What is Five Element Acupuncture?
Five Element Acupuncture focuses on treating the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, rather than just isolated symptoms.
This approach is based on the concept of five elements found in nature:
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Wood
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Fire
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Earth
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Metal
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Water
Each element is associated with specific organs, emotions, and aspects of personality. When these elements are out of balance, symptoms, physical, emotional, or mental, can arise. Our own unique “Element” is our greatest potential. It is why we are here. It is the doorway to unearthing our greatest treasure, the truth of who we are” Kirkwood (2018)
What Happens During a Treatment?
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Discussion of your main concerns and symptoms
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Questions about your medical history, lifestyle, sleep, digestion, and emotions
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Very fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific acupuncture points
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Needles are typically left in place for 20 minutes or some needles are removed straight away
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Most people feel a slight sensation on insertion (tingling, warmth, heaviness)
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Many people feel calm, sleepy, or deeply relaxed during treatment
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Your pulses are taken throughout the session
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Moxibustion
Five Element Acupuncture may support a wide range of conditions, including:
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Stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance
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Fatigue and low energy
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Digestive issues
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Sleep problems
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Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, headaches, joint pain)
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Hormonal imbalance
Even if you don’t have a specific condition, treatment can help improve overall vitality and emotional balance.
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Please note that I adhere to the Acupuncture Association’s Code of Conduct and recommended safe working practices, and have strict hygiene measures in place - www.acupunctureassociation.org.uk.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion (often called “moxa”) is a traditional therapy used alongside acupuncture and is deeply rejuvenating. It involves the gentle warming of specific acupuncture points using a dried herb called mugwort.
Moxibustion involves:
1. Placing moxa on or near acupuncture points
2. Use it to gently heat and stimulate areas of the body.
3. The sensation is usually deeply comforting, improving circulation, supports the body’s natural healing processes, strengthens areas of weakness or deficiency and deepens the effect of acupuncture treatment.
Why a Course of Treatments is Recommended
Acupuncture is a process, not a one-off fix.
Building Lasting Change
Imbalances often develop over months or years. Regular treatments:
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Gradually restore balance
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Strengthen the body’s natural healing ability
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Allow deeper layers of imbalance to be addressed
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Some people notice changes quickly
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For others, improvement is gradual
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Symptoms may shift or change before resolving
This is a normal part of the healing process.
Typical Treatment Plan
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Weekly sessions at the beginning
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Then spaced out as improvements occur
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Monthly maintenance treatments may be recommended
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Healing takes time and symptoms don’t always change immediately
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Improvements may be subtle at first (sleep, mood, energy)
To get the most benefit from your session:
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Take it easy for the rest of the day
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Avoid strenuous exercise if possible
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Keep warm, especially in colder weather
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Stay hydrated
