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History 5 Element / TCM Acupuncture
Over the last 4 thousand years acupuncture has gone through many stages of development and schools of thought. Classical 5 Element is an ancient form of acupuncture. It is thought to have originated around 200BC (Han Dynasty) when the Chinese were going through a period when they observed nature, natural laws and noticed how these laws worked in people.
Through the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the 1950s Mao Tse Tung wanted to modernise Chinese society and thought. Through this period the Chinese started to concentrate mainly on physical symptoms and what is known as external causes of disease.
Through pulse and tongue diagnosis a modern Chinese Medicine practitioner will find external cause of disease such as Damp, Cold and Heat. Treatment will be planned to heal these external causes, sometimes also incorporating the use of herbs, massage and cupping. This is known as TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Classical 5 Element Acupuncture looks for emotional or spirit level causes for a person distress and believes by healing at this level the whole person moves forward not just their presenting symptoms.
The Five Elements are connected and interconnected, each one depending on the others to fulfill their part. By finding out which one of the Five Elements first went out of balance and primarily treating that element it is believed that the whole person will heal and move forward.
The Classical 5 Element style of acupuncture was brought back from the east in the 1950s by Englishman - Professor J.R. Worsley. Professor Worsley died in 2003 and is survived by his wife J.B. Worsley, son and daughter who continue to teach this wonderful form of acupuncture.
The 5 Elements
Below are the 5 elements.
They make up who we are and how we are in the world.
They create the seasons and the 12 main meridians of energy inside us
See which Element you relate to best.
Fire
Fire is the element of Summer and is associated with the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Tripple Heater meridians and the emotion of Joy. Fire people love to reach out and be in relationship with all people. They enjoy to laugh and sometimes they carry a sadness or lack of joy deeper in themselves. They are the flirts, the entertainers. They bring a sense of warmth and fun.
Earth
Earth is the element of Late Summer and is associated with the Stomach & Spleen meridians and the emotion of sympathy. Earth people have the ability to care for people, like a mother can nourish a child. Thus food and understanding are important. Sometimes an Earth person can feel a sense of emptiness or neediness in their own life. Earth people in balance feel a deep sense of groundedness & satisfaction that their cup is full and there is plenty to share. They are our carers.
Metal
Metal is the element of Autumn and is associated with Lung & Large Intestine meridians and the emotion of grief . Metal people search for what is pure and spiritual. They set the highest standards for themselves and others; respect is important. Sometimes they live in a sense of regret of what could have been. Metal people in balance have a strong sense of beauty, self worth and self esteem. They are our spiritual seekers.
Water
Water is the element of Winter and is associated with the Kidney & Bladder meridians and the emotion is fear. Water people have a persistence and determination and will often excel in situations that others find too scary. Sometimes they may hide a deep sense of being frozen or washed away by their own fear. Water people are survivors and shape shifters. They get their strength from mysterious places. They get the job done.
Wood
Wood is the element of Spring and is associated with the Liver & the Gall Bladder meridians and the emotion of anger or frustration. Wood people excel or have trouble in planning, decision making, and action. The future and their ability to see it - this can be their strength. When out of balance they may procrastinate or have a sense of no hope. Wood Element people make excellent leaders. They have a strong sense of justice. They are the change makers.