The Five Element system evolved out of a need to understand and interpret the world around us. Through careful observation, the ancient Chinese were able to see various patterns.

The number Five was found to be particularly useful for describing natural cycles. In every cycle in life you can see the workings of these five fundamental movements of energy.

The names given to these five phases are:
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water

In the cycle of the seasons, we can see the clearest manifestation of the five elements.

Wood corresponds to Spring.
Fire corresponds to Summer.
Earth corresponds to the harvest.
Metal corresponds to Autumn.
Water corresponds to Winter.

Take wood for example. Spring time is characterised by a powerful upward and outward movement. Young shoots burst through hard ground and seemingly dead branches spring back to life.

In us, this Wood energy manifests in the liver and gallbladder. The liver is actually the organ that is most capable of rejuvenation. Given the right conditions your liver can regrow itself fully even after it has sustained 60% damage.

Each element also manifests at the emotional level. Wood gives us the ability to be exuberant and assertive.

When this exuberance becomes blocked, we become frustrated and without hope.

Five Element Acupuncture works on the principle that you have a constitutional type in one of the five elements.

This is the one you rely on most when you are ill or under stress.

The aim of diagnosis is to find out which element this is for you.

The treatment will support this element in its role of maintaining health and balance.

For example, if your constitutional type is in the Wood element, the focus of treatment will be on strengthening the flow of energy in your liver and gallbladder meridians.

This in turn will bring balance and health to all parts of your body and mind.

You will experience less frustration and a sense of exuberance. You will also feel an increased sense of hope in the future and a greater clarity of vision. These being the gifts of the Wood element.

Each of the other elements brings you its own gifts:

Fire offers warmth and joy
Earth gives contentment and stability
Metal offers stillness and serenity
Water brings will-power and adaptability

We are all made up of all five of the elements but the one that is your constitutional type will exert a greater influence on your life.