​Empirical Herbs & Acupuncture

Nature shows all characteristics and relationships of all things.  We can see wind blow leaves from the outdoors into our homes.  In response, we sweep the leaves back out.  This is the principle used to treat a common cold.  But, there's a procedure to follow.  Why did the leaves come inside?  Were the hinges on your door weak enough that an unexpected storm forced down your door, or had you simply left your door open and a gust of wind blew by?  We have to understand the cause and address the condition in the right sequence.  First we sweep out the leaves. Then we repair the door. 

 

The story of the 5 Elements is used as a map to track the root of your ailments and the appropriate acupoints and herbs to rectify them.  Every component of the body shares a characteristic to an element of nature.  If there is a deficiency, another element will help generate more.  To strenghthen a fire, we add wood.  If something is in excess, a different element will particpate in its reduction.  To control an excess of Water (a flood), we can employ Earth (a sandbag).  If there are too many plants (Wood) in an area, the nutrients will be depleted from the soil and all will suffer.  Using our gardening tools (Metal), we can remove some of the plants, and make a fire.  Fire can be used to shape metal into tools.  The ashes will add nutrition to the soil.  When stress leads to frustration, the Wood systems (Liver & Gallbladder) will suffocate the Earth systems (Spleen & Stomach).  Calm down and breath; this would be impossible without properly functioning lungs (Metal: Lung & Large Intestine).  

 

Simple at the stuface, this intricate modality can get very tangled.  Our confidence is backed by its time tested accuracy and repeatability.