Looking for a Five-Element Acupuncturist?

I have wished for many years to have a complete list of all of the Five-Element acupuncturists out there. It is often difficult to find one when I need to refer someone. We finally put together a list and decided to make it available and searchable on the web. It is an attempt to gather, into one list, all of the practitioners who studied with or were inspired by the late JR Worsley. The list is a work in progress and is becoming more accurate as practitioners send us their current info.

Visit the Five Element Acupuncture Community Website at www.feacom.com and have a look!

If you are a practitioner, please update your listing so we can find you!

Summer Balance

When we are in balance, we feel comfortable and thrive in each season. We are happy to rest more in the Winter, have the energy to launch in the Spring and feel excited to play and connect with people in the Summer. When we are out of balance we feel out of sync with what is happening in Nature.

Summer is the season of the Fire Element. It is the time when there is the most light & active energy in Nature. In balance, most people find that they have a lot of energy this time of year - they feel excited to be social, fill their calendar with activities and enjoy the long hours of light.

For some, summer is a challenging time. When there is so much light and energy, it is easy to go overboard with activity and fun. Like a fire burning high and bright using up all the fuel, one can end up exhausted and burnt out. A steady and focussed burn is more sustainable. Knowing how to ride the wave of energy in the summer - go big - but realize where the limit is. Know when to slow down and take some time off.

In the opposite extreme, some people feel more sad and isolated this time of year. Sometimes watching others be busy with friends and family can be hard if there is a lack of close relationships in one's life. It feels like “Why is everyone off having a good time and I’m all alone? Why didn’t I get invited?” It can be doubly hard because the cultural expectation is that we all feel great in the summer and love this season.

In this case, the most helpful thing is to be aware of the pattern and plan for it. It may mean organizing events with friends and family in advance, before calendars fill. Making a point of inviting people over for dinner or a party. Reaching out and letting friends know that this is a difficult season. Finding a biking or hiking group to join. Taking sailing lessons and going out weekly with a group.

The goal is harmony with Summer. Plenty of fun - not too much, not too little. Enjoy!

Autumn Practices

Autumn: Letting Go, Seeking Inspiration.

Here are some Valuable practices for the Season:

Resolve old gripes with those around you so that you can move on. Let go of pain that causes you unnecessary suffering. If appropriate, write down the things you need to release, then burn the paper.

Clear out spaces where clutter collects. Do a deep clean and organize medicine cabinets, filing cabinets, storage closets, and bookshelves. Recycle or give away whatever you no longer need.

Autumn is a great time to cleanse the body. Do a short fast or eliminate toxins from you diet. Focus on simple, seasonal cooked foods.

Assess your schedule and clear out any activities that you are done with - pare down to essentials.

Pay special attention to your lungs and breathing - exercise outdoors with an emphasis on filling your lungs with pure air and energy.

Seek out things that inspire you - read an inspiring book, listen to music that moves you, view art that touches you, listen to an inspiring speaker.

Honor that people and things in your life that add value to your experience.

For more information about Five-Element Acupuncture see the Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.

Practices for Late Summer

Take time to really savor - go for a walk in Nature. Walk slowly. Pay attention to the sounds & the smells.

Go apple picking.

Do a gratitude meditation. Spend a few minutes feeling grateful for the people in your life and the ways in which you are blessed.

Visit your farmer's market and savor the visual feast. Take home a basket of goodies and prepare a harvest meal.

Assess your stores:

Do you have what you need on a physical level? This is a good time to asses your cold weather clothing, do any mending that is needed.

Do you have what you need on a mental level? Are there any new skills you want to acquire? Any classes you are interested in taking or books you have been wanting to read?

How are your spiritual stores? Are you feeling peaceful, full & satisfied inside? How do you replenish your Spirit?

The Energy of Late Summer:

Late Summer is the Season of the Earth Element. In each of us, this Element is responsible for receiving and processing nourishment. The Stomach and Spleen are the organs of this Element. When we eat a meal, our Stomach receives and digests our food. The nutrients are then moved throughout the body and assimilated; made a part of us.

The same action happens in the mental and spiritual realms. We take in information and our mind must digest it and assimilate it in order for it to become our own.

I especially notice the functioning of this Element on the spirit level. When our Earth does not function appropriately we feel may unsatisfied, annoyed, or empty.

"Everything in my life is good, but I don't feel good - I should feel grateful, but I just feel burdened by it all, annoyed with everyone who wants my attention, like I just want to get away from it all" might be what is said.

Often times this is the result of not being able to take in and receive nourishment from ones life. People and activities that could feed & replenish us, just turn into burdens. Its like sitting down to a meal when you are still full from the last one - there's just no room to take in anything more. If we are not adequately processing, digesting, and assimilating nothing satisfies.

Acupuncture can directly treat this imbalance - supporting the natural ability to receive and process. There are other ways to help yourself when you notice that you are feeling out of balance in this way. One of the best is to just stop everything. Take a few hours off - no phone, no email, nothing coming in. Let yourself relax and feel the Earth underneath you. Go for a walk, taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Quietly tending to chores can also encourage the Earth to come into balance and process more efficiently.

For more information about Five-Element Acupuncture see The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Seattle.