Five Element Acupuncture

Five Element acupuncture is based on the theory that the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our being must work in harmony with each other in order for good health to exist.  Five Element acupuncture balances our minds with our bodies to, not only alleviate symptoms, but to correct underlying imbalances as well.  This tradition believes that living with pain or illness, be it emotional or physical, can be as debilitating as the illness itself.  This underlying issue must be addressed and steps taken to support the individual through the healing process.

According to Five Element philosophy, their is a strong connection between our bodies and nature.  Over the past 5,000 years it has developed a system which relates each of the twelve primary meridians (see Traditional Chinese Acupuncture) to the elements of fire, earth, metal,  water and wood.  Each of these elements then correspond to different organs and emotions and are interdependant upon and supportive of each other. 

For example, the element of water is associated with the Kidney meridian.  The Kidney meridian, in Five Element theory, is referred to as the "mother" of the Liver meridian, which it supports and nourishes.  If the Kidney qi becomes impaired - commonly manifested as chronic low back pain, ear problems such as impaired hearing or ringing in the ears, hair loss, low libido, fatigue, anxiety and fear - it may no longer be capable of supporting the Liver qi.  Once the Liver meridian, associated with the element of wood, becomes impaired, further problems may develop such as pain along the sides of the ribcage, eye disorders such as red itchy eyes or infections, PMS symptoms such as irritability and breast tenderness, irregular menstrual cycles, anger and depression.

Five Element acupuncture uses extremely fine needles to gently stimulate acupuncture points along the meridians to correct these imbalances.  It is a very gentle, non-invasive treatment that often leaves the patient feeling very relaxed.  It imparts a sense of calm and well-being to the patient while addressing the underlying root cause of disease.