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What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine that relies on the body's natural healing ability. This system of healing, originating in China thousands of years ago, uses the body's network of energy pathways called meridians, which function like a system of rivers. When balanced, energy (called qi or "chee") runs smoothly. When blocked, much like a tree or dam impacting a river, pathways become affected. The result is less than optimal health and/or illness. Using extremely fine, sterilized needles, the acupuncturist stimulates specific points on meridians directing energy back into balance promoting healing and relief from “dis-ease”.
What about the needles?
I use very fine, FDA-approved, sterilized needles that are no thicker than one or two strands of human hair. Some people notice sensation from the needles, but are generally surprised that it is nothing more than a slight pinch.
Five Element style acupuncture
Five Element style acupuncture is based on the laws of nature. Diagnosis and treatments are derived from the movement in nature’s cycles and seasons, which correlate with the flow of meridians and points in the body.
The elements are recognized as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each element has its strength in a season of nature and is represented in the body by specific organ systems and functions, as well as a person’s vocal sound, facial color, emotion and scent. Just as all the seasons make up the whole of nature, all the elements make up the whole individual.
Five Element acupuncture allows each person to be treated as the individual they are…
not just the symptoms they have.
Some characteristics of the elements are listed below:
Wood: Corresponding to spring, it represents birth and renewal. The Wood element influences one’s judgment, vision, planning and the ability to take action.
Healthy Wood energy allows for clear vision, creativity, assertiveness and flexibility in the body and/or life. Out of balance, Wood can present as muscle pain or stiffness, one-sided symptoms, headaches, inability to plan or take action in one’s life, inappropriate anger.
Fire: Corresponding to summer, it represents partnership, joy, warmth and compassion. The Fire element influences one’s relationships, liveliness and passion for life and love.
Healthy Fire energy allows for good sleep, heart functions, compassion and steady body temperature. Out of balance, Fire can present as intimacy issues, difficulty sleeping, tummy gurgles, sadness, weakness of the heart, erratic swings in body temperature.
Earth: Corresponding to late summer, it represents the time to reap life’s harvest. The Earth element influences one’s ability to digest, process and store that which nourishes, along with the ability to nurture and care for self and others.
Healthy Earth energy allows for good appetite and digestion, clear thinking, strong muscles and blood vessels, feeling centered. Out of balance, Earth can present as excessive worry, digestive issues, bruising easily, lethargy, insatiable appetite.
Metal: Corresponding to fall, it represents the ability to keep what is of value and let go of what is no longer needed. The Metal element influences one’s values, rhythms and inspirations.
Healthy Metal energy allows for good self-worth, breathing, bowel functions, ability to grieve appropriately and let go of “stuff” in life and body. Out of balance, Metal can present as ENT issues, skin conditions, bowel issues, breathing difficulties, lack of respect for self or others,
excessive grief.
Water: Corresponding to winter, it represents the inner wisdom and skill required to propel forward in life. The Water element influences one’s ability to power through life while taking appropriate time to rest and restore deep reserves.
Healthy Water energy allows for good listening, strong bones and joints, courage, willpower, setting boundaries, knowing when to rest. Out of balance, Water can present as feeling chronically overwhelmed, excessive fear, weak bones, chronic low back problems, urinary
issues, fertility issues, impotency. |
