Five element acupuncture: 6 Unique features

  • Five Element Acupuncture focuses on treating both the mind and body, and has specific methods for treating the "spirit" (mind), which embodies the importance of treating the "spirit" in the "Suwen" and "Lingshu" classics of TCM. It not only has the ability to regulate the body's symptoms through stimulating acupuncture points but, more importantly, it can flexibly awaken the spiritual aspect of these points.

  • It values the practitioner-patient relationship, requiring practitioners to deeply understand patients rather than just asking about symptoms. The entire process of Five Element Acupuncture treatment emphasizes the genuine care of the practitioner for the patient. Therefore, the treatment is one-on-one and respects the patient's privacy.

  • There are no standardized tests for diagnosing the Five Elements, and it is not dependent on the patient's birth time. It requires the practitioner to deeply perceive the flow of Five Element energy within the patient's voice, facial complexion, scent, and emotions.This process not only requires an ample amount of time but also relies on observing the changes that occur after treatment to ultimately determine the accuracy of the diagnosis.

  • We believe that the process of pulse diagnosis is a connection between the spirits of the practitioner and the patient. Through pulse diagnosis, we greet the patient's Five Elements, each organ of their body, and their spirit. Therefore, during pulse diagnosis, we gently hold the patient's hand, rather than simply placing our fingers on the pulsating wrist.

  • The treatment is simple and orderly, using a minimal number of acupoints with very gentle stimulation. Treatment frequency starts with once a week and its effectiveness extends not only to the physical level but also to the deeper level of the mind. In an era where the mind is subjected to suffering and various physical and mental illnesses abound, Five Element Acupuncture is indeed a timely arrival.

  • The therapeutic principle of Five Element Acupuncture lies in supporting the energy of one's own essence for self-healing, rather than relying on external forces to eliminate symptoms. Therefore, it does not cause harm to the body by excessively expelling pathogenic factors. In essence, it is a very safe treatment method.

What is a session of Five Element Acupuncture treatment like?

  • Detailed consultation

We will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your needs and, more importantly, to understand who you are as a person in order to identify your specific element in the 5 element system.

  • About your personal information

During the consultation process, we may ask questions about your upbringing, family, work, and interpersonal relationships, which may involve sensitive topics. Please rest assured that we will not disclose your information to others without your consent.

  • Within 10 needles

Five Element Acupuncture treatment focuses on precision and simplicity. It typically combines acupuncture and moxibustion, and each session may only involve using 4-10 acupuncture points.

  • Without needle retention, start with moxibustion

Except for specific treatments that require needle retention, most treatments begin with moxibustion before inserting the needles.

  • Selecting acupoints

The acupuncture points we select are primarily aimed at supporting the strength of your own elemental constitution, so it is likely that they will not directly stimulate uncomfortable areas.

  • Pulse diagnosis

Before each treatment step, we will conduct a pulse diagnosis. Unlike conventional acupuncture, we will hold your hand while taking your pulse.

  • Duration of the treatment

The first session usually requires a reserved time of 1.5-2 hours, while subsequent treatments can typically be completed within 45 minutes.

  • whole process-accompany

Throughout the entire treatment process, we will be by your side until the treatment concludes.

Testimonial

I would never have anticipated this interesting acupuncture method that Michelle applied would evoke a profound healing in me, emotionally and physically----Wei F.

“I came to see Michelle in December 2023 with acute condition of a painful swollen eyelid, exhausted. I was on the brink of informing my boss of my resignation, after nearly 10 years of service and 20 years of friendship.

Upon the completion of the first session, I felt the immediate release of tension within me, followed by the tranquillity of inner peace and calmness. I was impressed and intrigued! I never felt like this from the “regular” acupuncture treatments before. 

I came back for more sessions with a few weeks apart. And I would never have anticipated this interesting acupuncture method that Michelle applied would evoke a profound healing in me, emotionally and physically.

While I was writing this testimonial in June 2024, I have left my previous profession, started a YouTube channel, established my yoga therapy for women’s health business. I know the life force of wood element within me is enough to support me moving forward, regardless of the external circumstances,

I wouldn’t have this firm belief and confidence in myself without Michelle’s help.

On the final note, my friends joked I would easily live to 150 years old. I am quite healthy, overall. Visiting a doctor is the last thing I want to do. And from my limited encounters with the medical professionals, I often felt I was diminished into chemicals and numbers, left clueless.

The superpower of Michelle is she always treats me as a real human being, with kindness, patience and compassion, while stays professional. I trust her and it’s fair to say I am addicted to her five-element acupuncture treatment! I plan to seasonally return for more!”


I feel much more stable in my everyday life to deal with the many stressors we all face. I still have many ups and downs, but my downs have a much quicker recovery time than I was previously experiencing----Melissa C.

“I have long suffered from anxiety and insomnia. When I first started my acupuncture treatments, I was receiving the more common form of needle acupuncture to help treat my insomnia. I am so grateful that the treatments led to finding a more restful sleep, which in turn helped to calm the anxiety and frequent panic attacks as well. After finding some mental and physical stability, we decided to try the five-element acupuncture which was explained to me as a more holistic approach to investigate my element and to start a treatment plan that was more aligned to focus on my overall mental, emotional and physical well-being. I think the biggest change is my emotional well-being. I feel much more stable in my everyday life to deal with the many stressors we all face. I still have many ups and downs, but my downs have a much quicker recovery time than I was previously experiencing. 


What impresses me the most is the effectiveness of my practitioner and how she is able to take information that she knows about me through sharing sessions and bodily observations and combine this with locating the correct meridians for moxibustion and needle treatment. This has led to an immense grounding experience for me. I can even tell that my pulse is different after the treatment and that I have an air of calm and peace that follows. I always have the best sleep the night of my treatments. However, there have been a couple of disruptive times, which were mostly at the beginning of my five-element journey that I felt like I had a sort of emotional outburst that were either linked to anger or sadness, but I truly believe these were necessary to clear out some pent-up feelings that I had. I felt an increased sense of calm and peace after these situations.”