small enough to sit on an end table, while others stand alone or hang on the wall. There are even huge outdoor fountains.

There are a lot of rules to follow if you want to reap the positive energy benefits of feng shui. Here are a few basics to get you started. There are two big things to watch out for. First of all, you don't want a fountain in a bedroom. The water element can bring added anxiety to one's life when located in a sleeping area. The other caveat is to avoid placing a water feature in the south, as fire (which clashes with water) is the dominant element of the southern orientation.

The optimal places for a feng shui fountain are east, southeast, or northern sections of your home. Each area is associated with a different positive energy flowing into your life. An eastern fountain promotes health, while one placed in the southeast supports your wealth and prosperity. A north-located fountain will bring positive energy that will support your career and livelihood.

A feng shui water fixture is a good introduction into the art of feng shui. It is just one small piece of the larger puzzle, though. This ancient Chinese art is incredibly deep and complex.