The Five Phases
WHAT ARE THE FIVE ELEMENTS?
By observing their world, the ancient Chinese identified patterns that occurred over and over again in Nature. They called these phases, THE FIVE ELEMENTS – WATER, WOOD, FIRE, EARTH and METAL. We know these transformational energy cycles as “the seasons.”
ENERGIES OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS
WATER is like WINTER, a time to REST.
WOOD is like SPRING, a time to CREATE.
FIRE is like SUMMER, a time to CONNECT.
EARTH is like LATE SUMMER, a time to NOURISH.
METAL is like FALL, a time to RELEASE.
HOW DO THE FIVE ELEMENTS RELATE TO ACUCUPUNCTURE?
The philosophy of the Five Elements influenced the ancient Chinese healthcare as humans were recognized to exhibit the same natural patterns of energy and the importance of balance and flow.
Each of the Five Elements is associated with a set of meridians that run through the specific organs. (Meridians are the energy pathways of the body.) Acupuncture points are located on these meridians and needled to stimulate natural healing that affects a particular elemental energy and/or physical organ.
FLOW PHASE
For over twenty years, I have used FIVE PHASE ACUPUNCTURE (or FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE, though PHASE is a more accurate translation from Ancient Chinese) to holistically support balance and FLOW in each individual resulting in less obstruction and pain. Hence, the FLOW PHASE aspect carries the spirit of what I have always held dear about my tradition of acupuncture and always counted on in empowering the self-healing in my clients.