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Notes on “Five Element Accupuncture”

an article by Moss

The article explains in detail how the Five Element acupuncture is used to treat various diseases and illnesses. While there is much said about the approach, the most important point here seems to be that the emphasis is always on the person as a whole, including his Mind, Body, and Spirit – these concepts are inseparable. 

The article describes the interdependence between the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, metal, and Water) which divide the human experience into 5 distinct groupings. The groups consist of organs, diseases, mental health issues, and spiritual issues, so that these Elements act as maps that reflect all levels of human function. The levels of function range from biochemical processes to one function of the person as a whole.

Originating from the Taoist teachings, the backbone of the Five Element Acupuncture lies within the idea of following the Tao. “Living a life of balance and harmony with oneself and the society was the mark of Tao” (53). And the doctor’s goal was to educate the patients on the way they have not been following the Tao and to redirect them back to the “right way”. 

A person is not sick because of a disease, they are diseased because they are sick”. (53)

This quote seems to underline the major idea of the article describing the treatment of people based on the approach of Five Elements accupuncture. This idea is now used by the psychoneuroimmunologists and by psychologists who specialize on the psychosomatic reasons for disease. These professionals also look at the imbalance in the patient’s life, from mental, physical, social, and spiritual perspective.