Acupuncture and the 5 elements

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) of which acupuncture and the 5 Elements is a part, recognises that health is more than the absence of disease and it has a unique capacity to maintain and enhance our potential for well-being and happiness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine dating back almost 5000 years. The Taoist philosophers of that time were astute observers of nature and realised that the fundamental processes of the universe were a good basis for understanding life.

Acupuncture is the most well known therapy of oriental medicine. It is a vital component of the health care system in China, Japan and other countries, the other componants include herbs, diet and an exercise system known as Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. Some health insurance providers even provide coverage for such complementary treatments. Check with Aviva (http://www.aviva.co.uk/life-insurance/) or your provider of choice on their policies. Make sure you do your research well before choosing an acupuncturist, it is better to have one recommended to you.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. These points lie along channels called meridians, within which flows energy (Chi).

The meridians connect the inner organs with the surface of the body. The needling of points re-establishes balance within this organ-meridian system.

Along with Yin Yang the 5 elements are the most important foundation of chinese medicine.

According to 5 Element theory the energy of the world can be divided into 5 movements or phases. These interrelated aspects of energy are evident in nature as Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal and are in constant movement and connection with each other.

Through the associations made with the elements there arises a language to describe the world and a way to observe and determine the constitution of a person. There are many correspondences associated with each element, here is a brief outline pertaining to the 5 element diagnosis.

Each element describes a different phase in nature and in a person. How a person acts & goes about life reveals a lot about their inner state & also about the energy in their organs. A 5 element acupuncture diagnosis is about recognising which phase is out of balance and treating the corresponding organ to regain balance.

The organs are not only limited to physical functions, but are responsible for our emotional and spiritual balance.

Each element has a unique character and they can be described as 5 Types.

Healthy organs give us capacity for healthy emotional expression

Imbalance diminishes capacities associated with organ

(For further expansion on this theme please read "Healing your Emotions" by Angela & John Hicks)

Example case treated with acupuncture:

A 52 year old teacher comes with eczema, headaches and menpopausal problems.

Eczema since puberty, better after having her 2 children, returned with the menopause.

Headaches when stressed. Low energy, has to lie down after lunch. Loss of hair and inexplicable weight gain.

Feels better in the fresh air. Needs a lot of time alone. Holds high values for herself and others and is described by collegues as a perfectionist. Difficulty expressing emotions which makes her seem cool and hard. She is hurt by a lot of things but doesn't show it. Recuperates by taking long walks in the mountains.

Diagnosis: Metal element in focus

Treatment: Appropriate points along the lung and colon merdian

Result:
1 week later: No change in symtoms but felt very relaxed and happier
2 weeks later: Cleared out her work room and threw a lot of old stuff away. Less critical about herself and more satisfied with her performance. Fewer flushes of heat otherwise no change in symptoms. 1 bad headache
3 weeks later: Feeling much better in herself "like I have more room to breathe"
4 weeks later: Eczema improving a little, has more energy to get behind the things she has been neglecting. Started a diet
5 weeks later: No headaches, energy better, no longer needs to take naps. Eczema slowly improving. Flushes of heat much better, still losing hair. Inner sense of well-being and better able to express emotions. "I am more tolerant of others' stupidness." Lost 2 kilos

Acupuncture treatments were reduced to fortnightly then monthly over a period of 1 year, after which all symptoms were better. She uses acupuncture now as a preventive measure by coming for treatment 2 to 3 times a year or in particularly stressful times.