There is always a certain place with lower level of energy. In Japan, people call such place as "kegarechi".

In such a place, nothing but misfortune continues to happen, no business is successful, a host of disasters and accidents occur, many of the residents suffer from illness,and animals and plants do not come well.

In contrast, a certain place with higher level of energy is called "iyashirochi".

Iyashirochi allows any business to thrive, plants to come well, and hens lay more eggs. And needless to say, people can live healthier and happier in iyashirochi.

What makes the difference between kegarechi and iyashirochi?
People in Japan continue to believe that iyashirochi is filled with high energy of Reiki, which provide significant support for people, animals and plants.

This high energy is known and described by different name depending on language, culture and spiritual tradition. Accordingly, people worked out many different methods in order to raise the energy level of the place. Feng shui, astrology, religion and i-ching are some ways to do that.

In Japan, people has been using high quality charcoal for the purpose of raising the energy level of the place economically and effectively. 

The following is an attempt to distil hundreds of years of culture and belief into a few words. Remember that Feng Shui is, at it's core, just good design and common sense. You may need to consult your Feng Shui dictionary if you are not already familiar with the terminology.

• The Chinese regards bamboo for Feng Shui as one of the Four Gentlemen of the Garden, (Chrysanthemums, Plum blossom, and Orchids make the other three. 'Disciplined and upright', it is also one of the friends of old age.
  
  
• Use bamboo to combat the 'Killing Breath' or 'Shar Chi', as bamboo grows so quickly.
  
  
• Bamboo is associated with longevity and durability as it flourishes throughout the year.
  
  
• Charcoal generates a strong soil chi and mirrors the five-element cycle of wood, fire, soil.
  
  
• The Chinese believes that hanging a piece of bamboo in the home wards off malign spirits. When fashioned into windchimes and flutes, bamboo is a powerful antidote to bad Chi.
  
  
• The matt-black porous surface of charcoal means that it readily absorbs chi and can therefore be helpful wherever you want to pull the chi down. Try putting charcoal near a southern door or in the south of your home, if you feel over-emotional or find that you have frequent unnecessary arguments.