Frequently Asked Questions About Five Element (5E) Acupuncture 

What does acupuncture treat and how is Five Element (5E) different?

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All types of acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medical, dry-needling, 5E) are good at treating pain, illness and healing injuries.  The system of medicine behind all types of acupuncture has been used successfully for 3000 to 5000 years to treat the full spectrum of human diseases. 

 

Historically speaking, 5E is an older form of acupuncture that strives to nourish the soul of the individual as the foundation of true health.  This makes 5E particularly adept at treating depression, anxiety, impotence and infertility, fibromyalgia, insomnia, hopelessness, loss of vitality, long standing anger and frustration, chronic imbalances, and most stress related dis-ease.  

 

While TCM and dry-needling are well suited to fixing immediate injuries and illnesses, 5E is geared to the client who is looking to learn to hear what your mind/body is telling you.  At its best, 5E can truly be a guide along a journey to your best self.

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What are the needles like?

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All needles are single-use, disposable and sterile acupuncture needles that are smaller than a human hair.  Roughly 40 of these needles will fit in the the standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle.  Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and are extremely flexible.

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Does it hurt?

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Acupuncture feels nothing like getting a shot, however, it can be intense.  Unlike other styles of acupuncture, 5E does not generally leave needles in the body for a prolonged period, though early clearing treatments and some other exceptions exist. 

 

Instead, 5E practitioners strive to "connect" with the qi with as few needles as possible as quickly as possible.  The connecting of needle with qi can produce an intense and fleeting sting, burn, tingling, electrical or even dull aching sensation.  This is considered a good sign that goals will be achieved. 

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How many treatments will I need?

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The frequency of treatments depends on the individual situation: the nature and duration of the imbalance and an individual's overall constitution.  As a general guideline you should expect to start with a 90 minute diagnostic intake that will include a thorough discussion of your history and goals as well as clearing acupuncture and cranial-sacral massage.  I recommend follow up sessions every week or two weeks thereafter until the clearing is complete (2-5 treatments). 

 

Further sessions can be timed in accordance with the client's needs.  For some, more frequent sessions will be beneficial while others will quickly reach their goals and focus instead on maintenance and relaxation. At this point massage may become more of the treatment focus but 5E will always be included.  I have clients who've come twice monthly for years and others whom I see yearly.

  

Do you take insurance?

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Unfortunately I cannot accept any insurance but I do offer discounted rates for those in need.

 

What is the cost?

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The regular price for a 90 minute session is $120.

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Where are you located?

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I have a private studio in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans, LA.  

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Do you take walk-ins?

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No walk ins are accepted. Appointments MUST be scheduled in advance.  Click below to book your consultation.

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Sounds interesting, but not for me.  What about TCM?

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TCM acupuncture is great and highly recommended.  If 5E doesn't seem like the right fit for you but you'd still like to try acupuncture try my colleague Thomas McCarty of Tree of Life Acupuncture.  His contact information is on my resources page.