About Five Elements

Traditionally, Chinese medical philosophy has recognized that the Five Elements, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire, are the essential elements of everything and everyone in the natural world. 

Classical Five Element Acupuncture posits that everyone is born with (or develops early in life) an imbalance in the functioning of one of these Five Elements. This imbalance affects the harmonious functioning of all the Five Elements and is seen to be a root cause of illness of the body, mind and spirit.

Classical Five Element Acupuncture is able to treat this imbalance by accurately discovering which of the Five Elements is the root cause of the illness and then treating the patient appropriately with acupuncture.

Since the Five Elements are interdependent, bringing the root cause of imbalance into balance affects the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Symptoms can clear up and a sense of well-being and health can be reestablished.

EARTH is the element that provides sustenance and ground. It is harvest, fruition and fulfillment. “Earth” gives birth to all.

METAL provides the richness and quality to all in nature. “Metal” is both the minerals and jewels found in the earth and also the pure qi of the air we breathe. It is inspiration and vision.

WATER is the deep undercurrent of fluidity and flexibility. It is our ability to find renewal. It is restorative power. “Water” is our deepest resource.

WOOD is the energy of growth and development. “Wood” energy pushes through in order to establish life force.

FIRE is the element of warmth and connection. Like the sun, “Fire” warms the body, mind and spirit. It is the source of love and relationship.