Five Element Acupuncture610.834.1551

Five Element vs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture has been a fundamental part of the Ancient Chinese Medical System for more than 5000 years. Over that time there have been different styles that have developed focusing on varied approaches to curing an illness and achieving well-being. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was developed in post Communist Revolution China focusing on symptoms, patterns and a systematic treatment of problems. For many people TCM is extremely effective especially with relief of acute illness. Five Element Acupuncture is a system, which looks deeper than symptoms into the inner landscape of the person to achieve health. It is based in the Taoist Philosophy that “health” not only makes a person feel good physically but also assists them stay in alignment with ones gifts, dreams and purpose for life. Five Element Acupuncture helps us stay in alignment with our truth, nourish our destiny, and radiate that state of balance. As we seek to treat the root of the situation, we seek to clear any future “symptoms” that from remerging.

The Five Element system is based on the theory that all beings are a mirror of the natural world around us containing each of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water). However, every person has a tendency to go out of balance in one particular element, which disrupts the cycle. So once the element of that person is established, the acupuncturist works to bring health in that area which helps alleviate many times multiple seemingly unrelated symptoms. For instance the Wood Element effects not only the Liver itself but also can manifest disharmony in the eyes, irritability, bitter taste in the mouth, inability to express anger, the blood, etc. The idea is less is more and by sending clear, concise messages we honor the bodies innate wisdom to heal (empowering ourselves into knowing health from within & not dependent on a medication).

In Five Element Acupuncture, the treatment room is held and honored as sacred space, each moment and interaction between acupuncturist and client not only crucial moments for the acupuncturist to listen and understand the energetics in the room but also for the treatment to stay completely dynamic as the hour passes. In many TCM clinics you may pay lower prices but there are multiple treatment rooms (sometimes 3-5+) and needles are placed for 40 minutes as you lay alone under a heat lamp. In Five Element Acupuncture we honor that sacred space and time by dedicating our time to one client per hour, which we feel is a special intention set to stay connected and deepen treatments.

Diagnosis is done first and foremost by attentive and deep listening to the pulses on both wrists (each representing different elements/meridians). Elemental diagnosis is also done through attention to details such as color, sound, odor and emotion. Usually the tongue is observed as well to give information about the overall picture. On the first appointment, a detailed health history and dialogue about current state and goals will be had. Then there will be an oriental physical exam which is composed of pressing into specific places in the abdomen, checking meridian flow bilaterally, feeling the temperature of the 3 Burners (upper chest, belly and right below navel), and blood pressure check.

About Needles

The acupuncture needles used are one time, disposable needles that are individually packaged in sterilized containers. They are extremely thin & fine like a strand of hair. The needles are solid (not like needles used to draw blood). After their first experience with acupuncture, most people are extremely shocked by how easy treatment goes (and many times don’t even feel the needles at all). Sensations usually range from a little pin prick, to a dull ache, to nothing at all or sometimes even a warm sensation.

In Five Element Acupuncture, in most treatments (except for usually the first 1-3 treatments) needles are inserted and either immediately removed or left in for five to ten minutes (depending on location & intention of the treatment).

Typical Treatment

The initial consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes, while all follow-ups (unless specifically noted) last 60 minutes. Amount of needles used and location in which they are placed varies according to the patient at that time. Depending on the severity and length of the illness, treatment can range from once to twice per week for the first month and is gradually tapered back to two, then three and then finally to a monthly visit. It is important to realize that all natural healing processes take time and are choices to incorporate that healing practice as a change in lifestyle.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat

Stress & Stress Related Illness
Back & Neck Pain
Migraines & Headaches
Fertility Issues
Depression & Anxiety
Menstrual Disorders
Sleep Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Sciatica
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Acute & Chronic Pain
Arthritis
Sinus Problems
Allergies
Injuries
Obesity & Weight Control
Addictions
Eating Disorders
Low Immune System
Adrenal Fatigue
And much more!

Available by Appointment Only
Initial Session 90 minutes $130, Follow Ups 60 minutes $90




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