Five Elements Acupuncture

The Theory of the Five Elements originated thousands of years ago from observations of patterns in the natural world. Based on these observations, the ancient Chinese mapped a cycle of nature that was understood to pervade all things. One can see this cycle most easily in the successive revolution of the seasons. The tradition of Five Element Acupuncture is based on the study of these cycles, and how they apply to human life.

​’Elements’ might alternately be translated as Phases. Each of the five elements, translated as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, represents a different phase of the cycle. Just as these phases map out predictable patterns in nature, so can they be used to understand health in a person’s life. By using observations of how the five elements translate to human life physically, emotionally, and spiritually, a useful and effective tool to treat illness was developed. 

It is understood that we pass through the cycle of these phases in the course of each day, as well as each month, each year, and through the entire course of our lives. Health is seen as the appropriate expression of each phase and an easy, natural transition from one phase into the next. A five element acupuncturist looks at the health of each of the elemental phases within a person to determine which ones are functioning optimally and which ones are not. This is part of the basis for planning an appropriate acupuncture treatment. 

Another core concept in Five Element theory is that each person has one element that is their constitutional factor; one phase which is their greatest strength and greatest weakness. This element tends to be at the root of most symptoms. Treating this element with acupuncture restores health to the entire system, yielding relief from symptoms as well as better long term health. On another level, understanding one’s own constitutional element can help to clarify deeply rooted strengths and weaknesses. This increased clarity is very useful for both practitioner and patient, adding depth to any discussion of preventative care. Taking into consideration this concept of constitutional factor, many five element acupuncturists have two phases to their treatment plans: the first aimed at immediate symptom relief, and the second including points to treat and support the constitutional element.

It is important to remember that even though we each have a constitutional element, every person has all five elements within. To clarify this concept, one might think of the cycle of seasons in Florida as compared with the cycle of seasons in Alaska. Both states have seasons, but in Florida all of the seasons tend to cycle within the overarching season of summer, whereas in Alaska all of the seasons cycle more within the overarching season of winter.  In this way, we each have one overarching element, while all of the elements of the cycle are present within us.

This chart illustrates how the Five Elements interact with one another. The circle of arrows in the chart illustrates how the elements engender one another, one becoming the next in the cycle. One can see this most easily in nature as the flow of the seasons; Winter becomes Spring, then Spring becomes Summer, and so on. The arrows in the center show how the elements control or contain one another, so that none grow out of control. One example of this can be seen in how earth controls water. High river banks prevent water from flooding an area, giving the river strength and direction by controlling its flow.