How Does Five Element Acupuncture Work?
By John Winternitz L.AC, M.AC, at Juniper Tree Acupuncture in Boulder
Five Element Acupuncture works by understanding that each element has a specific type of energy associated with it, and these energies correspond to various aspects within a human being. We can begin to understand these concepts by observing how the elements behave in nature and how they are mirrored in our bodies. The elements in Chinese Medicine are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Each person has a constitution that struggles with certain elements more than others, and these elements relate to different organ systems and emotions.
Believe it or not, most diseases actually stem from the mind and its habituation toward certain unhealthy emotions, which then predictably give rise to specific behaviors, habits, and finally symptoms.
In the past, diseases often arose from external factors such as heat, cold, injuries, and infectious diseases. Nowadays, due to modern conveniences and medical advancements, it is less common for diseases to originate from these external factors. Instead, it is more common for diseases to stem from deeply ingrained emotions over time.
Emotions, Elements, and Seasons
Each element is associated with specific emotions and seasons:
Water: Connected to winter and the emotion of fear or lack of fear.
Wood: Linked with the season of spring and the emotion of anger or lack of anger.
Fire: Associated with the season of summer and the emotion of joy or sadness.
Earth: Connected to the season of late summer and the emotion of sympathy or rejection of sympathy.
Metal: Linked with the season of fall and the emotions of grief or longing.
By understanding these connections, Five Element Acupuncture can help address the root causes of disease by balancing the energies associated with each element. At Juniper Tree Acupuncture, we use this holistic approach to promote healing and well-being in our patients.
