What is Classical Five Element Acupuncture?
Classical Five Element Acupuncture is steeped in the emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. This psycho-spiritual focus is used even when the symptoms are manifested by the physical body. Similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is a holistic method of acupuncture that alleviates symptoms on the level of mind, body and spirit by targeting an underlying energetic imbalance.
While TCM focuses on recognizing dysfunctional patterns and disruptions in the harmonious flow of energy between the organs, diagnosis in Classical Acupuncture is based on the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Imbalance in one of these five elements is seen as the main contributing factor, or "causative factor" underlying all of life’s challenges. This includes physical health, emotional health, relationships, mental attitudes, and spiritual fulfillment. Based on this causative factor, we each perceive our experiences and the world around us in a certain way. Using this information, the practitioner can tailor the treatment and discussions to meet your unique needs. It can be used exclusively or in combination with TCM. Lorie has training in both TCM and Five Element theory and utilizes both forms.
The History of Acupuncture
Most acupuncturists in the United States and in China practice TCM. "Traditional Chinese Medicine" was developed during the enormous cultural change in China in the 20th century. In the 1950's, Communism created sweeping changes in Chinese culture including academics, agriculture, industry, and medicine. Little room was left for China's ancient and spiritually rich practices of the past.
A nationalization of medicine occurred. Prior to that time there was a wide variety of acupuncture practiced. A standardization that provided a version which could be easily and quickly taught to provide for care in rural areas for the masses took place. This standardization kept the basic principles but lost some of the subtle nuances of diagnosis and treatment and deep spiritual Taoist basis of Classical Five Element Chinese Medicine. The new modern practice which could well have been called MCM (Modern Chinese Medicine), but became known as TCM; Traditional Chinese Medicine instead.
There are many fine practitioners of TCM in the United States performing largely effective treatments to several million satisfied patients nationwide. TCM also takes all aspects of our being into consideration but the diagnosis and treatment plan is different in these two styles of acupuncture.
