Five Element Acupuncture

Using the concept that the same five elements present in the natural world are present in us as well, acupuncture helps to achieve and maintain balance and harmony by supporting each element, and by building, moving or dispersing energy. When all five elements are healthy and balanced, there is wellness. And when they are not in balance, there is pain, illness and discomfort. Your signs and symptoms point the practitioner to one or more elements needing attention.

The energy of the elements, called Qi, runs like a river throughout the body in a network of channels called meridians.  Sterile, disposable acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points located on these pathways to directly influence your Qi.

The practitioner decides which points to use after assessing the health of each element during the initial consultation, and during the first few minutes of each subsequent visit. All of your signs and symptoms, your history and your physical exam provide information leading the practitioner to your diagnosis. The physical exam includes taking your pulse, palpation of the channels and specific trigger points, looking at your tongue, and your overall demeanor and color. The initial consultation will last about two hours, and may or may not include a treatment.  Subsequent treatments last about one hour, and may include acupuncture, moxibustion, acupressure, cupping, Gwa-Sha, and lifestyle counseling. Your pulses may be taken several times during treatment to assess your response.

Treatments are typically required weekly for 6 – 8 weeks and then reduced in frequency. This varies between individuals and depends on the length and severity of symptoms. Many people find it valuable to continue monthly maintenance treatments once they are well.

About the Needles: 
Acupuncture needles are sterile, prepackaged, and made of solid stainless steel. They are thin – about the thickness of two head hairs. They are used only once and are immediately discarded. Needles are inserted using clean needle technique into the body, usually just beneath the skin. They are either removed immediately or within 5 to 20 minutes.