About Five Element Acupuncture

Five Element Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine rooted in Taoist philosophy, which views nature—and the human being—as composed of five elemental energies: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are each associated with an organ & function within the body which interact with one another in cycles that influence our physical health, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual balance. The practice works by stimulating meridians of Qi (vital energy), sensory nerves & blood, through the use of fine needles.

Each person has a unique elemental constitution. When one element falls out of balance, it can manifest in various ways—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Five Element Acupuncture doesn’t just treat symptoms; it seeks to understand and address the underlying energetic imbalances that lead to distress or dis-ease.

To illustrate: imagine someone experiencing anxiety. It may manifest as racing thoughts, a restless body, difficulty breathing, or a sense of emotional overwhelm. From a Five Element perspective, this is not simply a mental health issue—it reflects a deeper disharmony that affects every layer of the individual. Treatment gently works to bring those layers back into alignment, offering both relief and deeper personal transformation.

This tradition was brought into the modern world by J.R. Worsley, a British acupuncturist who studied extensively in Asia before developing and teaching Five Element Acupuncture in the West in the mid-20th century. His approach emphasised the treatment of the “Causative Factor”—the core elemental imbalance at the root of illness—and the importance of addressing each person with compassion, intuition, and respect for their individual spirit.

In my own practice, I carry forward this lineage by treating each person as a whole—mind, body, and spirit—and creating a safe space for healing, growth, and reconnection with your true nature.