"Shape clay into a vessel, it is the space within that makes it useful. Profit comes from what is there, usefulness comes from what is not there."

LAO TZU

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture (CF-EA)

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture (CF-EA) looks uniquely at health and disease. Diagnosis in CF-EA is not through symptoms. CF-EA evaluates a client’s level of health and disease by diagnosing the energetic balance, and may find disease even before the distress signals of symptoms have presented themselves. In diagnosing, a CF-EA practitioner uses sensory cues in the same manner as the ancient Chinese. These sensory cues make known to the practitioner the area which is the root cause of an imbalance. During treatment, the practitioner then strengthens that imbalance, allowing nature to heal. Every living thing in the universe is made up of all five of the elements, and it is most natural for them all to be operating in equal balance.

This kind of healing takes into account the whole person, not just a part of the person. Classical Five-Element Acupuncture treats all levels of a person — the body, the mind, and that spirit which gives them a zest for life. Clients often say they feel ‘better in themselves’ after treatment because of the wholeness of the treatment. And yet treatment is very individual, taking into account the marvelous complexity and potential of each client. During the process of treatment, each person is supported in his or her individual life path.

Learning to be a practitioner of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture is different from learning many other types of acupuncture. This study is for the motivated and for those who are passionate. It is for those students who wish to continually improve in an understanding of natural law— the way nature works. It is for those students who have the dedication and patience to develop the ability to discern subtle sensory and energetic cues. It is for those students who wish to continue to develop personally, and who desire more balanced interaction with their world and with nature. The study of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture can be challenging. One can never know all there is to know about Classical Five-Element Acupuncture and about nature. There is always more to learn — a greater depth of understanding to be explored. Being a Classical Five-Element acupuncturist may be the most compelling thing you’ve ever done. If these concepts appeal to you, join ITEA in doing something different!