Five-Element Acupuncture at Stockbridge Osteopathic Practice

What is Five Element Acupuncture?

Five-element acupuncture aims to identify the root cause of symptoms, restore balance to the body and the emotions, and promote healing.

It is a powerful system of medicine first written about over 2,000 years ago in the Yellow Emperor’s book, the Huangdhi Neijing. It had been practised and handed down as an oral tradition and treatment by the ancient Chinese for many more years before this.

Five-element acupuncture is acupuncture in its classical form. It is based on the foundational philosophical framework of the five elements- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Human health is seen as closely aligned to the cycles we see in nature through the seasons, and recognises that our wellbeing, like that of the natural world, is in a constant state of flux and change. Diagnosis aims to pinpoint where support is needed, and a course of treatment brings cumulative benefits and helps the patient return to vitality and wellbeing.

What symptoms can be supported by five-element acupuncture?

• Women’s Health, (including fertility, perimenopause and menopause)

• Joint and Muscle Pain

• Disrupted Sleep

• Gut and Skin Issues, such as IBS

• Hay fever

• Migraine

• Stress & Anxiety

Is it the same as TCM acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the better known form of acupuncture used in the West which gives relief from symptoms. Needles are commonly left in place for up to 20 minutes at a time, and tend to be placed around the area of the body needing support.

By contrast, Five-Element Acupuncture is concerned with finding the cause of these symptoms. It provides directed and intentional support using the minimum number of needles to maximum effect. Needling is quick and used in a number of carefully selected acupuncture points, often in areas seemingly unconnected to the symptoms. It is a holistic practice and patients feel physical and emotional benefits.

What is a treatment like?

The Initial Consultation will take approximately 2 hours and allows time to explore the patient’s medical history, lifestyle and health concerns. Treatments take approximately an hour, and a combination of needles and moxibustion (as appropriate) are used. Moxibustion is the ancient practice of warming the fine herb moxa (Artemesia Vulgaris) on specific acupuncture points to prepare the point for needling.

Do the needles hurt?

Five-element acupuncture mostly uses what is known as the “fast needling” technique. The needle is introduced to the point quickly, is adjusted, and then removed. Different points in different areas of the body give different reactions for each patient, The sensation of “a dull ache” or “draw” is felt and this indicates that the point has been activated. Many patients enjoy the sensation, and, in particular, the feeling of calm and relaxation felt at the end of a session.

Lorna Paviour (Lic.Ac.)

At the Stockbridge Osteopathic Practice, five-element acupuncture treatments are given by Lorna Paviour. Lorna has trained under Master Acupuncturist Gerad Kite at his five-element acupuncture training school, Yellow Path, in London. This intensive training is over 2 years and practitioners learn the intricacies of diagnosis, the location of acupuncture points, clinical skills and treatment planning under the supervision of the Yellow Path team.

About Lorna

Lorna's journey with five-element acupuncture began 25 years ago as a patient of Master Practitioner Gerad Kite, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in fertility acupuncture. Inspired by the profound impact the treatment had on her own health and wellbeing, she went on to train at Yellow Path acupuncture school in London.

She holds a Licentiate in Five-Element Acupuncture, is a member of the Association of Five Element Acupuncture (AFEA), and mentors trainee practitioners at Yellow Path.

Lorna brings warmth, curiosity and over 30 years of experience working closely with people, first as a Dyslexia and Adult Literacy Specialist, and now as an acupuncturist. She is committed to understanding the unique needs of each patient and to sharing the transformative potential of this ancient medicine.

Book an Appointment

To find out more or to book a consultation with Lorna, please contact Stockbridge Osteopathic Practice.

Five-Element Acupuncture Practitioners