Stems and Branches acupuncture

In acupuncture, working with Stems and Branches means working with a very authentic form of acupuncture.

Stems and Branches is a very sophisticated treatment principle. Complex and extensive, and thus not easily explained in its totality. It’s not my intention to give you a full overview of the Stems and Branches philosophy. But after reading this article you will have a better understanding what Stems and Branches acupuncture entails.

Stems and Branches philosophy

The concept of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches is a philosophical concept which originates about 4.000 years ago in China. It’s a concept developed by careful observation of nature and follows the concept of Yin and Yang.

By observing the sky, changes on earth could be predicted. Wise men discovered there was a connection between energetic qualities and space & time. This was made visible and explained in the theory of the 5 phases (or 5 elements): Wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
The most visible was the change of seasons. Each season it’s own quality. In an endless succession, explained through 5 phases theory.

The 10 Heavenly Stems, all have their roots in 5 phases theory. Each phase has a yin and a yang Stem. So 10 Stems to count the days and years.
The first mention in ancient history about these 10 stems is found on oracle bones from the Shang-dynasty (about 1750 – 1122 BC). Back then they were used to count the cycle of 10 days.

The cycle of 10 however was not complete. By observing the movement of the sun and moon across the sky, more cycles became apparent. Cycles not by a pattern based on the number 10, but 12. These are defined by the Chinese zodiac and entail the 12 Earthly Branches.

Combined the 10 Stems and 12 branches for a cycle of 60 days and 60 years. And this is the basis for the Chinese calendar.

Stems and Branches in acupuncture treatment

All life on earth is subject to the cycles of heaven and earth. This means that the energetics of these cycles have a great impact on us. And everyone has a specific relation with the energies as they were on the date we were born. Because this is our starting point within the cycles of heaven and earth.

By implementing Stems and Branches knowledge in acupuncture treatment, I can diagnose and treat according to the energetic cycles of heaven and earth. This make treatment very client specific.

By understanding these cycles, I have a very deep understanding of how your own energy is tuned, what your personal energetic constitution is and how your energies respond to the current energetic.

This allows me to give you a person centred treatment instead of an illness centred treatment. Every single treatment will be unique. Specific to you and the moment you are in the clinic for treatment.