Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional acupuncture is a healthcare system based on ancient principles which go back nearly two thousand years. It has a very positive model of good health and function, and looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim of acupuncture treatment, is to restore the body's equilibrium.
What makes this system so uniquely suited to modern life is that the physical, emotional and mental states are seen as interdependent, and reflect what many people perceive as the connection between the different aspects of their lives.
Acupuncture uses subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined over the centuries. The focus is on the individual, not their illness, and all the symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Each patient is unique; two people with the same western diagnosis may well receive different acupuncture treatments.
“Having suffered from ecsema most of my life, after a few visits to Elizabeth’s clinic and I have been itch free for three months and counting! ”
Five Element Acupuncture
The principles of Five Element Acupuncture has its roots in the Naturalism and Daoism belief that qi pervades the whole universe and all phenomena in nature are 'immersed' in qi; be it a stream, a flower growing, the soil on which we stand, or the changing of the seasons. The Five Elements which are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water represent the fundamental qualities of all matter in the universe.
Through understanding the different qualities of qi in each season, helps understand and enables a diagnosis of imbalance within a patient. The objective when treating is to bring internal balance to these Five Elements of nature within a person into harmony. This brings about change at a deep spiritual and emotional level, bringing about good health and mental well-being.
Wood
Wood is the season of Spring and growth.
The great power of the wood element is from expansion and the rapid build up of pressure. This ability to press forward must be balanced by a sense of knowing when its is appropriate to yield to external forces.
Therefore having a clear vision of our unique pathway in life we can appropriately assert ourselves and grow. We can make plans and decisions and so create structure and boundaries in order that we can move forward and develop.
Fire
Fire is the season of Summer and all things maturing.
The Fire element is warmth, illumination and joyfulness. It is the extreme of Yang energy and represents energy at its most ethereal.
By appropriately sharing and receiving friendship and love we can be nourished.
Earth
Earth is the season for late Summer and harvest.
The Earth element is represeneted by the capacity to link, nurture, foster and maintain.
Through supporting and nourishing others and receiving nurture and care in return we feel centred and stable.
Metal
Metal is the season of Autumn and decrease.
The Metal element represents the understanding of boundaries. With the qualities of shaping, defining and acknowledging value and worth in others we recognise it in ourselves.
We have the ability to feel loss and move on, take in the richness of life and then when it is over let go.
Water
Water is the season of Winter and storage.
The Water element represents the power to conserve, concentrate, and conceive. It's energy is downward and Yin in nature.
Through the ability to notice danger and access the extent of risk we have the ability to take action or reassure ourselves of safety.