5 Element Acupuncture Information Site

Acupuncture works by affecting the quality of energy or Chi that flows through the twelve main meridians of the body.

These flows are assessed by feeling the quality of the twelve pulses. These pulses are found near the radial artery on both the left and right wrist. These flows are also assessed by careful observation of the person by the practitioner

On these twelve main meridians there are 365 main acupuncture points. If you consider the meridians rivers of the body the acupuncture points are like reservoirs that can flow into the rivers when needed. These points increase both the quality and amount of energy that flows in these meridians.

For each treatment the acupuncturist will asses the blocks between the meridians and pick out specific acupuncture points for that person on the day. These points will be aimed at healing the person at the levels of body, mind and spirit.

Throughout this process emotions may come to the surface and resolve. Usually quite quickly the person will start to feel lighter, more like their "old self" and be ready to move on in their life.

There are two basic techniques used in acupuncture to affect to flow of chi through the meridians. The first involves the insertion of very fine needles to release the chi of a particular point into the meridian and the body as a whole.

The second is the use of a herb called Moxa. Small cones of this herb are burnt resting on the skin to warm and supply energy to the acupuncture point.

Occasionally needles are left on the point to drain an oversupply of energy but this is not common.