Five Elements Acupuncture
Five Elements Acupuncture is a holistic and intuitive form of ancient Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. Unlike conventional approaches that focus on managing symptoms, this system of medicine works at a deeper level—restoring harmony and balance in body, mind, and spirit.
At its heart lies a simple but powerful truth: we are part of the natural world, not separate from it. Just as the seasons shift and the circadian rhythm guides day into night, our health depends on moving in rhythm with these cycles. When we fall out of sync—through stress, illness, or emotional strain—our whole system feels it. Five Elements Acupuncture helps bring us back into alignment.
What makes Five Element Acupuncture so profound is its ability to treat the whole person, it not only relieves physical symptoms but also supports emotional wellbeing and spiritual connection. Patients often describe feeling more grounded, more themselves, and more in touch with life after treatment.
Some examples of how imbalances may manifest as physical or mental symptoms:
Anxiety
Addictions
Stress
Depression
Grief
Insomnia
Chronic Fatigue and Burnout
IBS and Digestive problems
Headaches and Migraines
Fertility and IVF
Pregnancy & Postnatal
Menopausal symptoms
PCOS
Endometriosis
Hormonal Imbalances
Cystitis
Skin Disorders
Osteoarthritis
Autoimmune Diseases
Physical Pain
Back and Joint Pain
The British Acupuncture Council lists conditions and symptoms along with clinical studies that acupuncture can help with here.
Other treatments…
The use of moxa is an integral part of Five Elements treatment and gua sha is blended into my treatments when clinically indicated.
Moxabustion involves burning dried mugwort, a nourishing herb (moxa) near or on specific points of the body to stimulate healing and promote the flow of energy (qi). I find many patients really love the gentle warmth and find it very relaxing. It can enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment or be used alone - imagining each individual acupuncture point as a flower; the warm of the moxa helps to open the petals, ready for needling.
Gua sha is a clinical technique which translates as ‘skin stroking'; using a smooth-edged tool with a slight pressure, this treatment improves circulation, can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This is different from the more cosmetic form of gua sha and results in a degree of temporary skin marking - this is normal and settles within a few days.