By Dr. Mark Baker

Once you have mastered the basic rules for analysis and point selection in acupuncture graphing, you can begin to use the law of five elements to try to reduce the number of points you need to treat. Sometimes using the five element laws with the graphing information can reduce the number of treatment points by 50%. Remember, a master acupuncturist always tries to use the least number of points possible.

Five element balancing requires knowledge of the sheng and ko cycle functions and how to choose the appropriate points to balance the energies. I would caution the neophyte practitioner to take a course of study in the law of he five elements, or at least a class or two of instruction from a qualified instructor before attempting treatment using the law of five elements. What appears complicated is quite simple when taught by a qualified instructor.

With using the least number of points in mind, I will give you the basic rules for using the five element balancing in conjunction with your graph analysis. After creating a graph with the aid of a copy of a five element chart, my personal favorite way to do this is to mark up the five element chart with the split(s) excessive (+) and deficient (-) meridians.

The rules are as follows:

1. Check for splits, treating split meridians using luo points. If there are four or more splits, use only SP21 (same as in graphing).
2. Look for situations where luo pints can be used to balance an excessive and a deficient meridian in the same element. Always treat the luo point on the deficient meridian.
3. Look for situations where the sheng cycle can be used to move an excessive meridian energy to a deficient meridian. Always treat the deficient meridian command point to balance the energy.
4. Look for situations where the ko cycle can be used to move excessive meridian energy to a deficient meridain. The ko cycle only applies to yin meridians. Always treat the deficient meridian.
5. If you have any left over excessive or deficient meridians that cannot be balanced by five element sheng or ko cycles transfers, just use appropriate sedation or tonification points. Balance any left over meridians.

Again, five element balancing is not for neophytes who have not had proper instruction in the law of five elements. Hopefully this book will give you the incentive to continue your training and studies in acupuncture to become a true MASTER of the science.

This article is from “Acupuncture Diagnosis Utilizing Electro Meridian Imaging” by Dr. Mark Baker. Dr. Baker has been helping people with their health and wellness for over 18 years. He is a specialist in detoxification of the body and can be reached at 314-291-4401.