Feng Shui identifies five elements that contribute to the balance of chi, or energy, in a home. In order to achieve a positive flow of chi, five elements are needed for balance. Each element is thought to have its own unique energy and properties that enable it to "get along with" the other elements, or "repel" them if the balance is not right. The elements can be harmonious and unified, or they can be at odds and generate conflicting energies. In a Feng Shui home, balance is achieved by directing the energies of these natural elements.
Once you understand the elements and their relationship to one another, it is believed you can use that knowledge to add or remove objects from your home to achieve optimal energy flow. The five elements are Water, Wood, Metal, Earth and Fire.
An example of a balanced representation of all the elements in a room would be a mirror (representing the Water element) behind a healthy plant (representing the Wood element) in a red terracotta pot (symbolizing both Fire and Earth). A small bronze statue or figurine completes the environment by bringing in the element of Metal.
In Feng Shui, a remedy for imbalance of the elements is referred to as the Reductive Cycle. In this cycle, earth reduces fire, fire burns wood, wood draws in water, water reduces metal, and metal reduces earth. This cycle is believed to diffuse the repellant energy between two or more elements and can return your home environment back to a balanced state.