Classical 5 Element Acupuncture
Acupuncture is drawn from the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and is one of the oldest continuously practiced healing methods.
Some of the earliest Chinese philosophers came to know that the essential ingredient of life in nature and the human body is Qi (chee) - the pure, harmonizing and free-flowing energy that sustains all of life.
They also mapped out the flow of Qi in our bodies along river-like channels called Meridians. There are twelve main meridians which are named after the function of and correspondence to the organ that they supply energy to.
When the Qi gets blocked up in the meridians due to stress, inadequate rest, inappropriate diet, and illness it can cause disease.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture is based on the cyclical flow of Qi in the world of nature and in human beings. The Five elements represent a central aspect of this ancient energetic tradition and they are - -
Wood... Fire... Earth... Metal... & Water


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Each of the elements represents a distinct "quality" of the Qi energy as it cycles through nature, the seasons, and our lives. They each have their own role to play in everything we do, think and feel. When the elements are functioning in harmony and balance, we feel healthy, nourished and fully alive. Yet when the elements move out of balance we may develop symptoms of various sorts, which are not only found in our body, but also in our mind, emotions and spirit.
Each element has a corresponding color, sound, emotion and odor, which can be perceived when a particular element is out of balance.
"We are a continual expression of what is happening within us."
"Instead of asking ‘what kind of symptoms does a person have', Classical Acupuncture asks ‘what kind of person has these symptoms and why?" -J.R. Worsley
Classical Five Element is set apart from other systems of acupuncture by its fundamental premise of diagnosing and treating the root of imbalance, also known as the Causitive Factor. A person's entire constitution -body-mind-spirit must be taken into account in order to fully diagnose the cause of the illness.
An acupuncture treatment restores order and balance to the Qi energy, which enables it to flow clearly without obstruction, so that the body-mind-spirit can then heal itself. Most treatments take 45-60 minutes; however the first visit takes about two hours to thoroughly interview the person's health and history, followed by a physical examination. Initially, treatments will be once a week to create a balance that can be maintained between treatments. This balance will last for progressively longer periods of time and then treatments will be spaced apart accordingly. Frequency of treatments varies with each individual as the severity of symptoms and how long they have been occurring must be taken into consideration.

The needles used in an acupuncture treatment are as slender as a human hair. They are made from the finest quality surgical stainless steel and are pre-sterilized and then discarded after use. Only a very slight prick is felt when a needle is inserted and when the needle contacts the Qi, the patient may feel a momentary ache or sting for just a brief moment.
An herb called Moxa is also used in a treatment. Moxa is rolled into a small cone and lit on an acupuncture point to gently warm and enhance the movement of energy before proceeding to the actual treatment.
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture
This treatment is a very safe and effective way to renew the face as well as the whole body. Fine lines may be entirely erased, deeper lines reduced and bags around neck and eyes firmed.

Fine needles are placed at a variety of acupuncture points on the face, neck and around the eyes to stimulate the body's natural energies, of Qi. Since muscle groups are addressed as well as the acupuncture points, the face lifts itself via the acupuncture points through the muscles' toning and tightening action. The needles also stimulate blood and circulation, which improves facial color. This is an phenomenal way to address your facial concerns non-surgically.
Constitutional Benefits
Improves Acne (caused by hormonal imbalance)
Helps menopause, perimenopause, PMS
Helps sinus congestion and headache
Improves hyper- & hypothyroidism
Reduces symptoms of TMJ
Helps to eliminate edema and puffiness
Benefits Eyes, Ears and Brain
Facial Benefits
Improves collagen production and muscle tone
Helps reduce bags and sagging tendencies
Helps eliminate fine lines and diminish larger wrinkles
Helps reduce double chin and lift drooping eyelids
Tightens pores and brightens eyes
Increases local blood and lymph circulation
Reduces stress & promotes total well-being
After the first treatment, one usually observes an increased glow to the complexion due to increased blood flow and Qi to the face. There is clarity to the eyes and the person's face appears more "open" and definitely looks more rested. A significant difference in the appearance can be ascertained following the 5th to 7th treatments, i.e. - more marked changes in wrinkles, skin tone, etc., and by the end of a series, one should look and feel 5-15 years younger.
Constitutional Facial Acupuncture is non-invasive, less costly than surgical procedures and draws upon the ancient Chinese wisdom related to longevity, beauty and balance.
Denise Douglas, A.P began her journey in the Healing Arts as a massage therapist. She spent over 10 years in a successfull private practice.. During that time she continually studied complimentary medicine techniques such as Reiki Energy techniques, Enzyme Therapy and Naturopathic Medicine from Trinity College of Natural Health. Denise holds a certification of natural health professionals. Her views on holistic healing and its technique lead her to the study of Classical 5 element acupuncture at the prestigious Academy For five Element Acupuncture.. She utilizes all of her studies to bring optimal health to her patients.

The third of her passions and certifications is in Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal, that she studied with the renowned Mary Elizabeth Wakefield. See www.chiakra.com
"Denise is well studied and very astute. She brings warmth and light-hearted humor to her healing sessions. She is passionate about her work and welcomes you to the journey of Classical Oriental Medicine."
To learn more about Denise's work, please visit www.ahealingartist.com