Five Element Acupuncture

Classical Chinese medicine reads the body through five phases — each generating the next, each held in check by another.

The framework

Five Element acupuncture, in brief

Classical Chinese medicine reads the body through five phases — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — each generating the next in an unbroken cycle, and each held in check by another. A Five Element session starts by identifying which phase needs support, then treats accordingly, so the whole cycle moves more freely.

Wood Fire Earth Metal Water

  • Wood Spring · growth

    Governs the liver and gallbladder; the drive to plan, decide, and move forward without friction.

  • Fire Summer · connection

    Governs the heart; warmth, joy, and the capacity for closeness with others.

  • Earth Late summer · center

    Governs the spleen and stomach; nourishment, digestion, and feeling supported.

  • Metal Autumn · letting go

    Governs the lungs and large intestine; breath, boundaries, and what we release.

  • Water Winter · essence

    Governs the kidneys; deep reserves, willpower, and the body's core resilience.