TCM and Five Element
Acupuncture
Developed over two thousand years ago, acupuncture has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a holistic treatment method that addresses the individual as a whole and has the capacity to help with a vast spectrum of conditions and disorders.
Acupuncturists use very fine, sterilised needles to stimulate specific points in the body and acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and highly effective form of alternative medicine that can be applied on its own or as a complementary therapy alongside conventional, modern medical treatments.
Our approach combines an integrated style of two systems, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element acupuncture.
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TCM Acupuncture
This approach uses the principles of balancing the flow of energy in different meridians of the body. Using systematic questioning and diagnostic tools such as pulse taking, the practitioner is able to differentiate patterns of disharmony within the individual that relate to the basic 8 principles- Yin/Yang, Hot/Cold, Internal/External and Deficiency/Excess.
In TCM it is believed that illness arises as the result of specific imbalances within the substances of the body and disruptions across the channels in which our life force energy (Qi) flows.
By focusing on these patterns of disharmony, as opposed to treating only the manifesting symptoms, TCM aims to correct the imbalances that cause dis-ease in order to restore equilibrium and harmony within the body, mind and spirit.
Five Element Acupuncture
The art of Five-Element Acupuncture is a unique system of healing, rooted in ancient wisdom and more recently adapted and pioneered by J.R Worsley. The principles of this system are that we are constitutionally governed by the five elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Each element has its own unique characteristics and associations that pertain to emotions, colours, smells, taste and sound.
The practitioner will look for subtle cues within the patient that indicate imbalances within these elements and will establish which of these elements is the primary cause of all the other imbalances.
The foundations of this system are focused around treating the root of the problem and so can be especially helpful in addressing chronic conditions. There is also a strong emphasis on treating at the level of the Spirit within this system, so it is particularly effective when combined with TCM to support disorders associated with mental health.
