Five-Element Acupuncture

An ancient medicine for a modern life

Originating in China, acupuncture is perhaps the oldest medical system in the world. It has developed through continuous practical experience over thousands of years. Several forms of acupuncture are used around the world today and I practice Worsley Five-Element Acupuncture. The ancients observed how the fundamental elements of creation, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, create life’s natural mysterious order. When these five elements manifest within us in a balanced and harmonious state, we experience health, well-being and the joy of being alive.*

Acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions, including the treatment and relief of allergy symptoms and many other conditions:

  • All forms of pain, including back and neck
  • Arthritis and bursitis
  • Headaches, migraines
  • Digestive disorders
  • Women’s Health
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Infertility
  • Immune-deficiency disorders
  • Chemotherapy and radiation side effects
  • Preventative medicine

Chinese philosophy teaches that life energy or qi (pronounced chee), flows through the body in channels called meridians. Each meridian supplies energy for specific organs and functions. When the qi is weak or obstructed a person becomes susceptible to disease. The qi can get blocked due to stress, inadequate rest, inappropriate diet, or illness.

Instead of asking “what kind of symptoms does a person have?” Five-Element Acupuncture asks “what kind of person has these symptoms and why?”  J.R. Worsley

The symptoms of disease can manifest not only within the physical body, but also in mental clarity, zest for life, and sense of purpose. Our bodies have more than 300 acupuncture points, which are “doors” into the meridians. Five-Element Acupuncture is a means of assessing the condition of the life energy and, by using very fine needles, adjusting the flow of energy, thereby allowing the body to operate smoothly and heal naturally.

Needles

Acupuncture needles are as slender as a human hair—much smaller than the needles used in injections. They are made from the finest quality surgical stainless steel and are pre-sterilized and discarded after use.

When a needle is inserted at an acupuncture point, a very slight prick is felt. When the needle contacts the qi, the patient may feel a momentary ache or sting. Because the needles are so fine, there is only a brief moment of discomfort.

Moxabustion

Moxabustion is a technique that uses mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris Latiflora also called called moxa) that is rolled into a small cone and burned on an acupuncture point to gently warm the area. Moxabustion before needling enhances the movement of energy.

Pain and disease, whether physical, mental, or emotional, result from an imbalance of life energy. Five Element Acupuncture treats the underlying imbalance thereby alleviating pain and disease.

Because Five-Element Acupuncture balances the life energy of the whole person, patients frequently report improvement in health problems other than those for which they entered treatment, such as improved sleep and energy, changes in appetite, eating habits and desires, and general well-being.

Course of treatment

Most acupuncture treatments take 45-60 minutes. The initial visit is longer and includes a thorough interview about the patient’s health and history.

Initially treatments will be once a week (twice a week in some cases) in order to create an energy balance that can be maintained between treatments. This balance will last for progressively longer periods of time, and treatments will be spaced apart accordingly.

Frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Although some conditions can be alleviated very quickly, conditions that have taken years to progress generally take slow, steady treatment. The severity of the symptoms and how long they have been occurring must be taken into consideration.

It is not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate before disappearing. Fatigue and sometimes, temporary aggravation of pain can follow a treatment. If a symptom continues please notify your practitioner.

*For more information on the Worsley Five-Element Acupuncture system of medicine, visit worsleyacupuncture.com.