Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine known to mankind. It has been practiced for over 3000 years and has been continually refined through the centuries. Three-quarters of the earth’s population still use acupuncture as part of their health care. Five Element acupuncture views the person as an integral part of nature, with many correlations between inner states and one’s experience of the environment. If a person is functioning to potential with all systems working in harmony, s/he experiences a sense of vitality that we know as health. When one or more systems become stressed or injured, there is impairment in function and a variety of symptoms appear-pains, physical and mental distress, illness. The practice of acupuncture is a means of helping to restore the person’s natural balance and harmony. Systems that are deficient are nourished and those overworking are calmed. In this way, acupuncture acts as a catalyst to encourage and support the body’s own natural healing process. When internal balance and harmony are restored, the person experiences not only a symptom-free body/mind, but also a vibrant sense of well-being. Diagnosis consists of seeing the person’s presentation in the world, hearing their story, understanding the emotional content, taking the 12 energetic pulses, and doing a physical exam. The goal of treatment is to support the client’s self-knowledge and general happiness.
