ian stevenson LicAc MBAcC
Classical Five Element Acupuncture originated in China over 2300 years ago.
Five Element Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine based on natural Laws.
I practice in the Classical Tradition, one of the most elegant, comprehensive and ancient medical practices. It places an equal emphasis on balance between the body, emotions and spirit.
This style of acupuncture is different from other forms of acupuncture in that it addresses the underlying root cause of illness; its effectiveness is in its curative approach rather than a symptomatic one.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture is also preventative. One does not need to have a named illness in order to benefit from treatment. We have all experienced feeling unwell in some way, but not necessarily medically ill.
The skilled practitioner can correct energetic imbalances before they become a specific condition. The therapeutic effects of Classical Acupuncture cause an overall improvement in well being including increased energy, vitality and restful sleep.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture has been passed down from Master to Student through the study of specific texts and oral teaching, forming an unbroken lineage of healing.
Pain and other symptoms are considered to be distress signals. Symptomatic approaches that suppress the symptom can be harmful, driving the disease deeper into the system, creating more problems in the long term.
How It works
The ancient Chinese realised that the health of body, mind and spirit depends on an abundant balanced flow of vital energy called Qi (Pronounced Chee).
Any disruption in the flow of Qi weakens the natural ability of our body to repair itself, our mind to be focused and clear, and our spirit to be fully present.
When our Qi is deficient, we lack strength and vitality, it manifests in how we look, feel and act.
Qi circulates through pathways called meridians. These meridians provide nourishment not only to our main organs and physiological systems, but also to our mind, emotions and spirit.
The whole person is affected by the energy flow, since we cannot separate the body, mind and spirit. Qi must flow like a river, freely and in the right volume for you to feel your best.
Any obstruction in the flow of Qi is similar to a dam backing up, causing too much energy in one meridian and too little in another.
The Five Elements:
There are five different sources of energy found in nature and within us.
The Five Elements are Wood Fire Earth Metal Water.
It is essential that we have the correct balance of all the Five Elements in order to remain well.
We all have a primary imbalance within one of these Elements.
This primary imbalance we call the Causative Factor. The imbalance in this Element causes all of the other Elements to weaken. This weakness manifests in physical, emotional and spiritual signs of distress. By treating the Causative Factor, the primary stress is supported. The symptoms will then subside or often disappear completely. Once your health is restored all the systems of the body can work in harmony. In addition, you will feel an enhanced enjoyment of life and a greater sense of well being and peace.
During your first visit to me, which will be a two-hour appointment, I will assess the underlying imbalance leading to your presenting complaint. Your medical history, lifestyle, present condition, physiological systems, likes and dislikes are taken into account.
A physical examination follows, which is a blend of Western and Oriental diagnostic techniques.
Once I have collated a holistic picture of who you are, I will select an appropriate treatment plan for you, which is unique to your needs.
As mentioned in the section of How it Works, the treatment involves in addition to the use of sterile needles, a herb called moxa, which is shaped into a small cone and placed onto the point to gently warm the Qi before I insert the needle. Moxa will strengthen and enhance the flow of Qi
How Long will a Course of Treatment Last:
Many people present with chronic conditions that have taken years to establish. The duration of the condition, the amount of deterioration and the constitution of each individual must be taken into account when planning the number of treatment sessions you will need.
Initially, I will aim to treat you once a week for a one hourly appointment for the first six weeks in order to establish a foundation of energy. The treatment can then be every two weeks, then three weeks.
Once your health is restored, I would recommend that at a minimum, you receive four seasonal treatments per year in order to maintain your well-being and prevent illness from arising.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture is also used as preventive medicine, so you dont have to present with a specific health problem in order to receive treatment.
In people whose Qi has deteriorated too far to effect a cure, pain and other symptoms can be palliated allowing the person to live with an enhanced quality of life and with a greater serenity until they die.
Ian is a member of the British Acupuncture Council, which ensures its registered practitioners meet the highest standard of professional conduct and safe practice.
After completing a rigorous experimental 4 year integrated training at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, I qualified as a Registered Nurse in both General nursing and psychiatry.
I have subsequently gained 30 years clinical experience in many medical and surgical specialties.
On qualification, I worked in cardiac surgery and acute medicine. I then took further training in high dependency nursing, gaining experience in intensive care, coronary care and neurosurgery at both the Royal London Hospital and at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
I worked in the newly emerging specialty of HIV and sexual health, running one of the busiest departments in Europe at the Royal London Hospital.
I was then appointed one of the first Clinical Nurse Specialists in HIV and immunology at Kings College Hospital in London.
After further specialist training at the Royal Marsden Hospital, I decided to work in Hospice care and have held several senior appointments as a palliative care nurse, controlling pain and other symptoms in people at the end stages of life.
After receiving a course of Five - Element acupuncture treatment, I was so astonished by its powerful effect on my health and well being, I decided to retrain in order to offer this unique and amazing gift of healing to others.
After completing a three year full time training, I graduated from the London Institute of Five Element Acupuncture in association with the Kite Clinic in Mayfair .
Fees
Traditional Diagnosis 2 hours £60.00
Follow Up treatments 1 hour £40.00
For the London Clinic fees, please go to the
next page
Please try to give at least 24 hours notice when cancelling an appointment, so that another patient may take your place.
Insurance Companies
The health insurance companies who members of the British Acupuncture Council are affiliated with or recognised by are:
Allianz / BHSF / Cash4Health / HSA / HSF / Westfield / WHA / Foresters / BCWA / Groupama / Norwich Union AVIVA / CIGNA International / Pru Health / Standard Life
Traditional Diagnosis 2 hours £90.00
Follow Up treatments 1 hour £60.00
For the Brighton Clinic fees, please click on the previous page
Telephone: 01273 681848
Mobile: 07753 504950
I was sceptical about acupuncture until as a last resort, I approached Ian Stevenson about chronic pain and discomfort that I had been feeling in my neck and upper back for some two years.
I had tried osteopathy and other alternative therapies with little or no success. Within 4 treatments. I was amazed that not only had the pain and discomfort gone, I had renewed energy and better sleep, but most amazing of all, I have started running and exercising and have joined a gym for the first time in 15 years! Ken Paul 47, Brighton
I sought 5-element acupuncture after suffering years of intolerable stress. I had very low energy levels and had lost all enjoyment in life. After several treatments with Ian, my energy levels dramatically improved, my self-confidence soared and I began to feel enriched in all areas of my life, from my artistic creativity to my personal relationships. In addition, my hay fever and arthritic joints had resolved after suffering years of pain and discomfort.
I have found Ian as a practitioner not only to be very thorough and highly knowledgeable in both eastern and western medical systems, but he also combines his professional skill with great warmth, compassion and insight. Julia 54 Artist.Brighton
I was recommended to see Ian after having been recently diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and surgery was a suggested option by my specialist. I was also lacking direction and focus in my working life after losing my job; I decided to embark on a course of 5-element acupuncture treatment instead
After about 5 treatments I noticed a significant reduction in the numbness in my hand and arm and an increase in general calm. This has enabled me to focus on my future direction more clearly. Regular treatments correct any imbalance, enabling me to meet lifes challenges with a clear mind and free of pain.
It is also very reassuring that Ian has many years experience in the medical profession and this shows in his professional and sensitive manner. John Harrison 43, Arts Administrator, Brighton.
