5 Element 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 focuses upon treating 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 your
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 draws it to 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:
