Acupuncture
by Diane Lauer, L.Ac.,M.Ac.

Five Element Acupuncture

Five Element Acupuncture is an ancient form of acupuncture that works by treating a person at the levels of body, mind, heart and spirit. By doing this it helps a person move back into harmony with themselves, their emotions and their life as a whole.

This harmony is achieved by looking at the person as a whole being as well as understanding their symptoms. A Five Element practitioner places great importance on having a thorough understanding of the person, their environment, their history and the Five Elements working in their life.

The Five Elements are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Each of these help create who we are and how we function in the world. Have a look through the Five Elements and see which one corresponds closest with who you are!

When acupuncture is used to treat only immediate symptoms it is called formula acupuncture. This type of acupuncture can give ready relief for a time but it may not be treating the cause of the persons discomfort.
A Five Element acupuncturist is carefully trained in understanding natural laws and using these to diagnose, can assist the body, mind and spirit to move back into full health.

The practitioner will look for disharmony in the energy of the body through various ways. They will look for blocks between the acupuncture meridians flow like rivers around the body. They will look for which of the Five Elements is weakest and how that effects the person as a whole. They will look for how they can support the persons spirit through choice of acupuncture points and help them move back into a better relationship with themselves and the world around them.

Here are some frequently asked questions about acupuncture treatment:

Does It hurt ? Acupuncture needles are solid and very very fine (Approx .2 of a mm) and thus feel nothing like a doctors hollow injection needle. You will usually not feel the needle go in at all. What you will feel is a mild dull sensation as the needle touches the energy of the point.

Are the needles left in ? In Classical Five Element Acupuncture most of the time the needles are inserted and then removed immediately. This may vary.

How long are treatments ? Treatments are between 45 mins. and 1 1/2 Hour long. The first treatment may be up to 2 hours. In this time the acupuncturist will take a full history spend time getting to know you and give you time to ask questions you may have.

How many treatment will I need ? This varies between patients and the severity of the condition. Generally I like to see patients once a week for 3 or 4 weeks and then between the patient and myself decide how often it would be best for them to come for the best outcome.

How much is treatment ? 1st visit is $70 and this visit may be as long as 2 1/2 hours. Following visits are $60hr.

Are the needles sterile ? Yes. Since the early 1990s very good quality disposable needles have become very affordable. All acupuncturists will use brand new needles opened from individual sterile packages every treatment.