GEOBIOLOGY

Introduction

Throughout human history, many cultures and peoples have noticed that the physical place where we live affects such things as our health, our quality of life and our opportunities to grow. Geobiology is one of the branches that, alongside feng shui, studies these matters.

The word geobiology uses the prefix geo, which refers to the earth as a whole — as in geography, geology and geodesy, terms used across the various fields of earth knowledge. The second part, biology, means the study of life. Geobiology, then, is concerned with the relationship between life and the earth.

Today we know, for example, that a home exposed to radon gas (a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced by the decay of radium and thorium) can cause cancer in its occupants. Indeed, in many countries a radon survey is required before building permits are granted. This is one example, within a “scientific” framework, of how the quality of the subsoil beneath us — and the ventilation — can affect the health of our family.

Other variables considered in the geobiological study of a home are the presence of underground water veins or geological faults directly beneath rest areas such as bedrooms. In most cases dowsing (radiesthesia or rhabdomancy) is used to check these things. Although this art does not have the blessing of orthodox science, it has been practised since ancient times — and with success — to find wells and underground watercourses.

In the feng shui courses we run at the school, we pay particular attention to geobiology techniques, including fieldwork. Bringing these two branches of knowledge together allows us to do more effective and serious work in improving our homes and spaces.

Related: Electromagnetic Pollution · The Principles of Feng Shui. To learn geobiology and feng shui together, see our professional Feng Shui course.