For those of us who live in multistorey properties, the nature and type of internal staircase should be noted. A standard staircase is preferable to a spiral type for practical purposes but the latter only poses a significant problem if it is located at the exact centre of the living space, signifying a corkscrew through the heart of the home. In such a case, occupants will be prone to stress

and cardiac problems. It is not advisable to live in properties where there are two prominent staircases or where the main staircase splits into two sections as it approaches another floor. This signifies possible conflict between family members or a couple.

Some fung shui masters feel staircases with open spaces in between the steps will allow chi to leak through, preventing positive energy from reaching the floor above. The stairs should not be too steep, as the additional effort needed to climb them may translate into obstacles in the occupants' daily lives. The area beneath the stairs should be used only for storage, not for lounging or dining in, or to house an altar, as this area is constantly walked on.