Five Element Acupuncture is based on the Chinese theory of the cycle or phases of five elements that govern all life in the universe.

Five Element acupuncture does not directly treat the symptom but looks for the imbalance in the energy of the person. By treating the energy imbalance changes can be brought about on the physical, mental and spirit level. So acupuncture can help with physical, mental and emotional problems.

Acupuncture can bring about improvements in the following: back pain, bent toe, calmness, foot cramp, low energy, memory recall, pms anxiety, sleep difficulty, Raynaud's syndrome, sleep difficulty, sore feet, sore knee, stiff neck, stiff shoulder, general stiffness.

To get energy moving and get it to a balanced settled flow would take from three to five treatments. Old symptoms mean the energy has been stuck for a long time and will take longer. A lifetime of imbalance getting you to where you are will take time to rebalance. In any event life is an ongoing work of rebalancing with or without acupuncture.

Acupuncture is effective and can have good outcomes where other forms of treatment have been tried.

A change in symptoms can be noticed after visit but change is usually noticed during the following days or weeks. As changes can be gradual rather than dramatic it is a good idea to become aware of these subtle changes.

Wellness is when a person feels mentally, physically and emotionally well. The aim of acupuncture is to bring the whole person into a state of wellness.

Benefits can cover a broad range from feeling more energy, clearer thinking, less anxiety to feeling relief from physical symptoms.

Acupuncture is safe when you go to a qualified acupuncturist. However you have a duty to let the acupuncturist know if you are pregnant, are receiving treatment for a illness or have and underlying condition.

Despite the name, Five Element acupuncture is probably more traditional than Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture. TCM was the result of the Mao Chinese revolution when Chairman Mao wanted culture to become more westernised. Many aspects of acupuncture were lost to China as it now practices TCM. The Five Elements acupuncture that exists today in the west is the result of J.R. Worsley who trained in Asia and opened colleges in the UK and US. Most Five Element acupuncturists come from this lineage.

After the first session the energy will shift and follow up sessions will be required to monitor how this energy is moving. It may be moving nicely or it may well up in an area and needs to be released.

The needles are very fine and most people feel very little when the needle is inserted. The acupuncture point is below the skin and when the needle hits the acupuncture point you will feel a throb or a dull ache. For most acupuncture points the needle is retracted when it hits the acupuncture point. In some cases the needle will be left in for a period of time. The acupuncturist will explain this to you.

Moxa is made from the dried leaves of a herb called mugwort. Prior to needling it is rolled into small cones and placed over the acupuncture point. It is lit and let burn down until the person feels the heat. Moxa is a treatment in its own right as it encourages the energy in the acupuncture point. It is therefore a good preparation prior to needling.

Do not wear makeup or scented products. For the first session there will be a physical examination so you will be down to your underwear and every effort will be made to only expose what it being checked. You will have to remove jewellery and watches on your wrist and jewellery on your neck.