• contact • more about us • learn about acupuncture • acupuncture links • home The Five Elements of Acupuncture The Ancient Chinese understood the relationship a human body has with the Universe and the elements; therefore classical acupuncture follows the specific principles of the seasons and nature. Too much or too little of one element can cause excess and/or lack of the specific element qualities, resulting in an unbalanced body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture adjusts energy flow, which can prevent symptoms from arising. • Summer (Fire) brings nature to maturity and gives us warmth. • Late Summer (Earth) gives us the harvest and nourishment in nature. • Autumn (Metal) brings purification and fertilizes nature. • Winter (Water) moves nature into hibernation and fills us with wisdom. • Spring (Wood) brings new life and vision to nature. • FIRE engenders Earth and controls Metal • EARTH engenders Metal and controls Water • METAL engenders Water and controls Wood • Water engenders Wood and controls Fire • WOOD engenders Fire and controls Earth.