Decatur Acupuncture - Shams Wesley, M.Ac., L.Ac. - Acupuncture Decatur

Decatur Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China thousands of years ago, acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to facilitate healing. The evidence that acupuncture works has been demonstrated by the thousands of research articles published around the world. See my research section to review some of them.

What is 5 Element Acupuncture and What Makes It Special?

Five element acupuncture is the classical method of acupuncture handed down orally from master to student, from antiquity. It reflects the tradition of acupuncture as practiced before communist China.

The five element tradition carries unique knowledge of the ways in which people develop physically, mentally and emotionally. It treats the root of your problem, not just your symptom, so that you truly heal.

You are completely unique—five element medicine understands the how you became the person you are today, and it has the knowledge required to restore and maintain your balance.

Five element acupuncture’s ultimate goal is to support you in healing on all levels so as to fully experience life. It supports this by increasing your capacity to be present in each moment, while assisting your embodiment of heavenly and earthly virtues. This is accomplished through positive reinforcement of the Divine qualities of your soul and spirit, and the transformation of old wounds and belief systems. As treatment progresses, physical, emotional, and spiritual conditions generally resolve, and your body’s physical symptoms naturally heal.

Preventative Care

Five element acupuncturists are trained to closely observe the subtle energetic signs that precede illness. We constantly reveal our imbalances through subtle vocal qualities, facial colorations, natural body odors, and habitual emotional states.

If you are relatively healthy, receiving five element acupuncture on a biweekly or monthly basis can prevent new conditions from forming. For this reason, five element acupuncture is ideal for preventative care and health maintenance.

Additionally, five element acupuncture heightens self-awareness. As treatment progresses you will begin to observe your energetic cycles and patterns. Having this awareness empowers you to make decisions which better serve your health, your relationships, and your life’s purpose.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Ancient Asian masters discovered that there is a vital life force that permeates everything, all of life. They called this life force Qi (pronounced chee).

Qi runs in channels throughout your body as rivers run through the earth, nourishing your cells and tissues. Acupuncture drains qi from areas where it is stagnant or constrained and strengthens qi in areas that are tired or empty. The places where qi gathers within the meridians were deemed acupuncture points. By accessing your qi through the points where it is most accesible, acupuncture harmonizes and balances the basic energy on which your entire body and mind live.

Tools of the Trade

Acupuncture needles are thin, fine as a hair, and solid. I only use single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Most patients report feeling a range of sensations when needled - some describe it as completely painless, while others feel a prick, a sting, or a surge of energy.

Moxabustion is a process where an herb named "moxa," (otherwise known as artemesia or Chinese mugwort) is burned on or near acupuncture points. Moxabustion is an important and frequently used practice in five element acupuncture. Its benefits include:

Ion Cords were developed by Dr. Yoshio Manaka. They use different metals and polarities to enhance your body's natural healing abilities. I clip them to acupuncture needles after they have been inserted.

The Manaka Hammer, also developed by Dr. Yoshio Manaka, is a small, light hammer used to gently tap points at specific rates.

Electric Stimulation enhances the effect of the needles. There is very little sensation associated with this additional therapy, and it gives great benefit.

Cupping is another traditional acupuncture therapy. Cupping is a treatment in itself, and I often combine it with acupuncture or shiatsu. To read more about cupping click here.

I offer both individual and group sessions as a way of providing acupuncture at the level you need.

During individual treatments, you are the only patient being treated. Your initial treatment will last up to 90 minutes and it consists of an interview, physical exam, and an acupuncture session. It is designed to give you ample opportunity to speak about your concerns at length and for me make appropriate recommendations. Each treatment thereafter lasts up to 1 hour.

Please come to your first session with your paperwork completed (which you can download below), and the bottles for all medications, vitamins and other supplements you are currently taking. If possible, refrain from wearing makeup and perfume.

Your initial 90-minute acupuncture treatment costs $120. Each 1-hour follow-up session costs $80.

During group treatments, there is more than one patient being treated while you are in the office. Your initial intake interview, which needs to be scheduled separately from your first group treatment, lasts 20-30 minutes and gives you the opportunity to describe your concerns. Each group treatment lasts 45 minutes.

Please note that not all conditions are suited to being treated in a group setting. Please contact me if you're unsure of whether individual or group treatment is most appropriate for your situation.

Your initial group intake interview costs $40 and each group treatment costs $25.

To schedule your first individual session, you can make an appointment online at acupuncture.genbook.com. Or, feel free to call me at 404-863-9900. For your convenience, you can also schedule follow-up individual sessions online.

To schedule your group intake interview and first group session, please call me 404-863-9900. Group sessions must be schedule over the phone or via email.

If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download it here.