So how does an acupuncturist decide what points to use?

I often wonder what patients think happens when I decide to stick a needle in the sole of their foot. Did you offend me? Do I not like the colour of your shoes? Or did I just get out on the wrong side of the bed today? It's usually the shoes... 

But no, in reality there is a massive process that goes on before an acupuncturist can decide which are the most useful points for you. And believe it or not, I do try to avoid the dreaded sole of the foot if I can, but sometimes that is just the best point. And I think most of you would agree it sounds worse than it is ;) 

So if you're incredibly bored and would like to find out more of the science behind Chinese Medicine and exactly what it does take for an acupuncturist to do their job then please watch the five short videos below where I try my best to explain it all...

The Five Elements

Sheng/Nourishing cycle (clockwise arrows)

Ke/Controlling cycle (middle arrows)

• Fire nourishes Earth by providing ash
• Earth nourishes Metal by providing minerals
• Metal nourishes Water by allowing water droplets to form on its surface, allowing condensation to occur
• Water nourishes Wood to grow trees
• Wood nourishes Fire by providing fuel

• Fire controls Metal by burning
• Earth controls Water by damning
• Metal controls Wood by cutting
• Water controls Fire by extinguishing
• Wood controls Earth by allowing its roots to penetrate the soil