Tradition

The practice of acupuncture began more than 3,000 years ago in China. Early observations of the predictable patterns in nature pointed to the realization of an underlying, cyclical flow of energy. We see this energy manifest most clearly in the change of the seasons. The tradition of Five Element acupuncture is based on the understanding of this cyclical flow of vital energy – also known as Qi. Each of the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – represents a distinct quality of the Qi energy that is vital to the continual health and flow of nature.

The Ancient Chinese observed that just as these essential energetic qualities can be found in nature, so can they be found in every living being. By understanding the relationships of the Elements within and using them as a guide, they could discover and treat the root of a person’s illness, restoring health to the body, mind and spirit.

Fire

Earth

Wood

Metal

Water

Elements

The Five Elements represent the five phases of Qi as it moves through nature and our bodies. The Elements work interdependently in an elegant and systematic balance, each one sustaining and supporting the next in the cycle. This cycle can best be seen in the change of seasons: Wood corresponds to the birth and growth of plants and trees in the spring.

What is planted in the spring comes to maturity under the heat and vitality of Fire in summer. The warmth of Fire creates the abundance of the harvest of the Earth in late summer. After the harvest comes the decay of autumn, where the leaves falling from the trees nourish the soil and produce the mineral resources of Metal. The mountains and mineral rocks create and bind the flowing streams of Water, moving quietly under the surface of the ice in winter, which, in turn sources the germinating seed of Wood.

Sara Rodefeld is licensed to practice Acupuncture and as a Registered Nurse in Indiana and Tennessee. Sara holds a Masters Degree from The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida and has studied with internationally renowned Professor JR Worsley, a leader in Five Element Acupuncture.   A graduate of Indiana University School of Nursing, she has been a Registered Nurse since 1982 practicing in a variety of patient care areas including Medical/Surgical, Critical Care, Trauma Nursing and Teaching.

Sara is a Diplomate in Acupuncture, certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is also an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.   Bringing her experience and knowledge of Western Medicine into her practice of Acupuncture, Sara has an ability to use both of these valued and complementary forms of health care to assist her clients to reach their goal of a more full, balanced and healthy life.

Being a lifelong learner and valuing continuing education, Sara is currently enrolled in the Ongiara College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in postgraduate studies.

WHAT IS A TREATMENT LIKE?

​The Five Element Approach to treatment is that each person is unique and therefore in my practice I treat only one person at a time. The hour or two hour session is dedicated to that individual and their treatment. I never leave the room, this allows an environment of safety to be created. The client will truly have the time to express who they are, allowing me  to know how to address the optimal path to wellness for the individual.  My private treatment room overlooks a serene wooded space filled with birds and squirrels connecting the client to the healing properties of nature.

The initial session consists of a very thorough patient history and non-invasive diagnostic exam in which the practitioner attempts to get to know you and really understand your particular situation.   This takes an hour and a half to two hours, and usually includes an initial treatment to begin to remove blockages to energy flow.   After this, treatments will last forty to forty five minutes to an hour, and include a discussion of progress, practitioner assessment and treatment.   Overall, patients look forward to their treatments as a place to relax deeply, process worries and tensions, and focus on a return to health.