WOOD ELEMENT IN FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE

Wood Element In Five Element Acupuncture

Wood Element In Five Element Acupuncture

1. Introduction

Acupuncture as a medical science has constantly evolved, particularly since 1950s, when the science of acupuncture became widely developed, both in theory and practice. There are two general viewpoints regarding how acupuncture functions. One is the classic Qi model, which involves the meridian and acupoint system based on the theories of Yin-Yang and a Five Element system, and the other is related to the Western neurophysiological model, which is based on neuroendocrine, immunological, and other physiological processes.

2. Basic Theory

From the Chinese perspective, acupuncture is necessarily embedded in a complex theoretical framework that provides conceptual and therapeutic directions. The theories of Yin and Yang, five elements (the evolutionary phases of fire, earth, metal, wood, and water), Qi (vital energy) and blood, meridians (acupuncture channels) and acupoints, provide the most important guidance for acupuncture treatment. These theories will be described very briefly below, interested readers may obtain detail explanation from the relevant textbooks. However, acupuncture is just one of many treatments in the complex, centuries-old tradition of eastern medicine. Asian practitioners also use herbal medicine, massage, and Qi gong, a form of energy therapy. Each of these techniques and several others focus on achieving a balance of energy in the body. Practitioners of Ayurveda, which originated in India and means "science of life," use diet, exercise, meditation, and other techniques to achieve their goal of harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Established on the principle that "like cures like," the homeopathic medicine approach treats health problems with very diluted doses of the same substance that, in larger doses, could actually cause the symptoms of a disease. Naturopathic medicine uses diet, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other techniques to return the body to a state where it can heal itself.

In acupuncture, Qi (also written as chi) is the energy behind everything. Qi is the invisible flow of energy that is responsible for the functioning of the organs and other parts of the body, and therefore, it is responsible for life itself. It flows in the environment and is seen by acupuncturists and Taoists as a natural force, similar to air and the weather. Qi is not something that can physically be seen, rather, it is felt by intuition. Qi is simply more understood by people whose right brains are highly developed. There are many different types of Qi. Inherited Qi will eventually run out, therefore causing us to die. Other types of Qi supplement inherited Qi, such as acquired Qi which is absorbed through food, water, and air. If your body's Qi is flowing correctly, then you aren't sick. If it isn't flowing right, that's what the acupuncturist is for.

The meridians and channels are the pathways in which Qi flows. There are many meridians and they all serve different purposes. For instance, cardiovascular problems are generally solved by using acupuncture points (also know as acu-points) in one of the meridians located in the left ...