The study of Acupuncture is a lifelong unfolding of the gentle and exciting revelations of the mystery of life. The understanding of the laws of the creative and the created, deepens ones appreciation of life’s purpose and the structure of existence. To explain simply therefore, the osmosis of Chinese Philosophy, upon which the structure of Acupuncture is based, is not easy.Several years and much reading and contemplation are required before one can fully ‘feel’ the subject.
One explanation of Acupuncture can be through the observation of natural laws. There are five key elements- Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. These can be seen as metaphors for the workings of the energy flows within the human body.

Leads life between extremes-steady heat or raging inferno, gentle heat or fiery furnace.
In us, Fire provides inspiration, warmth, affection, joy, light of spirit and clarity. To transform our food we place a fire underneath the cooking pot.The ‘Fire’ of the stomach (gastric juices) transforms the food in our system.

Like our planet is our ‘home’ giving us stability through constant change. Takes in to give out, breaks down to build up. Earth is a transformative distributor and provides nourishment for every new form. Crops are grown in the earth and in our bodies it can be likened to the blood.

This is the time of Autumn, when the old is discarded and only the pure and essential is stored for the coming winter. These activities are performed by the Lungs and Colon in the body. Metal is found deep in the earth and in the skeleton, deep in the body, it is the mineral composition of bone. Metal protects against invasion and loss, preserves through reflection and retreat.

Tumbles to the depths, seeking the deepest places. It is the source and seed of life. The spring of renewal. Water is essential for life- both the planet and the body are composed mainly of water. The Kidneys are the only double organ( Yin andYang) and are responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The Bladder meridian is the longest in the body and connects to all the other organs. Science now recognises that water holds memory and as we ‘dry out’ in later years, memory is often lost.

Breaks free from restriction, unfolding and unfurling in every new bud and shoot in spring.Irrepressible as the power of sex. Liberating as the vision of the imagination.This energy in the body ensures that there is free flow of the life forces both physically and emotionally. When energy stagnates, like a compost heap, heat is created, which can damage the body.




These energies work poetically together, feeding or controlling one another to create a healthy harmonious and integrated system. They are a reflection of the external or natural world around us.
When nature is ‘out of balance’ we see the occurrence of natural disasters. So too in our bodies. When we are out of balance dis-ease occurs.

‘Turbulent winds’ cause moving pains, tremors and tics or chaotic blood which may result in CVA’s or strokes.

Cold can penetrate causing stagnation and pain, which can be observed through water becoming frozen.

Fire/heat rises and can also ‘dry out’ the body.

Dampness like a fog is clogging and heavy, not unlike phlegm in the body.

Rotting fruit if stored with the rest will contaminate the entire store-eventually old emotions if not discarded, will affect the whole system.

 

The outer circle is a feeding or supporting relationship. The easiest way to understand this is through the comparison to the seasons. Summer or Fire leads to late Summer or Earth, which transforms into Autumn or Metal, becomingWinter or Water, which moves into Spring or Wood, which leads into Summer again.

The inner lines are a controlling or balancing relationship. Water puts out Fire, Fire melts/expands Metal, Metal (contraction) cuts Wood (expansion), the free flow of Wood controls the inward expression of Earth, Earth as in the river banks contains Water.

When these relationships become imbalanced elements are not fed or are invaded or over controlled. The aim of treatment is to restore harmony between these elements and their associated organs and meridians.