Wood
The Wood element is the driving force of growth, vision, and transformation. Aligned with spring, it governs the Liver and Gallbladder, which provide the blueprint for planning and decision-making while ensuring the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. When in balance, Wood offers clarity, direction, and the ability to adapt to challenges. When out of balance, it may lead to frustration, indecision, or stagnation. Acupuncture that supports the Wood element restores flexibility and creativity, allowing for growth and the realization of potential. Film extract from Yellow Path
Fire
The Fire element represents the spark of life, joy, and connection that lights up our world. Linked to summer, it governs the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Burner, which oversee communication, emotional warmth, and the circulation of energy. When balanced, Fire brings joy, clarity, and the ability to connect deeply with others. When out of balance, it can result in restlessness, loneliness, or emotional overwhelm. Acupuncture treatments for the Fire element restore harmony, rekindling joy, emotional expression, and the capacity for meaningful connection. Film extract from Yellow Path
The Five Elements
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the entire universe can be observed and experienced through the five elements as found in nature; Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal. In humankind we can observe these elements manifesting in many different ways: for example – five pairings of organs, five distinct emotions, sounds, smells and colours. Each organ of the body corresponds to one of the elements, which in turn corresponds to one of the seasons of the year. The elements are the five distinct phases through which all things pass from their beginning to their end. In Five-Element acupuncture, diagnosis is a rich and nuanced process. Practitioners observe five key areas—colour, sound, odour, emotion, and the pulses—to gain insight into a patient's elemental balance. These observations help practitioners identify which element may be out of balance—either in excess or deficiency—allowing for a highly individualized approach to treatment. This thorough investigation ensures that the treatment addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, sensory, and energetic aspects, aligning with the holistic philosophy at the heart of Five-Element acupuncture.
The Five Elements
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the entire universe can be observed and experienced through the five elements as found in nature; Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal. In humankind we can observe these elements manifesting in many different ways: for example – five pairings of organs, five distinct emotions, sounds, smells and colours. Each organ of the body corresponds to one of the elements, which in turn corresponds to one of the seasons of the year. The elements are the five distinct phases through which all things pass from their beginning to their end. In Five-Element acupuncture, diagnosis is a rich and nuanced process. Practitioners observe five key areas—colour, sound, odour, emotion, and the pulses—to gain insight into a patient's elemental balance. These observations help practitioners identify which element may be out of balance—either in excess or deficiency—allowing for a highly individualized approach to treatment. This thorough investigation ensures that the treatment addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, sensory, and energetic aspects, aligning with the holistic philosophy at the heart of Five-Element acupuncture.
Understanding Five Element Acupuncture:
an analogy
At its core, Five-Element Acupuncture is an ancient system of traditional acupuncture shaped by the five-element cosmology that once influenced the whole of Chinese culture. The elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—are each vital, supporting and nourishing one another in a continuous cycle. Each element relates not just to physical organs, but also to aspects of the mind and spirit, forming a holistic approach to wellness. Five-Element Acupuncture works by identifying and addressing these root causes, much like repairing the underlying issues in a home rather than just patching over surface problems. This approach ensures that the “house”—your body—remains resilient, harmonious, and capable of self-healing. When any one of the elements is out of balance, it can affect the entire cycle, causing disruptions in both the body’s systems and emotional states. Just like a house with faulty plumbing or a damaged foundation, symptoms may appear in seemingly unrelated areas. Five-Element Acupuncture aims to address the root causes of these imbalances rather than just treating the surface symptoms. In practice, a Five-Element Acupuncturist assesses which element is out of balance and then works to restore harmony between them, promoting self-healing and long-term health. This approach encourages the body to return to a state of equilibrium, much like fixing a home's underlying problems to ensure its lasting stability. According to Five-Element Acupuncture, elemental imbalances often take root very early—sometimes even before birth, or during the earliest stages of childhood. Just as a house might be built on an uneven foundation that affects it for years to come, certain physical or emotional factors present from the beginning of life can set the stage for these imbalances. Recognizing this helps practitioners trace symptoms back to their origin, supporting deeper and more lasting restoration of health.
Earth
The Earth element is the source of nourishment and stability, providing the foundation on which life depends. Associated with late summer, it governs the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for digestion, transformation, and the nurturing of body and spirit. Balanced Earth fosters care, empathy, and a sense of groundedness, while imbalances can lead to worry, overthinking, or a feeling of being uncentered. Acupuncture that supports the Earth element helps cultivate inner peace, stability, and the ability to give and receive care with ease. Film extract from Yellow Path
Metal
The Metal element reflects the ability to distill life’s experiences into wisdom, structure, and purpose. Associated with autumn, it governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, which facilitate taking in what is essential and releasing what is no longer needed. Balanced Metal brings clarity, self-worth, and inspiration. When out of balance, it can result in grief, rigidity, or a loss of direction. Acupuncture treatments for the Metal element help restore balance, clear emotional and physical blockages, and foster a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Film extract from Yellow Path
The Elements
The Five Elements
According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the entire universe can be observed and experienced through the five elements as found in nature; Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal. In humankind we can observe these elements manifesting in many different ways: for example – five pairings of organs, five distinct emotions, sounds, smells and colours. Each organ of the body corresponds to one of the elements, which in turn corresponds to one of the seasons of the year. The elements are the five distinct phases through which all things pass from their beginning to their end. In Five-Element acupuncture, diagnosis is a rich and nuanced process. Practitioners observe five key areas—colour, sound, odour, emotion, and the pulses—to gain insight into a patient's elemental balance. These observations help practitioners identify which element may be out of balance—either in excess or deficiency—allowing for a highly individualized approach to treatment. This thorough investigation ensures that the treatment addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, sensory, and energetic aspects, aligning with the holistic philosophy at the heart of Five-Element acupuncture.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves looking at a patient’s constitutional & emotional make-up; their strengths and weaknesses. At the initial consultation a patient will be asked about their main complaint and to give a full medical history. It is also important to mention at this point that we always have a good number of patients who present no particular health problems but are undertaking treatment to maintain their good health, and as preventative medicine. A common question asked is how long should a patient expect to be receiving treatment? A typical course of treatment would be a weekly appointment for four weeks, progressing to fortnightly and then proceeding to longer intervals as necessary. Obviously, individual cases vary, and some conditions may take longer to treat, and this will be explained at diagnosis. The actual treatment plan will be based around each individual’s needs, taking into consideration age, medical symptoms, general constitution and life circumstances. The treatment journey takes the patient from pathology to good health and through to accessing their full potential.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves looking at a patient’s constitutional & emotional make-up; their strengths and weaknesses. At the initial consultation a patient will be asked about their main complaint and to give a full medical history. It is also important to mention at this point that we always have a good number of patients who present no particular health problems but are undertaking treatment to maintain their good health, and as preventative medicine. A common question asked is how long should a patient expect to be receiving treatment? A typical course of treatment would be a weekly appointment for four weeks, progressing to fortnightly and then proceeding to longer intervals as necessary. Obviously, individual cases vary, and some conditions may take longer to treat, and this will be explained at diagnosis. The actual treatment plan will be based around each individual’s needs, taking into consideration age, medical symptoms, general constitution and life circumstances. The treatment journey takes the patient from pathology to good health and through to accessing their full potential.
"He's fast becoming one of the most sought-after appointments booked by beauty and wellness insiders whenever we need a seasonal reset"
- Arcadia
The Nature of Imbalance
The nature of ‘Imbalance’. The end of this film often represents how the Five Elements sit within a patient when they first come for treatment. Each colour here represents a coupling of organs. You can see from this clip how all organs/elements are completely dependent on each other for good health. Watch how when our system is compromised - the whole system wobbles and we become sick. The idea behind treatment is to diagnose which element is the cause to the system breaking down. Then we treat this cause and over time, we see our patients come to us with the Five Elements in a more balanced state - the return journey to health" - Johnny Childs. Illustration from Yellow Path
Water
The Water element embodies the deep, still reservoir of potential and the relentless flow of life itself. Associated with winter, it reflects a time of rest and restoration, preparing for renewal and growth. Water governs the Kidneys and Bladder, which hold and regulate the body’s essence and vitality. When balanced, the Water element inspires wisdom, willpower, and a calm sense of purpose. If out of balance, it can manifest as fear, insecurity, or exhaustion. Acupuncture treatments focused on the Water element restore harmony, revitalising both body and spirit, and help unlock the strength and courage needed to navigate life’s challenges. Film extract from Yellow Path
The Nature of Imbalance
The nature of ‘Imbalance’. The end of this film often represents how the Five Elements sit within a patient when they first come for treatment. Each colour here represents a coupling of organs. You can see from this clip how all organs/elements are completely dependent on each other for good health. Watch how when our system is compromised - the whole system wobbles and we become sick. The idea behind treatment is to diagnose which element is the cause to the system breaking down. Then we treat this cause and over time, we see our patients come to us with the Five Elements in a more balanced state - the return journey to health" - Johnny Childs. Illustration from Yellow Path
