Can a 4,000-year-old system of beliefs help the modern women's love life? Fengshui experts certainly think so.

Fengshui - literally "wind and water" in Mandarin - promotes the flow of "qi" (or natural energies) in the environment for the purpose of wooing positive vines and events into one's life. There are tips to unblock any kind of roadblock, including romantic ones, usually with regards to rearranging your decor or wearing a lucky colour.

Naturally, we're sceptical that you can strike lottery if you swop the positions of the box files in your cubicle. But boil most fengshui-isms down and you'll find it's all plain common sense.

Many people who look to fengshui to find a partner feel that they have nothing to lose.

Indeed, when the tips include filling a vase with flowers to brighten up your day, or clearing your room of clutter, the least that could happen - even if no one shows up at your door - is that your flat has become a far more enjoyable place to go home to.

Make love bloom

There's a reason "love" often comes with the words "buds", "blossoms" and "grows". Analogies from nature are perfect for describing the passages of love. Which must be why I recommend all bachelorettes to buy themselves flowers - and lots of them?

Filling your bedroom with them will apparently help bring in "love luck". The best location is your bedside table, near where you feel most restful and ready to soak in a good vibe.

It's not hard to understand the relevance of flowers in our love lives - red roses, for instance, have long been a symbol of passion and romance. Blue flowers symbolises of water, which helps to "get the qi flowing". White roses are a big no-no, however, as the Chinese believe the colour symbolises death.

If you hate the dirt that comes with potted plants, then consider getting soil-less alternatives like orchids, which grow on charcoal. Just be sure to throw them out once the petals start to droop, because you don't want to ever associate your love with any degree of "wilting".

If fresh flowers are too difficult and too pricey a habit to maintain, opt for artificial ones, or decorate your bedroom with floral-print wallpaper.

Surrounding yourself with flowers in the bedroom - or the office - is an act of indulgence to the eyes and spirit. So take this tip one step further by surrounding yourself with items and pictures that make you happy. Try family photos, cushions in cheery prints, or jars of your favourite chocs and candy.

Guys and dolls

Don't laugh, fengshui experts say women should place boy dolls in their home to remind them of their goal of snagging a man. Barbie's Ken is the easiest to find - and place it anywhere in the house so that a man can appear in their life.

If that sounds a little kooky and even a tad spooky to you, use some lateral thinking and do as you did as a teen - remember how you pasted clippings of

Ronan Keating on your files, or saved a broody Takeshi Kaneshiro as your screensaver? The more cultured among you could put up paintings of your ideal male figures, or a sculpture of a strong arm - whatever keeps you inspired in your search for love. That's right. You are hereby authorised to unfurl your life-sized 300 poster of the bare-chested Gerard Butler now.

Closet case

Clutter bugs; read closely now. In the world of fengshui, mess is less than best, clogging the path of good qi like a blocked artery.

Consider where and how you hang your clothes in the house. "Clothes that are hung outside the house and 'displayed' for too long attract negative energy, resulting in unwanted romance or love that isn't genuine. In any case, don't you want to store your dry clothes before they collect enough dust for another wash?

The same push for neatness applies to how you stash away your memories - or don't.

Just called it off with your long-time beau? Is your room filled with dog-eared photo albums, tired knick knacks from your ex and hole-ridden football jerseys?

Is that Coldplay tune - the one you used to call "our song" - on repeat mode in your CD player?

We hate to break it to you, but it's time to chuck them all. Once you're out of a relationship, your first mission is to spring-clean your room and discard anything old or unnecessary.

Messy areas create "stagnant energy" which "blocks" your path to success in life, including romance. Once you've cleaned up your space, you'll invite new qi back into your room and re-energise your love life. Don't forget to get rid of the clutter in the living and dining areas too - that's just unsightly, which may subconsciously deter you from inviting guests over, including that potential first date.

Bed matters

Some couples push two single mattresses together to become one bed, usually because one of them tosses and turns in his sleep and risks waking his partner if they shared the same mattress. But if you want a strong foundation for your relationship, one big mattress is enough.

The bed is the ultimate sanctuary for a couple Using two mattresses is bad because it breaks the harmony between the couple and 'splits' the marriage.

For restless sleepers, use mattresses that contain individual pocketed coil springs, so a movement by one spouse is hardly felt by the other.

Keep the oven on

To keep the marriage flame burning in your marriage, try cooking more often as it creates heat in the home and binds family members together, advises

Many couples who have been married for five to six years and have not used the stove once. They always argue over financial problems or in-laws.

What about working couples too busy to cook? At least boil water or cook instant noodles. Try to use the stove every day or at least once a week.

There might be some truth to it. We all love the sounds of cooking, and draw towards a flame. Preparing food is also an act of love, the prelude to the most basic human activity of eating, the way fore play spices up sex. Besides, ever heard the saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach? Of course, you shouldn't be the only one cooking - hubby should be rustling up some meals too. Cooking together makes it twice as nice.

Paint your world

Just as singles should immerse themselves in happy thoughts and images of their dream guys, couples should fill their homes with pictures of joy and harmony.

If you're thinking of buying artwork to jazz up the decor, consider cheerful paintings that feature items, animals or people in pairs. Better yet, put up your wedding photos.

If you hang a sad-looking picture of a tiny bird all alone in its cage, of course you can't help but feel depressed too.

Some fengshui shops carry objects of luck in bright reds and shiny gold that many consider too gaudy for their chilled-out spaces. So find your own symbols of happiness for the home and office.

DO • Use crystals. Like rose quartz, which enhance romance as its "love energy" level is very high. In any case, the colour of rose quartz flatters most complexions.

• Pair up home ware and accessories. Like candles, bedside tables and lamps, which symbolise love and romance.

DON'T

• Get dried flowers. Thorny ones or even potpourri as these symbolise faded romance. Use fresh or plastic flowers instead.
• Shroud your home in darkness. Open the curtains to allow sunlight in. Paint your walls in a light shade, like cream, instead of black or blue as the

Chinese believe these colours are associated with funerals.