What is Classical Five Element Acupuncture and where it comes from

Classical Five Element Acupuncture, CFEA, is an ancient Chinese healing system dating back over 2000 years. It is a classical tradition that aims to balance the flow of energy within, working on body, mind and spirit. It addresses the energy's imbalance, which lies at the root of many physical disorders and conditions of emotional distress.

It is based on the movement of nature through the seasons and their corresponding elements - Fire/summer, Earth/late summer, Metal/autumn, Water/winter and Wood/spring. Each season creates the other, rebalancing and sustaining life. This same principle applies to us as the same cycle of energy affects us and functions within us. When this system is out of balance it can put life under threat - creating disease. Imagine the effects of spring without rain, summer and late summer with their heat wouldn't be able to nurture growth and produce their fruit. Now imagine the same happening with a person.

By recognising this, the Chinese masters developed a system which bases its treatments on re-balancing the five elements within the energy system, thus as in nature when out of balance it creates disharmony. By touching these basic tools of nature - the elements -, CFEA reaches the inner core of patients, transforming them from the inside out, hence the phrase Rooted in Spirit - Ben Shen.

CFEA was pioneered in the UK , Europe and USA by Professor J. R. Worsley, who taught the majority of experienced practitioners in Britain and America. Professor Worsley carried on working until his death in May 2003, at the age of 79. His wife Dr. Judy Worsley who studied with him and assisted him for over 30 years, is now the Master teaching this amazing system of healing.

What does acupuncture help with?

Amongst many conditions acupuncture can help with:

• Anxiety and Panic attacks
• Arthritis and Rheumatism
• Asthma and breathing difficulties
• Back problems
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infections
• Depression
• Digestive problems and eating disorders
• General aches and pains
• Hayfever, skin conditions and other allergies
• High blood pressure and Circulatory problems
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS
• Menopause
• Migraine and headaches
• PMT and menstrual problems
• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Sleep problems
• Stress and tiredness

It is also very effective with:

Cancer care: Used alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy as a means of managing side effects and providing emotional support in dealing with the illness. Patients frequently comment on how full of energy and stamina they feel after acupuncture treatment. I also helps those close to someone diagnosed with cancer to keep strong emotionally and physically in order to support them.

Low Resistance to colds, flu and common viruses: By stimulating the body's immune system acupuncture helps in preparing the body to respond quicker and more effectively to these illnesses.

Fertility: It helps to deal with the emotional stress a person is under when faced with the possibility of fertility problems, which can cause more distress, thus making conception even more difficult. It also can be used alongside IVF treatment as a means of controlling side effects.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy acupuncture helps in lessening morning sickness during the initial stages. It maintains the woman's balance of energy which helps the body to cope with the demanding changes during this time. It also provides post natal support: physically, by helping the body re-adjust itself, and emotionally, by helping the woman to cope with the daily demands of being a new mother. For those already having treatment throughout pregnancy with me, I also offer a session with the mother-to-be and her birth partner on acupressure. The partner will learn how to locate and use acupressure points to aid with labour, in controlling pain, and with immediate post labour recovery.

Preventative care: For those with no particular complaints, but want to maintain a healthy balance.

Unhappiness and Low self-esteem: CFEA helps finding a new perspective of life, by instilling the sense of self-worthiness and command over your own destiny.

Is it for you?

Treatments are designed to meet the needs of every individual person. For that, your first consultation will be up to two hours long, when the practitioner will assess your general state of health and ask about past medical and family history, daily routine, past and present emotional stresses, etc., in order to identify the underlying pattern of imbalance. Through this process he will diagnose the element most in distress within your energy system and treat accordingly, re-balancing and re-establishing the natural movement of the elements within the body. In this way he will treat not just the complain but the real cause of it.

Acupuncture treats both the symptoms of the illness and its underlying cause. At the start, treatment sessions are normally weekly but become less frequent as you improve. Although sometimes the effects of treatment are dramatic, and only few treatments are required, for some patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment for a longer period of time, varying in regularity. After sessions patients often experience an increased vitality and energy, better sleep and a great sense of wellbeing, and a more positive approach to life and its challenges.

Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they fell unwell in themselves without being "ill" in the western sense, and therefore have treatment regularly. Others, after the desired improvement will stop treatment until they feel the need for some more help and support. The aim of the sessions is not only restore balance, control and health to the patient, but also to instill responsibility over one's own life.

Frequently asked questions:

Does it hurt?
There is a sensation when the needle contacts the energy, which tends to feel like a either sharp or dull pinch. This sensation shouldn't last longer than few seconds, though.

Do I need to let my GP knows I'm having acupuncture?
No, you don't. But I do recommend that if you are due to see your GP you let him/her know.

If I'm currently taking medication, is it advisable not to have acupuncture?
On the contrary, acupuncture is a complementary therapy which won't interfere with the effect of the medication. In some cases it will help ease side effects.

I'm afraid of needles. I can't stand injections and blood tests.
Actually, acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles. They are smaller, thinner. They are also solid, so won't take anything into the body or bring anything out of it.

Are the needles disposable?
Absolutely. They are single use only acupuncture needles.

Can I drink alcohol after session?
Alcohol can affect the treatment, therefore is advisable not to drink for 24 hours after a session.

How about food? Is there anything I should avoid?
No, you should carry on life as normal. There are no problems if you have a big meal before or afterwards

Can I go to work afterwards?
Absolutely. Some people, though, feel a bit relaxed after treatments and prefer to relax for the rest of the day. Others feel inspired and full of energy and can't wait for some action.

I've got a flu / headache / stomach upset, should I still come for my session?
Yes, definitely. The treatment should help you get over it faster, and can be useful for me to see how your energy behaves in stressful situations like these.

Can children have acupuncture?
Yes, but I strongly recommend that the child's main carer also has treatment. The reason for this is because children sometimes reflect imbalances which originate in adults. A written consent will be required from the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18.

- Article written by Silvio Andrade