Five Element Acupuncture
Five Element Acupuncture is a subtle yet powerful form of medicine, which originated in China well over 2000 years ago. It has a strong preventative ethos, treating the essence and the whole of an individual rather than solely managing the symptoms.
The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, represent the fundamental qualities found in nature, serving as a model for understanding the seasons. Five Element Acupuncture recognises that our body, mind and spirit are made up of these five elements and that our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is dependent on their integrative balance and harmony.
Equilibrium between the Five Elements allows the free flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body. When illness strikes, elemental imbalance is present causing blockages, interruption or a build-up of toxins in this flow.
“As without, so within.”
My aim is to underpin the root cause of any imbalance so that the equilibrium of body, mind and spirit can be gently restored and maintained. As individuals reconnect to their authentic nature, symptoms should ease, allowing them to thrive and become the best version of themselves.
The essence of my treatments therefore is to bring the individual into a state of rest and recuperation, that will enable alignment with one’s own thoughts, feelings and actions. Through acupuncture, the external realm is brought into the internal, encouraging the individual to embody their experiences and behaviours, thus awakening the senses.
Individuals are then able to take this very experience away with them, knowing they always have access to it and are able to manage whatever their multi-faceted lives bring, with a better sense of ease.
The Five Elements | Seasons
Wood | Spring
From the quietness and stillness of winter, a new season emerges: Spring. This is the season of birth and rebirth, growth and expansion, with a freshness and excitement in the air. We can start it all again. As the days are getting longer and brighter, and the birds are suddenly starting to be a little chattier, we feel a sense of hope and almost an urge to: “Just get up!” The nature of Wood can at times be stiff and rigid, but it is also with a great flexibility allowing its unfurling that is with a clear plan and structure.
A balanced Wood
A balanced Wood Element is not easily discouraged in its growing, is not feeling resignation or apathy, nor it is getting easily frustrated or extensively angry by the obstacles of expansion and stimulation but overcomes them with a healthy assertiveness and ambition, allowing purpose and dreams to unfold.
Sluggishness, feelings of anger or frustration, neck and shoulder tension, headaches and migraines, hay fever, common cold, conjunctivitis, asthma, bloating, menstrual disorders.
Common seasonal complaints
As the freshness and exciting unknown of the spring blooms into the summer, everything gets more saturated, hotter and brighter, as we are feeling the influence of the fire element. The association of joy here is fundamental: whether it is socialising and connecting with others, enjoying a holiday or feeling passionate, it is a crucial aspect of this season, something that generates and maintains that spark of joy within us. Those not feeling the emotional rays of sunshine may feel loneliness, sadness and might not thrive in the shade.
The harmonious Fire Element is able to nourish that inner spark through connection, and is able to communicate with openness, honesty, warmth and compassion. A balanced Fire will allow a glorious expression of who they are at their fullest capacity, finding joy in all things, however spontaneous.
Fire | Summer
A balanced Fire
Feelings of anxiety and depression, rapid mood swings, palpitations, insomnia, agitation, heartburn, skin rashes, excessive perspiration, fatigue, fever, diarrhoea.
Common seasonal complaints
Earth | Late Summer
Late summer is the time for a bountiful harvest, when the heat and intensity softens. Our nature, the earth is showing itself in its full glory and abundance: the seeds planted in the spring can now be harvested and indulged. There is a more relaxed, comforting and slower pace to this time, during which we still come together, enjoy what nature is giving us and feeling gratitude.
A balanced Earth
A balanced Earth Element allows us to feel nourished, nurtured, abundant and grounded. It lets us to care about others but without over-empathising or worrying too much - without losing our own centre.
Common seasonal complaints
Obsessive thinking and/or over-worry, feelings of overwhelm, feeling uncentered and dispersed, nausea, IBS, weight gain, stomach flu, ulcers, physical or mental fatigue, slugishness.
The abundance of late summer gives its way to autumn’s richness: the golden yellows and amber hues, the cool air, and longer shadows. Autumn is the season of letting go, of drawing in. As the wind rustles through the trees, crisp leaves flutter onto the ground, beginning a slow process of decay. The days are getting darker, shorter and quieter, giving us the space for reflection as we accept to release what no longer serves us.
Metal | Autumn
A balanced Metal
Autumn is associated with the Metal element and when it is in balance, we are able to let go smoothly. But the Metal element also allows us to see the value, purity and preciousness of life. It gives us a sense of self-worth, leaving us with the chance of recognising what really matters to us.
Melancholy, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), loss of sense of purpose, feeling cut off, shallow breathing, sinusitis, asthma, tightness in chest, lower immunity resulting in colds, flu, cough or fever, skin dryness, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, constipation, IBS.
Common seasonal complaints
Following the season of contraction and letting go, the year comes to an end: it is winter. This is the time to retreat, hibernate and rest. In this stillness, we reflect, replenish our resources that have been used throughout the year and we gather strength for the next cycle. A calming, reassuring yet powerful season and element, ultimately giving life to all things.
Water | Winter
The harmonious Water Element gives us the wisdom and power to adapt and move with the flow of life. It allows us to cultivate courage, and will to fulfil the potential given to us. Although life can be terrifying and tumultuous at times, its inherently calm nature reassures us of peace residing within.
A balanced Water
Lack of courage, low drive, excessive fearfulness, phobias, lower backache, weakness of knees, hair loss, fertility issues, tinnitus, urinary incontinence, vertigo, headaches, weakened immune system.