|
logo designed by Gabriella Doran |
Classical Acupuncture Classical Five Element Acupuncture |
|
|
Rooted in Spirit
What is Classical Five Element Acupuncture and where does it come from?
Classical Five Element Acupuncture, CFEA, is an ancient Chinese healing system dating back over 2000 years. It is a classical tradition that aims to balance the flow of energy within, working on body, mind and spirit. It addresses the energy’s imbalance, which lies at the root of many physical disorders and conditions of emotional distress.
It is based on the movement of nature through the
seasons and their corresponding elements – Fire/summer, Earth/late
summer, Metal/autumn, Water/winter and Wood/spring. Each season
creates the other, rebalancing and sustaining life. This same
principle applies to us as the same cycle of energy affects us and
functions within us. When this system is out of balance it can put
life under threat – creating disease. Imagine the effects of spring
without rain, summer and late summer with their heat wouldn’t be
able to nurture growth and produce their fruit. Now imagine the same
happening with a person.
By recognising this, the Chinese masters developed a system which bases its treatments on re-balancing the five elements within the energy system, thus as in nature when out of balance it creates disharmony. By touching these basic tools of nature – the elements -, CFEA reaches the inner core of patients - their Spirit, transforming them from the inside out, hence the phrase Rooted in Spirit – Ben Shen. CFEA was pioneered in the UK , Europe and USA by Professor J. R. Worsley, who taught the majority of experienced practitioners in Britain and America. Professor Worsley carried on working until his death in May 2003, at the age of 79. His wife Dr. Judy B. Worsley who studied with him and assisted him for over 30 years, is now the Master teaching this amazing system of healing. Ben Shen picture: ben [root], shen [spirit] - "the therapist must go with all his knowledge and all his power to the Root of life and try to move something, to attract the Spirits back and make them work again" (Claude Larre and Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee, Chinese Medicine from the Classics - The Heart, page 11)
I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I was a journalist working on a weekly news magazine. In 1989 I decided to come to London and learn Mime and Physical Theatre, which I did for a couple of years until a mild injury forced me to stop. Through this injury I came in contact with the Classical Five Element Acupuncture system, which helped me enormously not only with the injury but also transforming the way I perceived myself and the world around me. I felt stronger and more control of my life and my body than I ever had before, and that inspired me to study Classical Five Element Acupuncture myself, so that I could help others in the same transforming way.
I graduated in 1999 from the School of Five Element Acupuncture,
Sofea, in London and have been a practitioner ever since. Soon after
graduation I was invited to join the team of tutors and the academic
board of the school. There I acquired teaching experience and
oversaw many practitioners as they co
As a passionate believer in continuous development and training, I have never stopped enhancing my own skills and knowledge. Since 2002 I have been studying directly with the masters Professor J.R. Worsley and his wife Judy Becker Worsley, Dr. Ac., on the Master Apprentice Program , MAP™. Since Professor Worsley’s death in 2003 I have continued my studies with Dr. J.B. Worsley.
Now, as part of MAP™, I am representing the Worsley Institute in Europe, organizing workshops, seminar and study groups, as well as selling books, charts and equipment produced by the Institute.
I am a full member of the British Acupuncture Council, and adhere to its code of practice and ethics.
Yes, but I strongly recommend that the child’s main carer also
has treatment. The reason for this is because children sometimes
reflect imbalances which originate in adults. A written consent will
be required from the parent or guardian of any child under the age
of 18.
Yes, definitely. The treatment should help you get over it
faster, and can be useful for me to see how your energy behaves in
stressful situations like these.
Absolutely. Some people, though, feel a bit relaxed after
treatments and prefer to relax for the rest of the day. Others feel
inspired and full of energy and can’t wait for some action.
No, you should carry on life as normal. There are no problems if
you have a big meal before or afterwards
Alcohol can affect the treatment, therefore is advisable not to
drink for 24 hours after a session.
Absolutely. They are single use only acupuncture needles.
Actually, acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic
needles. They are smaller, thinner. They are also solid, so won’t
take anything into the body or bring anything out of it.
On the contrary, acupuncture is a complementary therapy which
won’t interfere with the effect of the medication. In some cases it
will help ease side effects.
No, you don’t. But I do recommend that if you are due to see your
GP you let him/her know.
There is a sensation when the needle contacts the energy, which
tends to feel like an either sharp or dull pinch. This sensation
shouldn’t last longer than few seconds, though.
Frequently asked questions: point mouse on the question to see the answer Does it hurt? Do I need to let my GP know I’m having acupuncture? If I’m currently taking medication, is it advisable not to have acupuncture? I’m afraid of needles. I can’t stand injections and blood tests. Are the needles disposable? Can I drink alcohol after session? How about food? Is there anything I should avoid? Can I go to work afterwards? I’ve got a flu / headache / stomach upset, should I still come for my session? Can children have acupuncture?
For those with no particular complaints, but
want to maintain a healthy balance.
During pregnancy acupuncture helps in
lessening morning sickness during the
initial stages. It maintains the woman’s
balance of energy which helps the body to
cope with the demanding changes during this
time. It also provides post natal support:
physically, by helping the body re-adjust
itself, and emotionally, by helping the
woman to cope with the daily demands of
being a new mother. For those already having
treatment throughout pregnancy with me, I
also offer a session with the mother-to-be
and her birth partner on acupressure. The
partner will learn how to locate and use
acupressure points to aid with labour, in
controlling pain, and with immediate post
labour recovery.
It helps to deal with the emotional stress a
person is under when faced with the
possibility of fertility problems, which can
cause more distress, thus making conception
even more difficult. It also can be used
alongside IVF treatment as a means of
controlling side effects, emotional support
and helping the body process the treatment.
Used alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy
as a means of managing side effects and
providing emotional support in dealing with
the illness. Patients frequently comment on
how full of energy and stamina they feel
after acupuncture treatment. I also helps
those close to someone diagnosed with cancer
to keep strong emotionally and physically in
order to support them.
By stimulating the body’s immune system
acupuncture helps in preparing the body to
respond quicker and more effectively to these illnesses.
Amongst many conditions acupuncture can help with:
Anxiety and Panic attacks Arthritis and Rheumatism Asthma and breathing difficulties Back problems Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infections Depression Digestive problems and eating disorders General aches and pains Hayfever, skin conditions and other allergies High blood pressure and Circulatory problems Menopause Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS Migraine and headaches PMT and menstrual problems Repetitive Strain Injury Sleep problems Stress and tiredness
It is also very effective with: click on the button to know more
CFEA helps finding a new perspective of life, by instilling the sense of self-worthiness and command over your own destiny.
I s it for you?
Treatments are designed to meet the needs of every individual person. For that, your first consultation will be up to two hours long, when the practitioner will assess your general state of health and ask about past medical and family history, daily routine, past and present emotional stresses, etc., in order to identify the underlying pattern of imbalance. Through this process he will diagnose the element most in distress within your energy system and treat accordingly, re-balancing and re-establishing the natural movement of the elements within the body. In this way he will treat not just the complaint but the real cause of it.
Acupuncture treats both the symptoms of the illness and its underlying cause. At the start, treatment sessions are normally weekly but become less frequent as you improve. Although sometimes the effects of treatment are dramatic, and only few treatments are required, for some patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment for a longer period of time, varying in regularity. After sessions patients often experience an increased vitality and energy, better sleep and a great sense of wellbeing, and a more positive approach to life and its challenges.
Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being "ill" in the western sense, and therefore have treatment regularly. Others, after the desired improvement will stop treatment until they feel the need for some more help and support. The aim of the sessions is not only restore balance, control and health to the patient, but also to instil responsibility over one’s own life.
Alexander House Southfields - London SW18 5EQ Tel: 020 8871 4677
Tune In 14 St George's Mews (off Regent's Park Road) Primrose Hill - London NW1 8LE Tel: 07957 325 399
The Worsley Institute
The Vitality Centre
British Acupuncture Council
I started acupuncture when I was
diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, cancer of the lymphatic system. The
treatment helped me in many ways. Physically it helped me with the side
effects of a six month course of chemotherapy - I rarely had to take
anti-sickness pills following chemo thanks to acupuncture. However, it also
gave me the emotional strength to deal with personal issues that various
courses of counselling and therapy had never given me. Being treated with
acupuncture by Silvio has helped me keep sane whilst dealing with cancer and
has helped me to really change my life for the better. - Emma Hart, 30
years old, actress
Clinics Alexander House 155 Merton Road Southfields - London Tel: 020 8871 4677
Tune In 14 St George's Mews (off Regent's Park Road) Primrose Hill - London NW1 8LE Tel: 07957 325 399
|
